Airdrie Wisdom Tooth Removal

The wisdom teeth, or the third molars, are the last set of teeth to grow. They usually come around when you hit your late teens or early twenties. Ideally, each person should have four wisdom teethー, one on each side of the mouth.

However, if you reach this age and you do not find your third molar where it should be, do not worry. Most experience problems with their third molars, and they are usually impacted. This means that some portion of the or the entire tooth remains hidden under the bone. An impacted wisdom tooth happens because they do not have enough space in the mouth to come out properly.

If you have wisdom tooth impaction, leaving it untreated may cause some pain, discomfort when eating, tooth decay, and even dental cysts. It is best to get it checked as soon as possible to determine if getting it removed is the best thing to do. Read along to find out more about the process of wisdom tooth removal and everything else in between.

Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Removal

There are several telltale signs that indicate you need wisdom tooth removal, including:

• Pain in the back of the mouth
• Persistent tooth decay
• Swollen or infected gums
• Jaw stiffness
• Headaches and ear pain
• Ringing of the ear
• Bad taste in the mouth, indicating an infection

If you experience any of these or are generally unsure of the status of your wisdom teeth, it is best to come to the dental office and have your dentist assess you so they can provide you with suitable treatment.

Early Wisdom Tooth Removal

Some patients opt to have their wisdom tooth removed before they even experience the symptoms related to it. Proactive wisdom tooth removal is recommended if, during a routine dental check-up, your dentist finds that the wisdom tooth will eventually cause problems.

During the pre-teens, the wisdom teeth may not be seen in the mouth, but X-rays and scans can help identify its location. If these scans show that the wisdom teeth are at an angle or will eventually be impacted, early removal is recommended.

Early wisdom tooth removal, when necessary, is proven to have improved treatment outcomes. Younger patients heal better and faster after surgery, making them ideal for wisdom tooth removal treatment.

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure: What to Expect

Wisdom tooth extraction usually takes an hour on average, but it can take longer for more complex tooth impactions. And while every case is different, the general procedure is as follows:

• Treatment Planning

Using X-rays and scans, your dental surgeon will determine the exact position of your wisdom tooth, understand the level of impaction, and identify the vital structures around it (nerves and vessels). This will help plan the best way to remove the wisdom tooth. 

• Anaesthesia

At Sierra Dental, patients who will undergo wisdom tooth removal are given options for their sedation. This can be done through oral sedatives, local anaesthesia, IV sedation, or laughing gas. Sedation keeps patients relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. 

• Wisdom Tooth Removal

When the sedation has taken effect, the surgery will proceed. Incisions are made and some of the bone is removed to access the tooth. Then, depending on how impacted the tooth is, it may be divided for easy removal or lifted to fully come out of its socket.

• Wound Closure

Once the tooth is successfully removed, stitches are placed to close the surgical site. You will also be asked to bite on a gauze to control the bleeding.

Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Following your surgeon’s post-surgical instructions will speed up your recovery process by preventing possible complications that may affect the surgical site. Here is what the healing period should be like and some tips that can help relieve any pain and improve your comfort as you recover:

Immediately after

It is normal to experience some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort within a few hours of your wisdom tooth surgery. You may lessen the bleeding by biting on gauze and applying pressure to the wound. Take the prescribed pain relievers and medications to minimize other symptoms. Your diet should consist of mostly liquid food to avoid irritating the wound. But, avoid using straws as this can dislodge the healing clot over the wound.

After 1 – 3 days

Swelling will peak during this period. Have an ice pack ready with you and apply this directly to the area for at least 15 minutes daily. You can start transitioning to soft foods after a few days, but avoid the surgical area as this may still feel swollen and sensitive. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to disinfect the wound and keep the mouth clean.

After a week

Most, if not all, of the symptoms should have already subsided. With that, you can slowly go back to your usual diet. But avoid hard or crunchy foods until the gums have completely healed. Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent bacteria build-up that may compromise your healing. Your dentist will ask you to return after 7 days to remove any remaining stitches and to keep tabs on your recovery.

Choosing the Right Dentist in Airdrie for Oral Surgery

Wisdom tooth removal involves comprehensive treatment planning to ensure smooth surgery and positive outcomes. Here are some factors to look for in your dentist to make sure you receive the best care:

• Expertise – Wisdom tooth surgery has varying levels of difficulty. An experienced and highly qualified team assures you of a safe surgery with minimal to no complications along the way.
• Modern Facilities – Advanced digital X-rays and scans create a proper diagnosis for more accurate treatment planning and precise dental surgery.
• Convenience – Most patients tend to ignore this key factor. Having a dentist within your local area makes follow-up appointments easier. And if you encounter problems after surgery, you can easily go to your dentist for an assessment.

Contact Sierra Dental To Book An Appointment

Timely intervention and early removal are some of the key points when it comes to wisdom tooth removal. This prevents dental problems such as severe pain, decay, and dental infection that may require you to receive more extensive and expensive dental treatments. So, if you are experiencing wisdom tooth woes or if you just want to get it checked and make sure it is not something to worry about, our team at Sierra Dental in Airdrie can help. 

Sierra Dental in Airdrie focuses on your safety and comfort during your entire wisdom tooth removal journey. From your initial assessment up to your recovery period, our team is here to guide you along the way. Contact us today at 403-768-1000 to schedule an appointment!