Prevent Oral Health Issues With Wisdom Teeth Removal In East Lansing, MI

Nearly all of us develop wisdom teeth and wish we didn’t. Most of us have them on each side of our mouth, upper and lower. Strictly speaking, they are our third set of molars. They’re called “wisdom teeth” because they are so late in erupting out of the jaw – much later than all other teeth, arriving in the late teens to early 20s.

Are your wisdom teeth showing, and are you ready for treatment? Your dentist at East Lansing Modern Dental can help remove your third molar so you can smile with pride and comfort again!

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth begin to form around age nine and completely mature by 18-21 years. Usually, by our late teens, the jawbone has reached its adult size. This is where the problems begin, as the jaw often isn’t big enough to hold the wall of our developed teeth. As a result, when wisdom teeth start to erupt, the space is too limited, and wisdom teeth can find themselves in several predicaments.

Simply put, when wisdom teeth try to erupt into the mouth when there is no room for them, they put pressure on existing already-erupted teeth. This can cause great discomfort or pain. Sometimes wisdom teeth are positioned sideways and push on the roots of your back molars. They make other teeth shift – definitely what you don’t want to have happen, especially if you already had orthodontic treatment. Despite the reason these teeth don’t come in to place correctly, we call them “impacted.”

When Should You Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

You should seek treatment when your teeth are:

• Trapped – Sometimes, wisdom teeth become trapped in the jawbone below the gumline. When it happens, aching and pain will occur. You cannot diagnose this yourself as the positioning of the wisdom teeth can only be seen with the aid of X-rays.
• Sideways – This is when the wisdom tooth wants to erupt, but it’s positioned to grow sideways and push forward against the second molar. Again, great discomfort and pain. This can cause other teeth to give way and shift position, possibly disrupting the alignment of all your teeth, not just the ones at the back of your mouth.
• Partially erupted – The tooth’s crown may only partially break through the gum, as it can be held back by the already-in-place second molars. Often, the molar may not put pressure on its neighbors. But it is very difficult to clean and impossible to floss, leaving it susceptible to serious decay and infection further down the road.
• Misplaced – A wisdom tooth may remain in the bone with misshapen or misplaced roots that can grow dangerously close to a sinus cavity.

How To Care For Teeth After Treatment

• Follow Dentist’s Instructions: Pay close attention to what our dentist recommends regarding rest, taking medication, and avoiding certain activities, like smoking or sipping through a straw, as these can cause problems by dislodging the blood clot.
• Keep Area Clean: Beginning the day after the procedure, gently rinse your mouth several times a day with warm salt water. This lessens the chance of infection and helps reduce swelling.
• Manage Inflammation: Take your medications exactly as prescribed. To reduce swelling, apply ice packs to your cheeks for the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Eat Soft Foods: After treatment, limit your diet to soft or liquid foods for a few days. On the extraction site, foods like yogurt, pudding, soup, and applesauce are gentle.

Even though they’re called “wisdom teeth,” they don’t seem to be very wise… At East Lansing Modern Dental, we will develop a treatment plan to help you make smart choices. Call us at (517) 210-0428 today! New patients are always welcome!

Contact East Lansing Modern Dental About Wisdom Teeth Removal Today!

• Alleviate pain caused by impacted wisdom teeth
• Avoid overcrowding and misalignment
• Lower the risk of cavities and gum disease
• Easier access for brushing and flossing
• Lessen the chances of tooth complications in adulthood!