What is a wisdom tooth?
Wisdom teeth are the four molars located at the back of each dental arch. Because they are the last to develop, they often find limited space to erupt properly, which can lead to various problems.
When is it necessary to intervene?
It is not always essential to remove the wisdom tooth. However, the surgery becomes necessary in the presence of the following conditions:
- Partial eruption or dental inclusion
When a wisdom tooth emerges only partially or remains included in the maxillary or mandibular bone, it can create a gingival pocket that promotes the accumulation of bacteria and food debris, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation.
- Malpositioning or abnormal tilt
Teeth growing at an angle or in abnormal positions can put pressure on adjacent teeth, causing pain, tooth displacement, or structural damage.
- Recurrent infections or pericoronitis
Inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth, known as pericoronitis, can cause intense pain, swelling, and difficulty chewing.
- Caries or periodontal disease
The position of wisdom teeth makes effective cleaning difficult, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In such cases, extraction can prevent further complications.
- Odontogenic cysts or tumors
In rare cases, cysts or tumors may form around the teeth, requiring surgery to prevent damage to surrounding bone structures.
Why is it important to take action now?
Early intervention on problematic wisdom teeth offers several benefits: Prevention of future complications: removing a problematic wisdom tooth can prevent infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and other oral complications. Reduced risk of infection: extraction of partially erupted or included wisdom teeth reduces the risk of gum infections and abscesses. Improved tooth alignment: in some cases, the presence of wisdom teeth can affect tooth alignment, making surgery necessary to maintain proper occlusion.
How does wisdom tooth extraction take place?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure that varies in complexity depending on the location and status of the tooth. Before the procedure, the dentist will perform a clinical and radiographic evaluation to plan the extraction. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and, in some cases, may require gum incisions or removal of portions of bone to facilitate extraction.
What happens after wisdom tooth extraction?
After extraction, it is normal to experience swelling, pain and slight bleeding. Your dentist will provide detailed postoperative instructions, which may include:
- Application of ice to reduce swelling in the first 24 hours. Taking pain medications and, if necessary, antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Soft diet avoid hard or hot foods for a few days.
- Oral hygiene Maintain good hygiene, avoiding the extraction area in the first 24 hours.
Wisdom teeth can be a source of complications if they do not erupt properly or cause problems in the oral cavity. It is essential to monitor their growth through regular dental checkups and intervene promptly if problems arise, thus ensuring the health and well-being of the mouth.
Receive a free quote, fill out the form below
Call us on Whatsapp at +355 698082222 or by e-mail at infosmileprovider@gmail.com to receive a personalized treatment plan and detailed estimate. You can send us your dental overview.