Young adults often experience the pain and discomfort of wisdom teeth erupting. These are the last of the permanent teeth to come in. This usually happens around the late teens or early twenties. Some individuals are fortunate enough to have their wisdom teeth erupt without problems or too much discomfort. Most young people are not so lucky and require general dental care.
Wisdom teeth are notorious for making a painful appearance. They can grow in sideways, crooked, underneath an adjacent tooth or come in halfway. When the wisdom teeth push against a neighboring tooth, it can cause varying levels of pain. When these teeth partially erupt, the flap of gum tissue produced not only causes discomfort when chewing, but it also creates a food trap which can lead to decay. Extraction of problematic wisdom teeth is advised.
Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to monitor the development of wisdom teeth. With early detection of possible problems, discomfort can be avoided or minimized. If Dr. Wang notices an impending issue as your wisdom teeth are developing, it can be addressed at an early stage, preventing unnecessary discomfort.
Extraction of Impacted Teeth
When one tooth is pushing on an adjacent tooth, and there is not enough room for both, the pain can be tremendous. Additionally, this can cause the teeth to move out of alignment. Inflammation can develop which causes swelling. Impaction can also put pressure on the nerves of the teeth.
Because of the nerves involved in this area, extraction of wisdom teeth takes time and planning. In some individuals, the roots of the wisdom tooth may be wrapped around the jawbone. Using diagnostic imaging, Dr. Wang will examine the condition and make recommendations on how to proceed.
All tooth extractions are a form of oral surgery, so you should be prepared for adequate homecare after the procedure is completed. Dr. Wang will explain the steps you must take for healing to proceed without difficulties or delays. It is important to follow the instructions to minimize the likelihood of increased pain or complications.
If you or your teen are experiencing the discomfort of erupting wisdom teeth, contact Engineered Smiles today to schedule an appointment for an exam and assessment.