Wisdom Tooth Extractions in Markham

Wisdom tooth extractions

Wisdom tooth extraction is a simple procedure our Markham dentists perform in the office at Filgiano Dentistry. If you think you might need to have your wisdom teeth removed, we’re here to help every step of the way.

What are wisdom teeth? 

Wisdom teeth are the last of your adult teeth to grow or erupt from your mouth. Unfortunately, a wisdom tooth can become stuck below the surface of your gums, otherwise known as becoming impacted. If so, it can grow at a strange angle, causing complications and pain for you. 

Does everyone have wisdom teeth?

Many young adults between 17-21 will get their wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are so named because they typically appear when you’re heading off to university and learning to be independent.

Why you might need your wisdom teeth pulled

Typically, you have four wisdom teeth. These teeth are the last molars to emerge in your mouth and sometimes remain impacted or hidden beneath the gums. The main reason for having your wisdom teeth removed is that there simply isn’t enough room in your mouth to handle the extra teeth. Since you already have two other sets of molars, this third set doesn’t perform a necessary function. If they aren’t removed, problems can arise.

How to know if you’re wisdom teeth are growing (or when the problems begin)

Discomfort – you might experience pain in your mouth due to the additional teeth occupying space tightening everything within your mouth. If you suspect wisdom teeth, give us a call. Early detection can help. 

• Infection – because there’s not enough room for the teeth to properly emerge, the surrounding gum tissue can become irritated and infected. This can lead to persistent or recurring pain and swelling, as well as difficulty chewing and swallowing.
• Cyst formation – impacted teeth can lead to the formation of cysts inside of the jawbone. These fluid-filled bubbles can expand over time, damaging the jawbone or adjacent teeth. Cysts can be complicated to treat, which is one of the reasons it is recommended to have your wisdom teeth removed.
• Damage to other teeth – an impacted tooth can pressure adjacent teeth, leading to wear and infection over time. Also, there might not be enough room to properly clean the area surrounding the teeth, resulting in gum disease and decay. 

When to get your wisdom teeth removed?

Like all your teeth, the tooth’s roots become more robust and the jawbone denser as you get older. As a result, the longer you wait to get your wisdom teeth removed, the more difficult they are to extract. Additionally, your chances of getting an infection increase as you age. It can also take longer to recover from the procedure the older you get. Because of this, it’s generally advisable to have your wisdom teeth removed in your teens or early twenties when the roots are the least developed.

What’s involved in having wisdom teeth removed?

When you have your wisdom teeth removed, your dentist at Filgiano Dentistry will use a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth is to be extracted. We make use of a local anesthetic if you’re having all of your wisdom teeth removed at the same time to avoid any unnecessary pain.

The dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue above the impacted wisdom tooth. Then they separate the tissue connecting the tooth to the jawbone and remove the tooth. Occasionally, the wisdom tooth will need to be broken into smaller parts to make the removal easier.

Stitches might be applied to the opening in your gum to help the healing process. We’ll be sure to let you know if the stitches are dissolvable or if you’ll need to come back to have them taken out.

After you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, we’ll apply sterile tissue or gauze to the area to help reduce bleeding. You should change this pad every once in a while as they become saturated with blood.

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal

How long is a wisdom tooth removal recovery period?

Recovery from having your wisdom teeth removal generally only lasts a few days, but it can take up to 2 weeks. You may experience swollen mouth and cheeks (worse for the first few days, but will gradually improve). 

• Avoid rubbing the area where the surgery was performed.
• After the first day of recovery, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. This will help reduce swelling and provide pain relief. Additionally, it’s essential to follow the directions for care and cleaning to avoid infection and help speed up recovery. 
• We’ll prescribe pain medication should you require it. 

What to eat during wisdom teeth recovery

Eat soft foods, gradually adding solids as your healing progresses.

• Blended soups (e.g. tomato, ginger, or potato are good, broths are good too. Try bone broth for protein)
• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Applesauce
• Smoothies
• Oatmeal

Note: Don’t use a straw for a while after surgery, as the sucking motion can loosen any blood clots.

Can you smoke cigarettes after wisdom teeth extraction?

Do not smoke for at least 24 hours following surgery. Smoking can also reduce the blood supply and increase the chance of infection.

Conclusion

The risk involved in having your wisdom teeth removed is minimal, but problems can arise. Suppose at any time you are experiencing prolonged bleeding, inflammation, difficulty or pain opening your jaw or any other problematic symptom. In that case, we’re happy to assist you, even if it’s after-hours emergency dental services you require.

Whether you’re looking for a cosmetic or a Markham family dentist or require emergency dental service, our team is here for you. Simply give us a call or come by our office, and we’ll answer any questions you might have.