Wisdom teeth can be a major problem in many people’s lives, causing pain and overcrowding in the mouth. But when should you get them removed? Keep reading to find out some of the signs that suggest it’s time to call an emergency dentist in San Antonio to get them removed ASAP.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They’re called wisdom teeth because they’re supposed to appear when you’re old enough to be wise. But not everyone gets them, and not everyone needs to have them removed.
Some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth and they erupt (grow) into place just fine. But for many others, wisdom teeth can cause all sorts of problems. They may come in at an angle and push on other teeth. They may only partially erupt so bacteria can build up and cause an infection. Or they may not come in at all and become impacted, which can cause pain, crowding, and damage to nearby teeth.
If your wisdom teeth are giving you trouble, your dentist or oral surgeon will likely recommend having them removed. The good news is that wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure that’s usually pretty straightforward. And once those troublesome teeth are gone, you’ll probably feel a whole lot better!
Do You Need An Emergency Dentist In San Antonio For Removal?
It’s estimated that around 70% of people will develop at least one impacted wisdom tooth, and for many, removal is the best option. However, often people will ignore the signs of impacted wisdom teeth and it causes problems.
Sometimes, it’s just some pain, but other times it can lead to serious oral infections. So pay attention to these common signs that indicate it may be time to get your wisdom teeth removed before it becomes an emergency.
- You have pain in your teeth or jaw: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain in your teeth and jaw. If you notice any new or worsening pain in these areas, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are the culprit. Don’t ignore this or you might end up needing an emergency dentist in San Antonio to relieve extreme pain.
- Your gums are swollen or bleeding: Again, because impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on your other teeth and gums, they can sometimes cause these tissues to become swollen or bleed. If you notice either of these things, it’s worth getting checked out by a dentist.
- You have difficulty opening your mouth: If you find yourself having difficulty opening your mouth wide, this could be another sign that your wisdom teeth are impacting the rest of your mouth. This is because when they start to come in, they can push against your other teeth and make it difficult to open up fully.
- You have chronic bad breath: Although there’s many potential causes of bad breath, one of them could be an infection caused by impacted wisdom teeth. If you’ve noticed that you suddenly have bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away with brushing and flossing, this could be a sign that you need to get your wisdom teeth removed.
How to Prepare for The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
If your dentist tells you that it’s time to get your wisdom teeth removed, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the procedure. First, it’s important to understand what the procedure entails. Wisdom teeth removal is a fairly simple outpatient procedure that usually takes less than an hour. During the procedure, your dentist will make small incisions in your gums and then remove the wisdom teeth.
After your wisdom teeth have been removed, you can expect some discomfort and swelling. This is normal and will subside within a few days. Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication to help you through this period. It’s also important to eat soft foods and avoid chewing on hard foods or anything that could irritate your gums while they heal.
Now that you know what to expect, here are a few things you can do to prepare for your wisdom teeth removal:
- Schedule the procedure at a time when you have no other commitments. This way, you can focus on resting and healing afterward.
- Talk to your dentist about any concerns you have before the procedure. This will help put your mind at ease.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure since you’ll be under sedation.
- Follow all of your dentist’s instructions pre- and post-procedure to ensure a smooth recovery.
Post-Removal Recovery and Care Tips
Once your wisdom teeth have been removed, it is important to take care of yourself to ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery. Here are some post-removal recovery and care tips:
- Rest – Getting plenty of rest is crucial for your body to heal properly. Take it easy for the first few days after your surgery and limit your physical activity as much as possible.
- Pain relief – You will likely experience some pain and discomfort after your surgery. Over-the-counter pain medication can help to alleviate these symptoms. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
- Ice – Applying ice to your face can help to reduce swelling and pain around the extraction site. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, several times per day, for the first few days after surgery.
- Cleaning – It is important to keep the extraction site clean to prevent infection. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times per day, starting the day after surgery. You can also use an alcohol-free mouthwash if desired. Avoid brushing near the extraction site for at least 24 hours after surgery; thereafter, you can brush gently with a soft toothbrush.
- Diet – Eating soft foods is important immediately following wisdom tooth removal surgery since hard or crunchy foods can irritate the extraction site(s). Good options include soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and pudding/custard
Emergency Dentist In San Antonio For Wisdom Teeth Extraction
If you’ve let your impacted wisdom teeth go untreated and now you’re having severe pain come see us at JHEM. You might even be in a situation where your wisdom teeth have just become impacted but regular dentist hours don’t work for you. Come see us! We have extended hours and as an emergency dentist in San Antonio, we are prepared to handle most dental issues.
Check availability and book your appointment at your convenience online by clicking here.
