Wisdom teeth removal is a very common procedure. In fact, approximately 5 million people have their wisdom teeth removed every year in the United States. But you might be wondering: Do I need to remove my wisdom teeth too? In this article, we discuss when wisdom teeth are typically removed and what the procedure and recovery look like.

Do I Need to Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Even though, as we mentioned before, wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure, not everyone needs it. Some people may have their wisdom teeth throughout their lives without experiencing any issues or discomfort. Let us look at the cases that typically require wisdom teeth removal:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are fully covered by gum tissue and can not erupt to the surface. This can happen if the tooth is rotated or grows at an angle. This condition can cause frequent gum inflammation and pain when chewing. Impacted wisdom teeth are almost always removed.

Partially Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Partially impacted wisdom teeth, as the name suggests, are partially hidden beneath the gum line. Not only do such wisdom teeth cause gum inflammation and pain, but they can also become infected because they are impossible to clean properly.

Recurring Cavities

Cavities in wisdom teeth often occur when their location or position prevents you from cleaning them properly on a regular basis. Small cavities in wisdom teeth can be treated with dental fillings. However, if cavities recur or your dentist predicts that they will recur due to insufficient hygiene, you are likely to be advised to have your wisdom teeth removed.

Tooth Infection

On the one hand, a wisdom tooth infection may be treated with a root canal, provided the infection is not severe and there is no tooth abscess. However, in the majority of cases, treating infected wisdom teeth with a root canal is not cost-effective, especially if you also require a crown, as there is a high risk of reinfection.

In Preparation for an Orthodontic Treatment

Often, orthodontic treatment is required when your teeth are crooked or crowded due to insufficient space in your mouth. In such cases, wisdom teeth are often removed before treatment begins to create the needed space.

Additionally, wisdom teeth can be removed if they begin to erupt after orthodontic treatment is complete to prevent them from moving and crowding the straightened teeth again.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure and Recovery

Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia, making it comfortable and painless. If your wisdom teeth are not hidden underneath the gumline, the procedure can take as little as a couple of minutes per tooth. In cases when your wisdom teeth are impacted or partially impacted, your doctor will create an incision in the gum first and then extract the teeth.

Recovery after wisdom teeth extraction typically takes around 10 days. In the first 3 to 4 days, you might experience mild pain and swelling. However, these symptoms are easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers and cold compresses. During your recovery, you will have to switch to a liquid and soft diet and abstain from sports, smoking, and alcohol.

Get a Safe Wisdom Teeth Removal at Maz Endodontics

If you notice signs that your wisdom teeth might need to be removed, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with an experienced endodontist at our dental office. At Maz Endodontics, we strive to provide safe, complication-free extractions for every patient. We are looking forward to your visit.