Are you one of the 85% of Canadians who have had or will someday need their wisdom teeth removed? For those people who experience pain, infection or impaction from their wisdom teeth, removing them before the holidays can ensure you have a “silent night”.
Wisdom teeth are a set of molars on the top and bottom of your mouth that usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 22. These teeth are not essential for chewing, speaking or talking. For many people, wisdom teeth can cause dental problems such as overcrowding, impaction, infection and tooth decay.
Common Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth and Infections: Wisdom teeth become impacted when there is not enough room in your mouth. This can lead to severe pain and potential infection, known as pericoronitis. Your teeth can develop at various angles or may not push through your gumline. Infection can occur in up to 60% of impacted cases.
- Crowding and Misalignment: Since wisdom teeth can grow in odd directions, neighbouring teeth can become crowded and misaligned. Without the proper space, teeth shift from their natural position, changing the shape of the bite. Overcrowding and misalignment may need to be addressed with braces, extractions or surgery.
- Risk of Tooth Decay and Cavities in Hard-to-Reach Areas: Wisdom teeth are susceptible to decay due to their location at the back of the mouth. Cavities occur when food and harmful bacteria become trapped in hard-to-reach places. Removing your wisdom teeth can reduce the risk of cavities which can lead to tooth decay.
- Sinus Issues: As the sinuses are located behind the nose, the upper wisdom teeth can cause issues if the roots of the teeth put pressure on the sinus cavity. This can lead to pain, discomfort and severe sinus infections.
- Risk of Cysts and Damage to the Jawbone: As a tooth erupts, the sac of fluid that develops can form a benign or cancerous cyst. The neighbouring gums, teeth and jawbone can be affected as the cyst grows, causing stiffness and pain. Early detection of abnormal growth of wisdom teeth can prevent damage to the jawbone.
Why Pre-Holiday Wisdom Tooth Extraction Is Ideal
- Avoiding Pain and Discomfort: Pre-holiday wisdom tooth extraction means you can enjoy the festivities of the holidays without pain and discomfort.
- Reduced Risk of Infection: Prevent the risk of infection by having the extraction done before the holidays. Impacted wisdom teeth are prone to infection which can affect not only your oral health but your overall health too.
- Quick Recovery Before Festivities: Since there is a short recovery time required after a wisdom tooth removal, having the procedure performed in the weeks leading up to parties and family gatherings is ideal.
- Stress-Free Eating: Immediately after your wisdom teeth are removed, you should stick to soft foods and fluids as you recover. With all of the delicious meals, special beverages, and desserts the season offers, you’ll want to get your wisdom teeth extracted before the festivities.
- The Potential for Emergency Dental Care: Dental issues rarely happen at convenient times, so if the pain is not addressed by a dental professional early, you could spend your holidays in agony.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction: How We Do It at Princeview Dental Clinic
- Consultation and Assessment: First, you’ll book an appointment for an initial consultation and assessment, wherein our dental specialists will conduct a comprehensive examination. You can expect to be asked about any symptoms and get dental X-rays done.
- Discuss Sedation Options: Next, we will discuss your sedation options during the extraction. Princeview Dental offers nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and deep sedation with general anesthesia. Thanks to our state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology, we can remove your wisdom teeth, causing little discomfort for you.
- Aftercare Support: Our comprehensive and compassionate dental care continues after the procedure. We will provide you with aftercare tips and pain relievers. We will also be available for any questions during your recovery time and will schedule a follow-up appointment for you.
Preventive Tips for Wisdom Teeth Problems
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Scheduling regular check-ups as your wisdom teeth develop is just as important as monitoring your other teeth. Dentists can assess your mouth for impaction, misalignment, or infection before trouble starts.
- Maintain Consistent Oral Hygiene to Prevent Decay: As wisdom teeth can cause crowding with neighbouring teeth, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. Preserving the health of all your teeth can help prevent issues with your wisdom teeth.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Contact your dentist if you notice any symptoms such as jaw pain, swelling, difficulty opening and closing your mouth and tenderness near your wisdom teeth. Pain and sensitivity could signal a possible infection.
Get Holiday-Ready: Contact Princeview Dental to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth Today!
Act now and have a dental check-up before the holidays by scheduling an appointment at Princeview Dental Group. We offer dental services in a clean, safe and friendly clinic setting. Contact us at (416) 231-4562 or fill out our form to book a consultation and enjoy the holiday season pain-free.
