Wisdom Teeth Extractions – Abington, MA
Achieve a Healthier Smile with Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Most people develop wisdom teeth, and in quite a few cases, these teeth must be removed so a patient can enjoy a fully functional, healthy smile. In our practice, we handle wisdom teeth extractions in Abington with precision and gentleness. Read on to learn more about the wisdom teeth, why they often must be extracted, and what you can expect during the removal process.
What Are the Wisdom Teeth?
Most adults have a mouth that is large enough to accommodate 28 teeth. However, many people develop 32 teeth, including a third set of molars at the back of the mouth. These third molars are called the wisdom teeth because they develop well after the other permanent teeth, when a person is older and “wiser” than they were during childhood.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth can lead to a number of oral health concerns, including:
- Infection. The wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth that it is difficult to keep them clean, which puts them at a higher risk of infection and decay. This is especially true with a wisdom tooth is partially impacted (not fully erupted from the gum line).
- Decay on neighboring teeth. When bacteria and food particles get stuck between a wisdom tooth and the molar next to it, decay can result.
- Misalignment. Wisdom teeth sometimes grow in sideways and push the other teeth out of alignment, leading to overcrowding and bite problems.
- Cysts. A cyst or tumor may form at the root of an impacted wisdom tooth.
Wisdom teeth do not always cause problems. Some patients choose to have them removed as a purely precautionary measure. During your routine appointments, we will check on your wisdom teeth and let you know if we believe that extracting them would be a wise course of action.
The Extraction Process
During the extraction procedure, your dentist in Abington will first make sure that you are comfortable. Sedation and anesthesia should ensure that you feel very little during the procedure. Then, we may have to create an incision in the gums in order to access the wisdom teeth. Sometimes, it is necessary to break the teeth into pieces in order to remove them.
Following your procedure, a friend or family member should drive you home. Stick to eating soft foods for a few days while you recover. You should also avoid straws and smoking for a time. Within a week or so, much of the swelling and soreness should be gone. It may take several months for the bone in the socket to heal completely. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery period, reach out to our team. We’ll provide expert guidance so your smile can get back to functioning at its best as quickly as possible.
Do you suspect that you may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted? Contact Abington Family Dental Care today to schedule a checkup or consultation.