Wisdom teeth can cause you discomfort. But even if they do not, your dentist may still recommend their extraction. According to research, 85 percent of individuals with wisdom teeth may need to remove them.

Most people do not have enough room to accommodate their growing wisdom teeth. If they do not erupt like the other teeth in your mouth, you are likely to get infections, bacterial growth, or cysts that may cause you discomfort.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars that individuals grow in the late stages of their teens or their early twenties. They are valuable in your mouth if healthy and in proper alignment. But most often, wisdom teeth bring problems, necessitating their extraction.

Misaligned wisdom teeth can damage your jawbone, nerves, or adjacent teeth. You may also have impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth. They develop as complete or partially enclosed within the jawbone or soft tissue. Partially erupted wisdom teeth increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Their placement makes it difficult to brush and floss them effectively.

How to Know You Have Wisdom Teeth

Most people have wisdom teeth, but a smaller percentage do not. Your dentist can take a dental X-ray to examine the presence of the wisdom teeth. They will also check the alignment before further evaluation.

Your dentist may advise you to have your wisdom teeth extracted even if you have no symptoms before you begin developing problems. They do so to avoid more painful and complicated extractions that you may need in the future.

Wisdom tooth extraction is more manageable in younger individuals as they do not have fully developed teeth roots, so their bone is not very dense. Healing and recovery time takes longer for older patients.

When Is Extraction Necessary?

Most patients know it's time to remove their wisdom teeth when they experience discomfort. However, this is not the only symptom to show you need extraction.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends extraction if you experience changes such as:
 

• Gum disease
   

• Ache
   

• Infection of the soft tissue around the last tooth
   

• Cysts
   

• Damage to the teeth nearby your wisdom tooth
   

• Tooth decay
   

• Tumors
   

How Wisdom Teeth Extraction Happens

Your dentist will decide on the type of anesthetic to use based on the nature of the problem. They will use local anesthetic if it involves a simple procedure and sedation anesthesia for more complicated ones.

Typically, your dentist will cut into your gums to expose your tooth. They will then remove the bone that surrounds the tooth root. Your dentist will remove your wisdom tooth whole or in sections once they divide it. They will clean the debris in the tooth socket. The dentist may stitch the wound, but sometimes they may leave it as it is.

After Extraction

Patients have different reactions to anesthesia. If your dentist gives you a local anesthetic, you can drive yourself back home and continue with your usual activities. But if you receive general anesthesia, you may need someone to take you back home as you may feel drowsy after the procedure.

Your doctor may advise you to eat soft foods, drink plenty of water, and exercise your jaw by gently opening and closing your mouth. You may receive prescription medication to ease swelling and pain.

For more about wisdom teeth extraction, visit bty DENTAL at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska. You can also call (908) 373-8269 to book an appointment today.