Widsom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop. They typically emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood.

Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they are impacted (trapped beneath the gum line), cause crowding, or have the potential for causing dental issues, such as decay or gum disease due to being hard to clean.

Symptoms like pain, swelling, or jaw stiffness can indicate a need for extraction. However, some people may not experience symptoms even if extraction is necessary. Regular dental check-ups with X-rays can help determine if your wisdom teeth should be removed.

The procedure involves numbing the area around the wisdom tooth with local anesthesia, possibly with sedation or general anesthesia depending on the case. The surgeon then makes an incision in the gum to remove any bone covering the tooth, extracts the tooth, and closes the incision with stitches.

Post-surgery, you may experience swelling, mild pain, and limited jaw movement. These symptoms typically improve within a few days. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions.

Pain can be managed with prescribed pain relievers, ice packs to reduce swelling, and by following a soft food diet. Avoid using a straw and smoking to prevent dry socket, a painful condition where a blood clot fails to develop in the tooth socket, or it dislodges.

Most people can resume normal activities within a few days, but it may take several weeks for complete healing.

As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, nerve damage, or dry socket. These risks are relatively low and can be minimized with proper care and following your surgeon's instructions.

You may be awake if using local anesthesia, but sedatives can be used to help you relax. For more complex cases, general anesthesia may be recommended so you will be asleep during the procedure.

The cost varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is performed in an office or hospital setting. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of wisdom teeth removal.

The best age for extraction is usually in the late teens to early twenties before the roots are fully formed, and the bone is less dense, which can make for an easier recovery.

You should eat soft foods for the first few days and gradually reintroduce solid foods as comfort allows, typically within a week of the surgery.