The wisdom teeth, sometimes referred to as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt, typically appearing in late adolescence or the early years of adulthood. These teeth can impact many people, causing various dental problems. Furthermore, at Smile Dental in St. Clair, Toronto, our team of experts understands the complexities of impacted wisdom teeth. We are committed to offering practical solutions, including wisdom teeth removal in Toronto. You can trust our expertise and experience to provide the best care.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth become impacted when they cannot fully emerge due to a lack of space in the mouth. Moreover, this can cause them to grow at an angle, partially emerge, or remain trapped beneath the gum line. If this condition is not treated promptly, it can lead to discomfort, swelling, and infection.
Read More: Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Signs and Symptoms
The early detection of the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth is not just important; it’s empowering. Additionally, recognizing these signs early on can lead to more effective intervention. Some common symptoms include:
- Pain and Swelling: One of the most common symptoms is pain in the back of the mouth that may extend to the jaw and ear. Swelling around the impacted area is also common.
- Gum Infection: Pericoronitis can result from partially emerged wisdom teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can flourish.
- Difficulty Opening Mouth: Severe cases may lead to limited mouth opening and difficulty speaking or chewing.
- Unpleasant Taste and Bad Breath: The accumulation of bacteria and food particles around impacted wisdom teeth can result in an unpleasant taste and breath.
Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth Need Attention
Ignoring impacted wisdom teeth can cause various issues, including:
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth might push against the neighbouring teeth, causing damage or changing their alignment. Moreover, this can lead to various issues, including crowding, misalignment, and even damage to the roots of the adjacent teeth.
- Cyst Formation: The impacted tooth can form a fluid-filled sac, which may result in bone loss or harm the surrounding structures.
- Risk of Decay Increased: The hard-to-clean position of these wisdom teeth increases the risk of periodontal disease, a severe form of gum disease, and decay.
Treatment Options
Smile Dental provides various treatment options suited to each patient’s needs. These include:
- Monitoring: In mild cases without symptoms, it may be advisable to conduct regular monitoring to monitor for any changes.
- Medication: Pain medications and antibiotics can help treat symptoms and infections.
- Surgical Extraction: Removing the impacted wisdom teeth is frequently the most effective method for preventing additional complications in more severe cases.
The Process of Wisdom Teeth Removal
One way to calm nerves before removing wisdom teeth is to learn what to expect from the process. Here’s what to expect:
- Consultation: A thorough examination, including X-rays, will evaluate the position and also condition of the impacted wisdom teeth.
- Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s preference, the dentist will either administer local or general anesthesia.
- Extraction: The dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone before removing and cleaning the area.
- Recovery: Post-operative care, which refers to the care and precautions to be taken after the wisdom teeth removal procedure, includes following specific guidelines to promote healing and alleviate pain.
Also Read: Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs
Post-Extraction Care for Impacted Wisdom Teeth
In order to guarantee a speedy recovery following wisdom tooth extraction, proper care is necessary. Some tips include:
- Rest: Take it easy for the first few days and avoid strenuous activities.
- Ice Packs: Use ice packs to minimize swelling and relieve pain.
- Soft Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid hot or spicy items.
- Oral hygiene: Rinse your mouth gently with salt water, and do not brush the extraction site for the first 24 hours.
Furthermore, if left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain and serious dental problems. At Smile Dental in St. Clair, Toronto, we provide comprehensive care for impacted wisdom teeth, ensuring our patients receive the best possible treatment. Don’t hesitate to consult us if you suspect you have impacted wisdom teeth. Moreover, this will allow you to learn more about your options for wisdom teeth removal, a procedure that can bring significant relief and comfort. By implementing proactive measures today, you can prevent potential complications in the future.
