Wisdom Teeth Removal in Hilliard, OH

Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Are you feeling the pressure of your wisdom teeth? You’re not alone. Many people face the need for wisdom teeth removal at some point in their lives. If you’re suffering from wisdom tooth pain, visit our dentist at Fishinger Dental. We offer wisdom teeth extraction to ensure your oral health stays intact. 

To schedule an appointment, contact our Hilliard, OH, dentist today by calling our Hilliard dental office at (614) 771-6060.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to emerge, typically appearing in your late teens or early twenties. While some people experience no issues, others may face challenges due to impaction or misalignment. When these four wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow properly, they can cause pain, infection, and even damage to neighboring teeth.

Many people need one or more of these teeth removed to protect their oral health. Wisdom teeth extraction is considered a standard oral surgery that helps prevent potential problems, ensuring your smile stays healthy and aligned.

Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Our dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal for various reasons.

Infections and Gum Disease

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections and gum disease due to the difficulty in cleaning the area and the irritation of surrounding gum tissue. One such type of infection is pericoronitis, a localized gum infection that affects the tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth. 

Damage to Adjacent Teeth

Wisdom teeth can cause damage to adjacent teeth. Problems may include:

• Physical Pressure: As wisdom teeth grow in, they can push against the second molars (the teeth directly in front of them). This pressure can lead to misalignment of the second molars or other teeth, making them crooked or crowded.
• Bone and Root Resorption: In some cases, the pressure exerted by an erupting or impacted wisdom tooth can lead to root resorption of the adjacent tooth. This means that the tooth’s root structure starts to break down and dissolve. This can weaken the second molar and might even result in its loss if not addressed.
• Increased Risk of Decay: Wisdom teeth can make it difficult to thoroughly clean the rear part of the mouth, especially if they come in at an angle or only partially erupt. This can lead to food and bacteria getting trapped between the wisdom tooth and its neighboring molar. 

Cyst Formation and Jaw Bone Issues

Cysts can form around impacted wisdom teeth, leading to the destruction of jaw bones and adjacent teeth. These fluid-filled sacs can progressively enlarge over time, causing damage to the surrounding jaw bone and sometimes even teeth.

In rare cases, the formation of cysts around wisdom teeth may result in tooth displacement, small bumps in the mouth, and structural damage to the jawbone, adjacent teeth, and nerves. Wisdom tooth removal can prevent these complications and protect your oral health.

Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed Early?

If your dentist or oral surgeon recommends wisdom teeth removal for your child, it’s advisable to proceed sooner rather than later. During the early stages of development, wisdom teeth start as small “tooth buds.” Removing these buds is simpler, faster, and comes with fewer risks compared to extracting fully developed wisdom teeth.

Children who undergo early wisdom teeth removal generally experience a smoother recovery process than adults. Early extraction helps to avoid potential complications, ensuring a quicker and more comfortable healing period.

Considering these factors, it’s clear that the early removal of wisdom teeth can prevent future issues. If you have concerns about wisdom teeth or want to know if early removal is right for your child, consult with your dentist today.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there isn’t enough room for the teeth to emerge into the mouth or grow normally. Wisdom teeth can be impacted at various angles, such as:

• Straight (vertical): The wisdom teeth grow like regular teeth but may still cause crowding, infection, and other issues.
• Sideways (horizontal): Wisdom teeth may grow completely sideways, either partially erupted or fully submerged into the gum tissue. 
• Distal: The wisdom tooth is angled toward the back of the mouth, making it difficult to fully emerge and may cause discomfort or complications.
• Mesial: The wisdom tooth is angled toward the front of the mouth, pressing against the second molar and potentially leading to crowding or misalignment.

Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Removing wisdom teeth can provide patients with various benefits, including:

• Prevention of overcrowding
• Avoiding tooth impaction
• Prevention of cysts and tumors
• Reduced risks of gum disease and tooth decay
• Pain relief
• Reduced risk of oral infections
• Prevention of damage to nearby teeth
• Better orthodontic results
• Prevention of jaw stiffness and swelling

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

The wisdom tooth extraction process involves three main steps:

Preparing for Extraction

Before your wisdom teeth surgery, you’ll undergo dental exams, consultations, a medical history review, and discuss anesthesia options. You’ll also receive instructions regarding what to abstain from before the procedure, such as eating or drinking anything. Additionally, our dentist may prescribe you medications to take before the procedure to help manage pain and swelling.

The Extraction Procedure

During the surgical procedure, our Hilliard dentist will administer dental sedation to ensure your comfort throughout the process. The type of sedation used will depend on the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level.

Once it has taken effect, our dentist will use specialized tools and techniques to remove the impacted wisdom tooth. This may involve making an incision in the gum tissue and removing any bone that may be blocking the tooth’s path. Once the tooth has been extracted, the extraction site will be sutured to ensure proper closure and healing.

Post-Extraction Care

After wisdom tooth removal, post-extraction care is integral for healing and recovery. This involves managing pain and swelling and maintaining oral hygiene around the extraction site. We’ll provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth following the procedure, including pain management techniques and the use of ice packs to reduce swelling.

Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Recovery and healing after wisdom tooth removal involve a combination of rest, managing swelling and pain, and maintaining oral hygiene. Most people can resume their normal activities within a week following the procedure. However, make sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations and take any necessary precautions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

Managing Swelling and Pain

During the healing process, managing swelling and pain is important. Here are some ways to manage these symptoms:

• Use ice packs to reduce swelling and provide relief.
• Take medications as directed by a healthcare provider to help with the symptoms.
• Consider using pain relievers, which are available without a prescription, if advised by your dentist.
• Follow your dentist’s instructions when taking any medications.

Costs

The cost of wisdom tooth removal can range from $200 to $4,000 per tooth, depending on certain factors and whether or not insurance coverage is available. Consulting your dental insurance provider to determine your coverage for wisdom tooth removal is advisable since it can vary based on your specific policy and dental condition. Understanding your insurance coverage can help you make informed decisions about your dental care and be prepared for any out-of-pocket expenses.