Keep Your Smile Healthy and Pain-Free at Kennett Center for Advanced Dentistry
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth that grow in at the back of your mouth. For many people, these teeth can cause a variety of issues that affect both their oral health and comfort. Although some people’s wisdom teeth come in without any issues, others may experience problems that require removal. At Kennett Center for Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Peter Patellis and his skilled team offer wisdom teeth removal to help prevent complications and keep your smile healthy for years to come.
If you’re experiencing discomfort or concerns about your wisdom teeth, this blog will explore the main benefits of wisdom teeth removal and how it can improve your overall oral health. If you’re ready to learn more or schedule a consultation, call our Kennett Square, PA, dentist today at 610-444-6311.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, typically appearing in late adolescence or early adulthood (around ages 17 to 25). When considering how many wisdom teeth people have, it is common to have four, but some individuals may have fewer or none at all. These teeth were once necessary for early human diets, helping to grind down plant material and raw foods. However, as diets have evolved and our jaws have become smaller over time, wisdom teeth often lack enough space to emerge properly, leading to various dental issues.
For some, wisdom teeth grow in with no issues, while for others, they can cause significant oral health concerns. Regular dental cleanings and checkups can help determine if your wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems in the future.
Why is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?
Wisdom tooth removal is necessary for several reasons, primarily to prevent severe pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth and bone. Impacted wisdom teeth, which are unable to fully emerge through the gums, can lead to significant oral health issues. These teeth can cause severe pain and discomfort, making it difficult to eat or speak properly. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria accumulate, leading to infections, gum disease, and tooth decay.
If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause more serious complications, such as cysts or tumors, which can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth. Due to their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are also challenging to clean, increasing the risk of oral hygiene problems. In some cases, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may need to perform the tooth removal to prevent these complications and maintain good oral health.
Main Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Kennett Square, PA
Prevents Crowding of Other Teeth
One of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth removal is to prevent overcrowding in the mouth. When wisdom teeth emerge, they may push against the surrounding molars, leading to misalignment. Over time, this can shift the teeth and undo years of orthodontic work.
When to Consider Removal:
If you’ve had braces or are considering orthodontic treatment, removing your wisdom teeth can help prevent them from shifting your teeth and impacting the results of your previous treatments.
Avoids Pain and Discomfort
Wisdom teeth often cause pain, especially when they don’t have enough room to emerge or become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are unable to break through the gums completely, leading to infection, pain and swelling, and tenderness. This condition can also lead to painful cysts or abscesses around the tooth.
When to Consider Removal: If you experience pain, swelling, or tenderness in the back of your mouth or jaw, it may be time to have your wisdom teeth evaluated by Dr. Patellis. Removing the impacted teeth can provide immediate relief and prevent future complications.
Prevents Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
When wisdom teeth come in improperly or only partially emerge, they create areas that are difficult to clean. These pockets can collect food particles and bacteria, leading to an increased risk of gum disease (gingivitis) and tooth decay. Even with good oral hygiene, it can be hard to properly clean the back of the mouth, especially when the wisdom teeth are partially erupted.
When to Consider Removal:
If you find it hard to reach and clean the area around your wisdom teeth, you may be at a higher risk for gum disease and cavities. Removing the wisdom teeth will help reduce this risk and protect your oral health.
Reduces the Risk of Infections and Abscesses
Wisdom teeth are often prone to infection, especially if they become impacted or are only partially erupted. When this happens, bacteria can accumulate in the spaces around the tooth, leading to an infection. Gauze pads are placed over extraction sites to control bleeding and ensure proper blood clot formation, which is crucial for healing and preventing infections. An abscess, which is a painful collection of pus, may form in the gum tissue, leading to further complications.
When to Consider Removal:If you’ve had recurrent infections, swelling, or unpleasant tastes in your mouth, your dentist may recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth to prevent abscesses and other serious oral health issues.
Improves Overall Oral Health
Removing wisdom teeth early, before they cause issues, is often the best strategy to maintain optimal oral health. By removing wisdom teeth proactively, you avoid the need for emergency dental visits due to sudden pain or complications. Early removal also reduces the chances of developing more severe problems in the future, such as jaw infections, bone loss, or damage to neighboring teeth.
When to Consider Removal:
For young adults whose wisdom teeth are still emerging or have yet to emerge, removal is often a preventive measure to avoid more complex procedures down the road.
Prevents Damage to Nearby Teeth and Bone
Sometimes, an impacted wisdom tooth grows at odd angles and presses against neighboring teeth. This can damage the surrounding teeth, bone, and tissue, and may lead to problems such as root resorption or dental fractures. In rare cases, wisdom teeth can even push on other teeth enough to cause jaw misalignment.
When to Consider Removal:If your wisdom teeth are coming in at an angle or are pressing against adjacent teeth, early removal can prevent permanent damage and preserve the integrity of your other teeth and jawbone.
Helps Avoid Jaw Problems and Cysts
In some cases, wisdom teeth that are left untreated may cause cysts to form around them, which can result in bone damage. In rare instances, the cysts may even damage nerves. Removing wisdom teeth early reduces the risk of these potentially serious conditions from developing.
When to Consider Removal:
If your wisdom teeth are causing cysts or bone damage, timely removal can help prevent further harm and keep your jaw and surrounding tissue healthy.
Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal With Dr. Patellis
Before the surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with specific instructions to follow. It’s essential to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a successful outcome. You may be asked to:
- Avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before the surgery to prevent complications with anesthesia.
- Refrain from taking certain medications or supplements that could interfere with the procedure.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery, as you may be groggy from the anesthesia.
- Plan for someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours after the surgery to assist with your recovery.
Questions to Ask Your Dentist or Surgeon
Before the surgery, it’s crucial to ask your dentist or oral surgeon any questions you may have to feel more comfortable and informed about the procedure. Consider asking the following:
- What are the risks and benefits of removing my wisdom teeth?
- What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
- How long will the procedure take?
- What are the potential complications?
- What is the recovery time?
- How will I feel after the procedure?
How Wisdom Teeth Removal Works in Kennett Square, PA
At Kennett Center for Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Peter Patellis and his team ensure that wisdom teeth removal is a smooth and efficient surgical procedure. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Initial Consultation and X-rays:Dr. Patellis will examine your wisdom teeth using X-rays to determine their position and how they’re affecting your oral health.
- Sedation Options:To ensure your comfort, the procedure can be done under local anesthesia or sedation. You may be given options for oral sedation, nitrous oxide, or even general anesthesia depending on your needs and preferences.
- Tooth Extraction:Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Patellis will carefully perform the tooth extraction, ensuring the process is as painless as possible.
- Recovery and Aftercare:After the wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll be given instructions on how to care for your mouth while it heals. Pain management, rest, and avoiding certain foods will be essential to recovery.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Removal
Post-Operative Instructions
After the surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours after the surgery to allow your body to heal.
- Apply ice packs to your cheeks to reduce swelling and pain.
- Take pain medication as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon to manage discomfort.
- Avoid eating hard, chewy, or spicy foods for the first few days after the surgery to prevent irritation.
- Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the extraction site to prevent dislodging the blood clot that forms in the socket.
- Use a saltwater rinse to promote healing and reduce bacteria in your mouth.
It’s essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery and minimize the risk of complications. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your Kennett Square, PA, dentist or oral surgeon.
Insurance and Payment Options for Wisdom Teeth Removal
At Kennett Center for Advanced Dentistry, we work to make the wisdom teeth removal process affordable and accessible. Our team will review your insurance coverage and help you understand your benefits. If you don’t have insurance, we offer flexible financing options to ensure you can get the care you need without financial stress.
Ready to Improve Your Oral Health With Dr. Patellis?
Remove wisdom teeth can have long-lasting benefits for your oral health, from preventing discomfort and gum disease to avoiding more serious complications. Having your wisdom teeth removed can also help in reducing the risk of pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth.
If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth or need a consultation, Dr. Patellis and his team are here to help. Contact our Kennett Square dental office at 610-444-6311 today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile!