Wisdom Teeth:
At SmileTown: Just Kids Dentistry, more specifically our Waterloo location. We can provide wisdom teeth extractions to patients between the ages of 14-25. These wisdom tooth extractions will be executed by our dental anaesthesiologist, Dr. Jonathan Campbell.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are located at the back of the mouth. They’re hidden underneath the gum line and will begin to erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood. Everyone is different and some people don’t get them or they erupt at different times and angles. This can lead to some individuals needing them removed and some individuals who do not need them extracted since there’s no pain or discomfort.
So what’s the purpose of them? Historically wisdom teeth were vital for people to chew tough foods thousands of years ago. However, since the modern diet has progressed to have softer foods for our mouths, wisdom teeth can be deemed as not a necessity than before.
What are Some Common Issues with Wisdom Teeth?
The most common issues with Wisdom teeth are: impaction, crowding, infections and decay. Below we will go into further details on each individual issue.
Impaction:
Impacted wisdom teeth means that the teeth are unable to fully erupt from the gums due to the lack of space. This means that the teeth could be growing sideways and potentially putting stress on the adjacent teeth.
Crowding:
Wisdom teeth can cause crowding or shifting of the adjacent teeth, which can lead to further issues in the future. Some of these issues could be needing orthodontics to help your teeth become aligned again.
Infection:
Infections can be caused when partially erupted wisdom teeth can create little crevices where bacteria can accumulate. This can increase the risk of infection and gum disease in the mouth if it’s not properly cared for.
Decay:
Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they can often be difficult to clean properly if they are erupted. This can make them susceptible to tooth decay if the proper care and attention isn’t given to them.
If the individual is experiencing any of these issues they should contact SmileTown: Just Kid’s Dentistry immediately to have them removed to prevent any further issues occuring. The best care is preventative care.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Problematic Wisdom Teeth?
There are four main signs and symptoms you should be looking out for
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth or jaw.
- Swelling and tenderness of the gums around the wisdom teeth.
- Difficulty to chew or open your mouth.
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
What are the Treatment Options for Wisdom Teeth?
Monitoring:
If you or your childs’ wisdom teeth are not causing any issues, they may be monitored regularly by your regular general practitioner dentist to ensure that they can remain healthy and erupt properly.
Extraction:
If you or your childs’ wisdom teeth are causing pain, infection or other issues. Extraction may be recommended, this can be done under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia.
What is the Aftercare and Recovery Process Like?
Once your wisdom teeth are extracted, you may experience swelling, discomfort and minor bleeding. It’s essential that you follow the post operative instructions that have been provided by us at SmileTown: Just Kids Dentistry. This will include management techniques and dietary restrictions to help the mouth and gums recover properly.
Most patients will recover fully within a few days, but some will take up to a week after the surgery has been completed. However, complete healing and having your mouth back to 100% normal may take a few weeks.
We hope that this guide helped you understand all about wisdom teeth and how to maintain optimal oral health for you and your child. Regular dental check-ups can help identify any issues that can be prevented or help you complete the appropriate dental treatment.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms related to your wisdom teeth, please call us at (519) 749-9981 or submit a form requesting more information. We can help you curate a personalized treatment plan.
