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Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that emerge, usually during your late teens to early twenties. For some people the wisdom teeth emerge through the gums and have enough room to grow in naturally. For others, wisdom teeth often cause problems as they are trying to protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause structural damage to the jaw and other teeth. They can also provide a place for bacteria to gather since they are hard to reach and clean. These potential problems make it necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth so that larger problems do not arise. Routine x-rays during a dental exam can reveal if you will need to have your wisdom teeth removed.

Wisdom Teeth Removal In Minneapolis, MN

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, typically emerge during the ages of 15 to 25 and often result in pain or discomfort for patients. If your wisdom teeth have already surfaced, we can conduct a visual examination. However, if they have not yet appeared, we can utilize x-rays to assess whether extraction is necessary.

Based on various factors such as tooth size, mouth shape, and wisdom teeth position, we assess whether it is necessary to remove your wisdom teeth. Early removal can minimize the chances of teeth overcrowding, TMJ issues, infections, tooth decay, and damage to neighboring teeth. Moreover, maintaining proper hygiene for wisdom teeth is challenging, which can result in cavities, gum disease, and infections. Instead of opting for fillings or gum infection treatments, it is generally recommended to have them removed as the standard of care.

How can I determine if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Although each patient may have unique circumstances, there are several typical indicators that suggest the necessity of wisdom teeth extraction. These signs encompass:

If a tooth is stuck under the gums or completely hidden, it is referred to as impaction. When wisdom teeth cannot emerge normally, they may get trapped in the jaw, leading to potential infection or the formation of a cyst that can harm neighboring teeth or roots.

Altering bite alignment - wisdom teeth have the potential to grow at different angles within the jaw, including horizontally, which may result in a shift in your bite alignment.

The lack of sufficient space for wisdom teeth to properly emerge can lead to overcrowding or damage to the surrounding teeth.

If your wisdom teeth are only partially emerged through the gums, it can create a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to gum disease and oral infection.

It is often advised by dentists to have wisdom teeth extracted at a young age, when the roots and bone are not fully developed yet, as this allows for a quicker recovery.

What can I do to alleviate the pain caused by my wisdom tooth?

Wisdom teeth typically emerge during the ages of 17 to 25. As they progress through the jawbone and start to push through the gum line, they might become swollen or result in bleeding. These situations can lead to headaches or toothaches. Here are a few remedies that can help alleviate wisdom tooth pain:

  1. Please rinse using saltwater.
  2. To alleviate pain, try using either peppermint essential oils or clover oil.
  3. Consider taking aspirin or another over-the-counter pain reliever.
  4. You can use either an ice pack or a heating pad on your cheeks.

What does it mean to have an impacted wisdom tooth?

An impacted wisdom tooth refers to a situation where there is insufficient space for the tooth to emerge normally. The severity of the impaction can vary depending on the tooth's position within the jaw. Soft tissue impaction occurs when the tooth's crown has broken through the bone, but the gum still covers a portion of the tooth. Partially bony impaction is when the tooth has partially erupted, but a section remains submerged in the jawbone. Complete bony impaction is when the tooth is completely surrounded by the jawbone.

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