The wisdom teeth or third molars can cause pain and negatively impact the integrity of the surrounding teeth. In cases like this, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary to protect the overall health of your mouth. Here are some common symptoms to watch for as well as what to expect with wisdom teeth removal.

Signs It’s Time to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth & What to Do

Common Symptoms

While some people live with their wisdom teeth their whole lives, others experience severe pain and discomfort. If you notice pain in the back of your mouth or difficulty eating, these could be signs it’s time for wisdom teeth removal. Food may become lodged in between your gums and the tops of your teeth, making it very difficult to brush and leading to gum infections and other complications.

Your wisdom teeth may also be growing in crooked, shifting or damaging the surrounding teeth. Gum inflammation is another symptom to watch for, as this signifies that food particles and bacteria are becoming trapped in the gums.

Schedule a Dentist Appointment

If you’re experiencing any of the common symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dentist appointment to examine these issues further. A dental professional will take a look at your mouth and determine whether your wisdom teeth have become impacted, causing them to crowd and shift your other teeth.

They will also check to see if your wisdom teeth are hidden within your gums, because this can lead to infection or cyst formation. When your wisdom teeth aren’t able to grow in properly for these or other reasons, your dentist will recommend wisdom teeth removal.

What to Expect During the Extraction Process

If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, a dentist will administer sedation in the form of nitrous oxide or oral medications so you can comfortably relax during the removal process. Next, they’ll administer a local anesthetic to numb the pain, before removing some of the gum tissue where the wisdom teeth are located. If the teeth are impacted, an incision will be made in the gum tissue to reach the teeth. The dentist will then gently remove the teeth in question from the tooth socket before stitching up the area to finish the procedure. Once the process is complete, you’ll be brought out of sedation and begin the healing process over the next few weeks.
 

If you need wisdom teeth removal, put your trust in Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, AK. They provide dental care for patients ranging from three years old to adults. Offering everything from same day crowns, to cosmetic and sedation dentistry and emergency dental services, they strive to be your one-stop dental destination. To schedule an appointment, give them a call today at (907) 562-2820 or visit them online.