Wisdom Teeth Removal Hamilton
You’ve probably wondered, just like many before you, what exactly are wisdom teeth and why do we have them? Why do they need to be removed? At Hamilton Mountain Dental Clinic, we’re passionate about patient education which is why we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about wisdom teeth in hopes that it eases your mind before you come in for your wisdom teeth removal procedure.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
We have four wisdom teeth that are behind our molars at the back of our mouths. Two at the top and two at the bottom. It’s believed they were what helped our ancestors eat rougher foods, but over time, they were no longer needed. But, they still decide to make an appearance anyway and oftentimes, they’re not welcome!
Adult mouths are meant to hold 28 teeth, not 32 with wisdom teeth, therefore, overcrowding and/or impacting issues arise and the wisdom teeth need to be removed to avoid dental issue
Wisdom Teeth Symptoms
Common signs your wisdom teeth are starting to grow in include:
- Pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth. This is a sign overcrowding issues may arise if they’re pushing on nerves, bones and your molars.
- Wisdom teeth are actually erupting through your gums
- Tenderness, bleeding or swelling in your gums where they’re growing
- Jaw pain or difficulty opening your mouth
- Frequent earaches and headaches
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
Patients between the age of 17 and 25 will typically experience wisdom teeth symptoms whereas some may not experience issues at all.
Why They Need To Be Removed
Besides the pain associated with them growing in, not removing your wisdom teeth can cause more unwanted dental issues. If your mouth isn’t big enough, well, there’s not enough room for them to grow in normally, so they’re going to push against other teeth, nerves, and bones.
Infection can set in leading to pus pockets, bad breath, and tooth decay. Wisdom teeth can also become impacted, meaning they’re too far back in your mouth and are trapped underneath your gums causing pain.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Typically we like to remove all four at once under local or IV anesthesia, rather than removing them individually. We’ll close the holes with stitches that will dissolve over time. After the procedure, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to carefully look after your wounds. Regularly changing your gauze pads and biting gently down on them is important, as well as rinsing with warm water and salt to clean them.
For the next week or so, stick to softer foods, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and bruising, and avoid drinking from a straw or smoking. Sucking motions can dislodge the blood clot and cause “dry socket”, a very painful complication that ends up exposing the underlying bone.
It’s Not Just About Your Teeth. It’s About You Too.
Let our friendly dental team help you take control of your oral health again using our dental technology. Improving patient experience is very important to us as well as keeping every patient well-informed throughout any procedure. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
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IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT YOUR TEETH.
IT'S ABOUT YOU TOO.
Let us help you with Invisalign clear aligners in Hamilton, Ontario. Improving patient experience is very important to us as well as keeping every patient well-informed throughout any procedure. Call us today to schedule your next appointment to see if Invisalign treatment is the best option for you.