When one of your third molars is causing you so much pain, you’ll want to learn more about wisdom teeth removal in Las Vegas. We’re here to make your life a little easier by giving you the information you need about this treatment.
Wisdom Teeth Facts You Should Know
What Exactly Are Wisdom Teeth?
The third set of molars in the back of your mouth, next to your second molars near the entrance to your throat, is called wisdom teeth. Although some people don’t have them, these final adult teeth usually grow and break through the gums between the ages of 17 and 25. However, wisdom teeth can also come in later in life.
If you’re lucky enough to have enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth, they’ll grow straight, and you may not experience any pain as they emerge. However, if they don’t have the space they need, they’ll likely cause irritation, inflammation, and intense pain. In such cases, your dentist may recommend extraction.
What Purpose Do They Serve?
According to anthropologists and paleontologists, the early human’s jaw was larger in size and provided more room for the infamous third molar to emerge naturally. Moreover, our ancestors used their wisdom teeth to chew coarse, rough, and hard food such as meats, nuts, leaves, and meats.
However, somewhere down the line, humans evolved, their jaws became smaller, and the first molars became the largest in the set. Additionally, humans learned to cook to soften it and cut it with knives, forks, and spoons. For this reason, wisdom teeth have outlived their purpose and lost their significance.
When Is Extraction Necessary?
Impaction
Impaction can occur as a partial or a full impaction. Since a partially erupted wisdom tooth is one that has partially broken through the gum tissue, only the top of the tooth emerges. Alternatively, a fully impacted wisdom tooth is unable to erupt and stays underneath the gums.
Impacted wisdom teeth often lead to a host of dental issues, including pain and damage to other existing teeth. Even when impaction doesn’t cause immediate or apparent problems, impacted wisdom teeth are usually vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease because they’re difficult to clean. Some dental professionals recommend wisdom teeth extraction to prevent future problems and complications.
Damage to Existing Teeth
The eruption of an extra set of molars can force your existing teeth to shift out of their correct positions, causing overcrowding, bite issues, and pain. Since misaligned teeth are more difficult to brush and floss effectively, they’re likely to develop tooth decay and cavities. Moreover, delaying treatment may require you to undergo additional dental procedures to straighten the rest of your teeth.
Damage to the Jawbone
A problematic wisdom tooth can cause jaw stiffness or pain. If left untreated, this oral health issue can cause considerable damage to your jawbones and impact your mouth’s function and motion. When wisdom teeth grow impacted within your jaw, they’ll shift your jawline, limit your ability to open your mouth, and cause pain each time to attempt to do so.
Additionally, the newly erupted third molars can also cause cysts to form around the areas. Unless your dentist removes your wisdom teeth, the cysts will eventually damage the nerves of your other healthy teeth and hollow out your jawbone.
Sinus Issues
While most people know that the nose and mouth are intricately connected, only a few are aware of how impacted wisdom teeth affect the sinuses. Your dentist may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction when your third molar’s growth triggers sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.
What Should I Do When My Wisdom Teeth Hurt?
The first thing you should do is make an appointment with your dentist. They will examine your x-rays and perform a comprehensive oral exam to determine the need for a wisdom tooth removal. After calling the dentist’s office, you may do several things to ease the pain.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
You can temporarily minimize pain by taking an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. Since ibuprofen works to reduce swelling, it relieves the throbbing sensation. Besides reading and following packaging instructions, it’s best to consult a pharmacist or your primary care physician before taking the medication.
Apply an Ice Pack
Applying a towel-wrapped, store-bought ice pack to the jaw for 15 to 20-minute intervals every few hours effectively reduces pain and inflammation.
Warm Saltwater Rinse
Bacteria can quickly grow around wisdom tooth eruptions. Since saltwater helps kill the harmful germs, you’ll want to swish it in your mouth for a minute before spitting it out. Besides gently rinsing away food particles stuck between your teeth, the mixture also reduces inflammation and promotes faster wound healing.
Looking to Learn More About Wisdom Teeth Removal in Las Vegas?
At Dee for Dentist, our warmhearted team believes in providing the best possible experience for each patient. We also have the necessary tools and technology to be a one-stop shop for your entire household. Are you ready to receive the care you need from dental professionals who view each individual as a member of our family? Call us today to make an appointment.
