Emergency Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Those who have experienced wisdom teeth pain know just how serious it can be. There are certain emergency situations in which the third molars must be immediately extracted.

In this article, we will discuss what constitutes an emergency wisdom tooth extraction. Read on to learn more about properly handling a wisdom tooth emergency.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth are also commonly known as the third molars; they are the last teeth that are present in the back of the mouth.

These teeth typically appear somewhere between the ages of 16-21 – hence the name “wisdom teeth”. The third molars can be tricky: while one person may develop a full set (4), another might only develop one or two, and another person may not develop wisdom teeth at all.

This is all perfectly normal! It’s believed that the third set of molars were once a necessity for the human race due to a diet that consisted of raw and tough foods. Since our diets are much different than that of our ancestors, this type of molars is no longer a necessity.

Our ancestors also had considerably larger jaws, which allowed the extra molars to erupt without issue. Modern human jaws are typically considerably smaller, which poses a risk for successful tooth eruption and may unfortunately lead to a considerably higher risk of impaction.

Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When there is not an adequate amount of space within the mouth to erupt, impaction occurs. Impacted teeth can be quite painful and can have a negative effect on the rest of the mouth as a whole.

Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include:

• Jaw pain
• Swelling and pain in the gums
• Teeth shifting and becoming crooked
• Bad breath
• Difficulty opening the jaw or chewing
• Recurring headaches
• Infection (pus, bad smell or taste, excessive pain or swelling)

If you have encountered any of the above symptoms, it is crucial to contact your trusted dentist right away.

What is a Wisdom Tooth Emergency?

Wisdom teeth do not always pose a risk; there are cases in which the third molars erupt with no issue and can remain inside the mouth.

However, there are some instances that constitute an emergency wisdom tooth removal, in which the third molars must immediately be removed.

Examples of a wisdom tooth emergency include:

• Impaction
• Damage to the jaw
• Damage to the adjacent teeth
• Sinus problems
• Shifting and crowding in the teeth
• Development of cysts
• Severe pain
• Abscessed wisdom tooth
• Rotting wisdom tooth

One serious symptom of impaction is food or bacteria becoming trapped; this happens when the tooth is partially erupted, which provides food particles, plaque, and bacteria with just the right amount of space to become trapped and pose a risk for decay.

Even if you do not have any discomfort, it is important to follow through with your dentist’s recommendation for wisdom teeth removal . Generally, your dentist can determine if you will need extractions by completing a panoramic or three-dimensional x-ray.

If the wisdoms are impacted, most dentists will recommend removal – even if they are not causing the patient any pain or discomfort. This is a precautionary measure to help the patient avoid issues in the future.

When to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed

In most cases, the best time to pursue wisdom teeth removal is between the ages of 16 and 24; during this time, the roots of the teeth are not yet fully developed.

When the roots of the teeth become fully developed and form a firm anchor in the jaw bone, the extraction of the teeth becomes more difficult and may require a more complex removal process – with a greater risk of complications.

Scheduling a wisdom teeth consultation with your trusted dentist before the age of 24 is the best way to determine if you are in need of extraction and have the situation handled appropriately.

If you are over the age of 24 and wish to have a consultation done, no worries; while it is not necessarily ideal, extraction can still be carried out safely and efficiently. Your dentist and/or oral surgeon will work with you to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.

Wellness Dental: Best Dentist in Arizona

The Wellness Dental team is here for you. For the best general dentistry services in Arizona, place your trust in the dental experts at Wellness Dental.

We are here to help you preserve and promote your healthiest smile possible. For more information about our services or to get scheduled in one of our dental clinics, give us a call today.