When visiting your dentist for a routine cleaning, they’ll take X-rays to better understand your oral health and monitor your wisdom teeth. If you have questions regarding these teeth and when it’s time to seek dental treatment, here’s some helpful information to review. 

What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Individuals have a third set of molars that typically erupt later in life. Because of their mature arrival, usually between the ages of 17 and 21, they’re called wisdom teeth. When they grow into place properly, this additional set of molars located in the back of your mouth can help with chewing.

How Can You Tell When It’s Time for Removal?

While some wisdom teeth grow in without issues, others experience problems based on their placement and how they erupt from the gum line. To avoid an emergency visit to a dentist, pay attention to any symptoms related to impacted wisdom teeth that are growing at an angle. Watch for jaw pain, swelling, discomfort when chewing, red and irritated gums, trouble opening your mouth, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. 

How Do Dentists Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth that are impacted, infected, or only partially erupted can be extracted by your dentist. This procedure begins with local anesthesia to numb the area and a sedative as needed to keep you comfortable. Next, your dentist will make an incision along your gum line, remove your wisdom teeth, close the wound with stitches, and pack the socket with gauze as needed. After this procedure, your dental team will provide thorough instructions to ensure you heal properly, including a diet of soft foods, rest, and a strict oral hygiene routine.

Are you experiencing jaw pain, swollen gums, or difficulty chewing? The dedicated team of dentists at Four Corners Dental Group will provide a prompt evaluation to determine whether your wisdom teeth are the issue. With two locations, residents throughout Alaska have come to depend on their friendly, experienced staff members for lifelong dental care. Call today at (907) 258-3384 to schedule an appointment at their Anchorage location or (907) 376-2790 for the clinic in Wasilla. Visit their website to learn more about their state-of-the-art equipment and commitment to patient comfort.