The final and third set of molars are the wisdom teeth. If they are properly aligned and healthy they can be an asset, if they are impacted or crooked they will most probably have to be extracted. Wisdom Teeth Extractions-Dental Care can advise you on what is best for your situation.

When wisdom teeth grow horizontally they can damage adjacent teeth, the jawbone or the nerves and will have to be removed. They can trap plaque and cause decay. If they are entrapped in the soft tissue they can allow bacteria to grow and cause infection, this is known as an impacted tooth which can be very painful. Brushing is difficult and gum disease is likely to develop with these teeth.

The teeth are made up of three layers which include enamel, dentin and pulp. Teeth are important for speech and chewing and are the hardest substance in our bodies. Enamel is the outer white part of the tooth. Dentin in the underlayer made up of living cells and pulp is the soft inner structure made up of nerves and blood vessels.

Your dentist will take x-rays of your teeth periodically to see what is going on, if your wisdom teeth need attention he or she will advise you accordingly. Misaligned or horizontal teeth may need to be extracted before they cause problems. Doing this will prevent more complex and painful extractions at a later time. It is easier to remove wisdom teeth in younger people when the bone is less dense and not fully developed. When it is done on older people they take longer to heal.

Wisdom teeth are easily extracted, like any other teeth, if they are fully erupted. If not your dentist will let you know what the plan is in the pre-extraction exam. If they are embedded in the gums and jawbone you will need to have some of bone removed as well. They will probably be removed in sections to minimize the amount of bone that will be lost. You will be given a local and a sedative during the procedure and you should not drive yourself home.

During the first 24 hours of recovery bleeding may occur. By placing a moist gauze over the socket and biting down on it for 45 minutes you could stop the bleeding. Alternatively you could use a moist teabag as the tannic acid will assist in clotting. Do not rinse your mouth or spit for 24 hours and refrain from drinking with a straw. Stay away from hot liquids as they can cause dislodge clotting which may lead to dry socket.

To reduce pain place ice on the area of the face that has swelling and leave it on for 10 minutes and off for 20 minutes for the first 24 hours. You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for minor pain. If needed your dentist can prescribe stronger medication. If you are on antibiotics continue to take them.

Dry socket is a common complication that occurs when blood clots have been dislodged or have not formed and healing is therefore delayed. This can happen a few days after the extraction and it gives off a foul odor and is painful. Your dentist will treat the socket by placing medication in it. Sometimes the nerves can be damaged or bruised, this is known as paresthesia and is less common. You may feel numbness in the tongue, lips or chin and it can last from a few days to a few weeks or months and sometimes it is permanent.

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