When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are quite fascinating. They are an evolutionary hand-me-down occurring from the dietary habits of our ancestors. Even after millions of years, most people continue to grow wisdom teeth. 

Common Indications that Wisdom Tooth Removal is Necessary

Wisdom teeth usually occur between the ages of 17-21 years, when most of your permanent molars are in place. This causes them to crowd your mouth even more.

If they are not causing you any painful symptoms, you don’t need to worry about getting them extracted. However, the presence of these signs indicates that it’s time to get your wisdom teeth removed:

• Misaligned wisdom teeth
• Constant pain and irritation
• Pressure or pain while chewing
• Difficulty brushing or flossing
• Cysts around the teeth
• Impact on the nearby teeth
• Sinus pressure
• Getting orthodontic gear
• Infections or cavities in the teeth, roots, or gums
• Bad breath

What is the Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure?

Your dentist will advise you to consider getting your wisdom teeth extracted even before they fully emerge. This is done because younger patients recover faster and it reduces the chances of pain, impacted growth, and tooth damage later on.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a fairly simple and fast process. You will be required to spend around an hour at your dentist’s office. 

This is what you can expect during a standard extraction:

• The first step is an X-Ray of your wisdom tooth to see its alignment.
• Before the extraction, the affected area will be numbed with a local anesthetic. 
• Your dentist will use special tools to cut in the gum tissues. This is followed by the removal of the bone and the target tooth.
• Once the tooth is extracted, the empty socket will be clean to prevent infection and promote healing.
• After the tooth removal, gauze will be placed for at least 45 minutes on the area to constrict bleeding. 
• Like any other invasive procedure, you may experience some post-extraction pain, swelling, or bleeding. Your dentist will prescribe painkillers and ice pack therapy to help minimize these symptoms. 
• You will be advised to follow extraction aftercare tips such as avoiding exercise & hot drinks, eating soft foods, and drinking plenty of fluids.

At Red Pine Dental, we have helped thousands get relief from wisdom tooth-related aches. We are happy to answer all your questions about wisdom tooth extraction. Visit us at 3550 S 5600 #3, Salt Lake City, UT 84120, or call us at (180) 196-63166 to schedule an appointment.