Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt during the late teenage years and early twenties. Despite their name, wisdom teeth actually can cause a range of problems for your oral health. One of the most common problems caused by erupted wisdom teeth is overcrowding. When overcrowding occurs, this causes your other teeth to push themselves together and can even cause them to overlap. Overlapping teeth are harder to keep clean and are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. For these reasons, it is recommended to extract erupted wisdom teeth.
Did You Know…
Wisdom teeth are a part of our ancestral past. When humans were hunters and gatherers, wisdom teeth were essential for chewing tough foods like roots, nuts, uncooked meat, and plants. As the human skull evolved, however, the brain became bigger and the oral cavity decreased in size. This is why wisdom teeth no longer fit properly in the mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my erupted wisdom teeth extracted?
While some wisdom teeth can be kept in the mouth, most cases require extraction. You may need your erupted wisdom teeth extracted if: they are causing you pain, the gum tissue is infected, they are causing the surrounding teeth to overlap, or if they did not come in straight. To determine if you need to have your erupted wisdom teeth extracted, schedule a consultation at Birch Point Dental clinic today.
What can I expect when having my erupted wisdom teeth extracted at Birch Point Dental Clinic?
When having your erupted wisdom teeth extracted at first Point Dental Clinic, you can expect to receive dental anesthetics and nitrous oxide sedation. This will keep you calm and comfortable during the procedure. While you may be aware of what is going on and may feel pressure, you should not feel any pain. During the extraction, Dr. Sanket Upadhyay will use a simple extraction technique to remove the tooth or teeth. A simple extraction technique consists of using forceps to rock the tooth loose and an elevator tool to lift the tooth out of the socket, As mentioned before, you will only feel pressure during this part of the procedure.
What can I expect after having my erupted wisdom teeth extracted?
After having your wisdom teeth extracted your face will likely be numb and it may feel large. This is because the extraction sites will be packed with gauze or cotton, which will make your face feel larger than it actually is. The gauze and cotton are to remain in place to stop the bleeding and to assist with the formation of a blood clot over the extraction site.
We recommend taking any pain medications before the anesthetic wears off, usually an hour or two after the procedure. In the first 24 hours, it is normal to experience some oozing and bleeding around the extraction sites, however bleeding that lasts longer than 15 minutes warrants a call to the office. Within the first 24 hours, you will also need to avoid eating or drinking anything hot or warm since this can increase the likelihood of bleeding. Generally speaking, cool soft foods are recommended in the days immediately following your extraction. You will also need to avoid foods that can fragment into small pieces, as well as foods like rice that may become lodged in the extraction site.
Most patients report feeling better within a couple of days after the extraction, however it usually takes about a week or two to fully recover. During this time Dr. Sanket Upadhyay will provide you information on what to eat, how to keep the extraction sites clean, and how to care for your oral health.
Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sanket Upadhyay at Birch Point Dental Clinic. Located in the Bay & Algoma neighborhood, our location allows you to have your teeth looked at while also providing the opportunity to shop local and enjoy spaghetti take out at the famous Italian Cultural Centre across the street.
