The function of the wisdom teeth is to provide support when chewing. Because the jaws do not grow in size, wisdom teeth tend to be overcrowded and cause problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw pain.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt in the upper or lower jaw between 16 and 25 years of age. Wisdom teeth are not usually present at birth but develop during adolescence because of tissue growth in the jaw. They can cause complications if they become impacted or infected.
How To Know If Your Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed
Wisdom teeth erupt through the gum line behind the first two molars on either side of your mouth. When wisdom teeth are impacted, it means they are not growing into the sockets where they belong.
Here are a few signs that you need to remove your wisdom teeth:
– Toothache;
– Swelling on the face, jaw, or neck;
– Difficulty chewing;
– Headaches.
What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is a wisdom tooth that becomes stuck below the surface of your gums. The impacted wisdom tooth can develop either due to age, genetics, or trauma. It is also possible that only one of your wisdom teeth is impacted while some people have both impacted and erupted wisdom teeth.
The impact of an impacted tooth creates a cavity that may be difficult for the dentist to detect without x-ray imaging.
In some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause infection and swelling of the surrounding tissue due to increased pressure on nerves and blood vessels. An impacted wisdom tooth is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention from a dentist or physician.
What Are the Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a procedure to remove wisdom teeth and make room for other teeth.
Wisdom teeth removal offers the following benefits:
– Provides relief from pain caused by wisdom tooth inflammation
– Prevents future dental problems
– Increases jaw space and room for other teeth
What Is the Calgary Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure?
The extraction process begins with an office consultation where your dentist will talk about your options for wisdom tooth removal. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia at a hospital or clinic under general anesthesia.
The first step in the process is to clean out the impacted tooth and then remove it. The effects of this surgery are limited to bleeding, swelling, pain relief, and saliva production, with no discernable complications.
The usual age for extraction is between 18 and 22 years when the wisdom teeth have fully grown. The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and may involve local anesthesia and sedation.
The Dentists at Horton Park Dental are always accepting new patients at our SW Calgary dental clinic. Call us if you have a dental emergency or to book an appointment. We are also available for last-minute appointments and walk-ins. Book an appointment here.