Do you have pain in the back of your mouth caused by your wisdom teeth or know that you need to get them removed at some point anyways? Are you wondering what this is and why do I have it?  When your wisdom teeth begin to push through the gum line or push against adjacent teeth this is when they become symptomatic and noticeable. Wisdom teeth can cause headaches, pain or pressure, irritated gums, difficulty opening your mouth wide, and even infection.

Getting your wisdom teeth removed is important for multiple reasons. For example, your orthodontic treatment can be affected by not removing your wisdom teeth. When your wisdom teeth begin to grow in, they cause crowding of your straight teeth and cause your teeth to become crooked. But when’s a good time to remove your wisdom teeth?  The younger you are the softer your bone is and the less your roots are developed so the easier it is to remove your wisdom teeth without complications. For example, think of your bone as cement and as you get older the firmer it gets. Would you rather pull a pole out of wet cement or dry cement? This is the same when it comes to extracting your wisdom teeth when you are older.  Many adults experience issues with their wisdom teeth at some point in their life so it’s best to take them out when you’re younger.

Although complications from wisdom teeth extractions can be rare, they still can occur and be very problematic.  This is why it is important to see a board-certified specialist to extract your wisdom teeth. If you have impacted wisdom teeth there is sometimes potential for further complications such as nerve damage. Nerve damage can lead to paresthesia or numbness of the nerve, leaving a tingly or numb sensation all along the side of your jaw. Other complications associated with wisdom teeth removal are swelling, bruising, dry socket, and infection. A dry socket is when a blood clot is not formed and exposes dry bone leaving the area in extreme pain. Following post-operative instructions is very important to avoid these complications. Untreated dental infections can cause severe complications if the bacteria were to spread to your brain or throat as well as hindering your recovery process.

Wisdom teeth removal surgery is most comfortably performed under IV sedation however can be performed under oral sedation or only local anesthetic. Wisdom teeth removal surgery should not be painful at all as long as it is performed by a surgical specialist. However, minor pain may be experienced after treatment is complete. Post-surgical pain usually comes from swelling in the jaw and near the extraction site.  Icing helps alleviate this pain. Wisdom teeth recovery is different for each case depending on age and level of impaction. Therefore following your post-operative instructions is very important to ensure a speedy recovery. Steroids and medication are very pertinent to prevent post-operative infections, control swelling, and pain.

If you need your wisdom teeth removed look no further than our surgical specialist here at North Texas Dental Surgery. State-of-the-art facilities with the most innovative technology at the most affordable price. Locations in McKinney, Plano, and Grapevine.