Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Jamaica Plain and Malden, MA
Wisdom tooth removals are among the most common types of dental extractions, and many patients need at least one of their wisdom teeth removed at some point. If you have felt any pain or soreness in your jaw or towards the back of your mouth recently, we recommend making an appointment with our team so we can assess the situation and create a personalized treatment plan for you. Give our office a call today, and we'll find a convenient time for you to come see us.
Why do wisdom teeth have to be removed?
Human beings used to have bigger jaws, and our third molars were used to chew food like roots and tough meat. As our diets have changed and our food has become easier to eat, our jaws have become smaller, and now it is sometimes difficult for our third molars to fit on the jaw with the rest of our teeth. When this is the case, one or more wisdom teeth may become impacted, which means they can't erupt from the gums, or they may crowd the other teeth, damage them, disrupt orthodontic treatment, and cause the patient pain and discomfort.
When should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
The ideal time frame is usually when a patient is in their late teens or early twenties. This is because the jaw is about done growing at this point, and younger patients have an easier time recovering from wisdom tooth removal procedures. However, we can always perform a wisdom tooth removal on an older patient, especially if their wisdom teeth are causing problems. We will also examine your X-rays every year and let you know when we believe is the ideal time for you to schedule a wisdom tooth extraction, assuming you need one.
What is aftercare like for a wisdom tooth extraction?
We recommend that you plan on taking a few days off from your normal daily routine after you have one or more wisdom teeth removed. Taking time off to recover will help to make your recovery process smoother and faster. Before your extraction, we recommend stocking up on soft foods to eat for the following week, and having an ice pack and over-the-counter pain medication on hand is a good idea too. Our team will provide you with a set of aftercare instructions to take home with you, and if you have any other questions, feel free to contact us.