What are wisdom teeth?
A wisdom tooth is the furthest back tooth on each side of your mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom. Wisdom teeth usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. They get their name from the fact that they erupt years after the other teeth have come in, at a time when people are supposedly wiser and more mature
Why wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. You may not have any problems with your wisdom teeth and they may not need to be removed. But sometimes wisdom teeth can cause problems and need to be removed.
Impacted wisdom teeth can grow at an angle and become stuck against the tooth in front of them. This can crowd the mouth and damage other teeth. Additionally, wisdom teeth that only partially erupt can trap food and bacteria underneath the gum line, leading to cavities, gum disease, and infections. For these reasons, wisdom teeth are often removed before they have a chance to cause problems.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is typically done by an experienced dentist or an oral surgeon and can be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Recovery from wisdom teeth removal takes a few days to a week, and most people experience some discomfort during this time. However, wisdom teeth removal is typically very successful in relieving pain and preventing problems with the other teeth.
The first step is to have an X-ray taken in order to determine the position of the wisdom teeth. Next, local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the wisdom teeth. Then, the wisdom teeth are removed either through cutting or pulling. The area is then sutured closed, and patients typically recover within a few days.
Although wisdom teeth removal is a fairly common procedure, it is still important to consult with a qualified dentist beforehand to ensure that it is the right decision for you.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used. However, wisdom teeth removal is typically very affordable, especially when compared to the cost of leaving wisdom teeth in and dealing with the problems they can cause.
Contact Wide Bay Central Dental and talk to our team about all potential costs prior to scheduling wisdom teeth removal.
What can you eat after wisdom teeth?
One common question that patients ask after wisdom teeth removal is what they can eat. It is important to wait until the numbing medication has worn off before eating, as biting your cheek or tongue can be very painful. Once the numbing medication has worn off, it is generally safe to eat soft foods such as soup, applesauce, or mashed potatoes.
Avoid hard foods, crunchy foods, or anything that requires a lot of chewing. biting into a hard bagel, for example, can cause the stitches to break open and lead to additional pain and bleeding. If you are unsure whether a food is safe to eat, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it. With time and healing, you will be able to return to your normal diet.
What is the recovery process like?
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal takes a few days to a week, and most people experience some discomfort during this time. However, wisdom teeth removal is typically very successful in relieving pain and preventing problems with the other teeth. After the procedure, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for care, which may include eating soft foods.
What are the risks associated with wisdom teeth removal?
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with wisdom teeth removal. These risks include pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, and damage to the surrounding teeth. However, these risks are typically very low and can be further minimized by choosing a qualified oral surgeon and following post-operative instructions carefully.
Do and don'ts after wisdom teeth removal?
Here are some things you should do:
– Rest and take it easy for the first day or two.
– Take pain medication as prescribed.
-Brush your teeth gently.
– Rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day.
– Eat soft foods for a few days.
– Avoid smoking and drinking from a straw.
And here are some things you shouldn’t do:
– vigorously rinse your mouth or brush your teeth.
– eat sticky or hard foods.
– smoke.
-drink alcohol.
If you have any concerns, be sure to contact us and our team will assist you.