No one looks forward to having a wisdom tooth removed. People often envision the process as scary and painful. However, nothing could be further from the truth. That’s why the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group would like to provide you with the following information about what you need to know when preparing for this procedure.
Approximately 85 percent of people in the Treasure Valley need to have a wisdom tooth removed at one point or another. As a common Boise dental procedure, wisdom tooth extraction is a basic process to remove one or more of your third molars. These teeth are located at the top and bottom of the back of your mouth. As the last teeth to erupt, wisdom teeth usually develop between the ages of 17-25. Keep in mind that while most people develop wisdom teeth there are a lucky few who don’t.
When wisdom teeth develop, they can often become problematic and can cause oral health problems. These include infections, cysts, tumors and damage to other nearby teeth and gums. Infection can also spread and cause problems to vital organs such as the heart and kidneys if left untreated.
Wisdom tooth extraction isn’t a painful process. Instead, it is a surgical procedure that’s done using local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia depending on your individual needs. This will ensure you will not experience any pain during the extraction process.
Even if you don’t experience any pain or swelling in the back of your mouth doesn’t mean you have problem-free wisdom teeth. In fact, there are many cases when problems develop without any symptoms. The best way to avoid these is to have your wisdom teeth regularly checked by your Boise dentist. Only then you will you know for sure whether or not your wisdom teeth are healthy or if they should be removed.
Recovery time is based on an individual basis. However, there are ways to ensure a speedy recovery after a wisdom tooth extraction. These include avoiding strenuous activity during the healing process, smoking, and sucking on straws after the procedure. You will also need to be gentle when you brush your teeth, especially near the extraction area.
Whether or not you will need a wisdom tooth extraction depends on the advice of your Boise dentist. Good dental health is an important part of maintaining and caring for your wisdom teeth as they are located in the very back of your mouth and are harder to clean. If you are one of the lucky few that gets to keep your wisdom teeth, it’s very important to undergo regular Boise dental exams and x-rays in order to catch any signs of trouble.
If you would like more information about wisdom tooth extraction or to schedule an appointment with your Boise dentist, contact us at (208) 314-2275 today.
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