The Dreaded Dental Surgery – Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth removal is often one of the most dreaded dental procedures. Many people have heard horror stories about complications like dry socket or infections following the removal. However, what many don’t realize is that if wisdom tooth removal is performed early, it can be straightforward and pain-free. Most dentists closely monitor the growth and position of wisdom teeth during the teenage years, recommending removal when the timing is optimal based on the patient’s age and tooth development. Regular dental checkups are crucial to ensure wisdom teeth are removed at the most appropriate time.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 24, typically consisting of four teeth—two on the top and two on the bottom. However, some individuals experience a condition called hypodontia, where fewer than four wisdom teeth develop. Known as third molars, wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, behind the second molars. Early removal of these teeth is generally advised to prevent significant dental issues that may arise over time. The older a patient gets, the more challenging the removal can become, as the teeth become more firmly anchored to the jawbone.
Why Early Removal is Advised
Wisdom tooth removal is often necessary due to insufficient space in the jaw for these additional teeth. A lack of space can lead to crowded teeth, with some wisdom teeth growing sideways or at an angle, becoming impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth, necessitating further dental procedures to repair them. Left unresolved, these overcrowded teeth can trap food particles, increasing the risk of infections. Therefore, it’s generally encouraged by dentists to remove wisdom teeth while it remains a relatively simple dental procedure.
Complications of Delayed Removal
Delaying wisdom tooth removal can lead to numerous complications. The risk of nerve damage increases with age, potentially resulting in paresthesia, or numbness of the chin, lips, or tongue, which can last from days to months. This condition is rare in younger patients but can affect up to 10% of individuals over 35. Additionally, cysts and tumors can develop over time. Younger patients tend to experience a quicker and smoother healing process, emphasizing the benefits of timely removal.
Potential Risks and Recovery
While the extraction of wisdom teeth can be straightforward and mostly painless, risks exist regardless of age. The most common complication is dry socket, where the blood clot becomes dislodged from the extraction site, causing severe pain that is not easily relieved with medication. To prevent dry socket, patients are advised against smoking or drinking through straws. Other possible complications include abscesses, swelling, soreness, and excessive bleeding. In such cases, a professional evaluation at a dental office can determine if further treatment or medication is needed.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth removal doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. By understanding the importance of early evaluation and removal, patients can avoid many of the complications and ensure a smoother recovery process. It’s essential to maintain regular dental appointments to monitor the development and eruption of wisdom teeth, allowing for timely intervention. While risks are always present, proper care and timely action can make wisdom tooth removal a manageable and relatively painless procedure.
East Wind Dental Care
Dental Implant placement in Hillsboro, Oregon, and Beaverton Oregon
family dentistry in Hillsboro
https://eastwinddentalcare.com
amily and Cosmetics Dentistry in Hillsboro, Oregon.
East Wind Dental Care Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon. We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful. East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health. When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Website: https://www.eastwinddentalcare.com
Dentist in Hillsboro, OR - East Wind Dental Care provides general dentistry in Hillsboro. Make your next family dentist appointment at East Wind Dental Care. General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry, Pediatric (Kids!) Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Replacement. Crowns and Bridges, Dental Implants & Mini Dental Implants Dentures (with specialty), Complete denture, Partial Dentures.
East Wind Dental Care
Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon.
We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful.
East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health.
When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
East Wind Dental Care
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00 and Saturdays with appointments.
Website: https://eastwinddentalcare.com/
Make an appointment online at https://eastwinddentalcare.com/contact-3/
