All About Wisdom Teeth

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in. Because of this, sometimes there’s not enough room to accommodate them.

Does everyone have wisdom teeth?

On average, wisdom teeth erupt during the teenage years or early twenties. Not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth; some may have fewer.

What are wisdom teeth symptoms?

If you notice swelling, tenderness, pain, abscess, or infection in your gums around your wisdom teeth, that may be a sign that something’s wrong.

Inform your dentist right away so they can examine the area and recommend appropriate treatments.

What are common issues involving wisdom teeth?

Complications involving wisdom teeth vary. Here are some of them:

• Impaction. The mouth may be too small to accommodate the wisdom teeth. The teeth don't erupt fully or come in at an awkward position or unusual angle, which can cause discomfort and pain.

• Gum disease. Impacted teeth or molars being too close together can make them difficult to keep clean. Hard-to-clean spaces between molars can promote the growth of bacteria, irritate the gums, and lead to periodontal disease.

• Damage to other teeth. Wisdom teeth can also push against and damage adjacent teeth.

• Pain and swelling. After getting a wisdom tooth removed, you may experience swelling and pain. Here at Image Care Dental, we can prescribe medications to ensure your comfort and pain relief following a dental procedure.

• Dry socket. Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure. If the blood clot in the extraction site is removed, this can leave the nerve exposed and cause a dry socket. Food particles or air may get into the area and cause throbbing pain.

• Excessive bleeding. You may notice excessive bleeding in the surgical site. We provide you with instructions on how to minimize bleeding.

• Difficulty opening the mouth. You may find it hard to open your mouth wide, or your jaw may still feel stiff after a lengthy procedure. If it persists, we also prescribe medications or recommend steps to fix the issue.

Why should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

If your wisdom teeth are causing you problems, it’s best to get them assessed immediately. When symptoms persist and the infection gets worse, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend removal. The longer you wait, the more issues may arise, causing the extraction to become more difficult.

Is it okay to keep my wisdom teeth?

Sometimes wisdom teeth come in without any issues. In this case, extraction isn't necessary. Wisdom teeth evaluations are part of routine dental checkups.

What is CBCT?

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a cutting-edge imaging method that has clinical applications in dentistry. CBCT is successful for investigating in the field of dental and maxillofacial imaging. The radiation exposure from CBCT is less than 10 times from conventional CT scans during maxillofacial exposure. CBCT is very accurate when providing three-dimensional data.
CBCT scans are used for: Applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, implant dentistry, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) imaging, and in periodontics.

If you’re looking for a new family dentist in the Red Deer area or would like to get your wisdom teeth checked, we invite you to get in touch with us at (403) 342-5800.

Our friendly receptionists are happy to assist you in scheduling a consultation with the dentist.