There are numerous reasons why dental professionals recommend wisdom teeth extraction, and one is to prevent teeth misalignment. Wisdom teeth are the third molars located in the lower and upper parts of the jaw, behind the other molars on both sides. The teeth generally appear years after the other permanent teeth have come up. In some people's jaws, the appearance of extra teeth crowds the jaw, and the other teeth have to shift to make room, causing misalignment. Removing the wisdom teeth allows for more room in the jaw.
Having teeth that are misaligned can be embarrassing because it affects how one's smile looks. Many people choose to correct any misalignments to improve self-esteem. However, there are also functional consequences of misalignment due to wisdom teeth eruption.
When the wisdom teeth cause pressure on surrounding teeth, the bite is affected. Normally, bite force is spread equally between the teeth in the mouth. With misalignments, one or a few teeth take the majority of the force. When misaligned teeth stick out or are more prominent, they absorb greater impact when biting or chewing, which can result in discomfort and even pain. With wisdom teeth extraction, the pressure is removed from the teeth, which allows for a more equally distributed bite force.
If wisdom teeth extraction is recommended to relieve pressure on the other teeth, it is good to know what to expect. This dental surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
Because it is a surgical procedure, patients should plan for someone to drive them to the procedure and take them home. Arrangements should be made for missed work or school days for the surgery and recovery. The dental professional gives the patient instructions regarding fasting and avoiding taking any medication prior to the procedure. The patient is also given instructions regarding when to arrive for the appointment.
Once the patient is prepared for the wisdom teeth extraction, the dental professional makes an incision in the gum tissue and removes any bone that is blocking the tooth's roots. The tooth is removed, and the site is cleaned of any debris. The surgical site may be stitched up, and then a gauze is placed to control the bleeding.
Full recovery after the surgery takes about two weeks. In the day or two following the procedure, individuals may have swelling, bruising, and pain. They may have been prescribed pain meds, and an ice pack is also helpful to ease discomfort. Only soft foods should be eaten during the first 24 hours. Patients should also avoid brushing or rinsing the mouth during the first 24 hours. The dental professional can give any additional instructions to follow.
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Wisdom teeth extraction can be beneficial if there is overcrowding in the mouth. Removing these teeth relieves pressure on neighboring teeth and helps the remaining teeth settle into their original positions.
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