When an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected, it can damage other teeth or cause other dental problems. You may experience some of these signs or symptoms: pain, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, jaw stiffness, bad breath, a bitter taste in your mouth or pus coming from your gums. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your dentist near you as soon as possible. Impacted wisdom teeth that are not causing problems do not need to be removed. However, if they are causing problems, your dentist may recommend that they be removed.
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come into the mouth (erupt). Most people have four wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth — two on the top, two on the bottom. Wisdom teeth typically erupt between ages 17 and 25. While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, others may experience pain, crowding, or other problems. In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be removed.When we have an impacted wisdom tooth, an x-ray is often ordered to determine the position of the tooth and see if there are any problems. Wisdom teeth that are poorly positioned or have cavities which may need to be removed. The procedure is typically performed by an oral surgeon. Recovery from wisdom tooth removal in Denver CO is usually a matter of a few days. In some cases, however, complications can occur, such as bleeding, infection, or damage to nerves or surrounding teeth.
There is no definitive answer to the question of when it is good to get your wisdom teeth removed. In most cases, wisdom teeth become problematic when they become impacted, meaning they grow in at an angle and become stuck beneath the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of problems, including pain, crowding, and infection. As a result, many people opt to have their wisdom teeth removed before they become problematic. However, there are also some cases in which wisdom teeth do not become problematic and do not need to be removed. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to remove wisdom teeth should be made on a case-by-case basis by a qualified dentist in Denver CO or oral surgeon.
Here are some general guidelines to help foster a comfortable recovery after wisdom teeth removal as talked about by our friends over at New Providence Dentistry, the best dentist in New Providence:
- Eat soft foods and drink plenty of liquids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
- Take any prescribed pain medication as needed.
- Keep the surgical sites clean by gently soaking them with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Rest as much as you can for the first few days.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 48 to 72 hours. Place a cold compress or ice pack on your face to help reduce swelling.
- Don’t swish vigorously, as this can dislodge blood clots and lead to bleeding.
Contact your Denver CO dentist if you experience any unexpected or severe symptoms. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
At OG Dental, we understand that wisdom teeth can be a source of pain and discomfort for many of our patients. For this reason, we offer wisdom tooth extractions as a way to help our patients find relief. Wisdom teeth are often extracted because they are impacted, which means they are growing in at an angle and pressing against other teeth. If you are experiencing any of these problems, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options. Our team will work with you to determine whether wisdom tooth extraction is the best course of treatment for you. We look forward to helping you find relief from your wisdom tooth problems!
