Your wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to emerge in the mouth. They are called wisdom teeth because they typically emerge when you reach your late teens or early twenties. However, your wisdom teeth can also emerge later in life. As your dentist in Broomall, PA, we’re here to help you understand what goes into wisdom teeth treatment and answer your questions.
Q&A: Wisdom Teeth in Broomall, PA
Learn more about why it’s important to remove wisdom teeth and when to expect results after treatment in our office:
Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
While not every patient will require an extraction for their wisdom teeth, many patients choose extractions because wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems. If there is not enough room for the teeth to emerge, they can dig into adjacent teeth and create overcrowding. Many patients feel pain when their wisdom teeth grow because they are impacted. Removing impacted wisdom teeth prevents future problems like crooked teeth, overcrowding, pain, and severe tooth damage.
Does a wisdom tooth extraction hurt?
During your wisdom tooth extraction treatment, we will utilize anesthesia and sedation to ensure you do not feel any pain during treatment. Following extraction treatment, we will recommend pain medication and ice packs. We also recommend that patients keep gauze at their extraction sites to prevent problems like dry socket. Blood clots naturally form over the extraction sites to protect the nerves. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms over the extraction sites is dislodged. Keeping gauze at the extraction sites protects the nerves and minimizes pain. Eating a soft diet several days after your treatment will minimize pain and discomfort.
How long does it take to heal after a wisdom tooth extraction?
A blood clot will form at the extraction site directly after your extraction. You must eat soft foods for about three days and be careful with the extraction sites. After those three days, you can begin to eat solid foods. Any pain from the site should fade within three to seven days. The extraction site should seal after about two weeks.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are emerging?
You can feel the wisdom teeth coming in behind your back molars. If you touch your tongue to the space behind your molars and feel the top, or crown of a tooth poking through, it’s time to call a dentist. You may also feel pain behind your molars when the wisdom teeth begin growing.
Do you think your wisdom teeth are coming in? Call Williamsburg Dental for wisdom tooth treatment today at (610) 347-8302. You may also request a dental appointment with us online. We will examine your smile and help you schedule your extraction in our office.