Having wisdom teeth removed is one of the most common dental surgeries performed. However, there are many myths circulating about wisdom tooth removal that can cause confusion and fear among those considering this procedure. This article will debunk four of the most popular wisdom tooth removal myths to help you make an informed decision regarding your own wisdom teeth.
All wisdom teeth have to be removed
One of the most persistent wisdom tooth removal myths is that all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. However, this isn’t necessarily true. In many cases, wisdom teeth can remain in place without causing any problems or requiring removal. Other times, wisdom teeth may partially emerge or become impacted and require extraction. Your dentist can help you determine whether wisdom tooth removal is right for you.
Some wisdom teeth don’t need to be removed
If your wisdom teeth are properly aligned and there aren’t any signs of infection, then wisdom tooth removal may not be necessary. In these cases, wisdom teeth can remain in place without causing any harm. However, wisdom tooth removal should be considered if there are potential risks such as infection or overcrowding of other teeth.
Wisdom tooth extraction should not be delayed
Even if wisdom tooth removal isn’t necessary at the time, it is important to keep up with regular wisdom tooth check-ups. This is because wisdom teeth can begin to cause problems such as crowding or infection over time. It is much easier and less risky to remove wisdom teeth when they first start causing issues than if they are left untreated for too long.
Wisdom tooth removal isn’t a one-time procedure
In some cases, wisdom tooth removal may be necessary more than once. This is especially true for wisdom teeth that are only partially erupted or become impacted after the initial extraction. It’s important to keep up with wisdom tooth check-ups in order to ensure that any potential issues don’t go unnoticed.
Wisdom teeth removal is painful
Another popular wisdom tooth removal myth is that wisdom tooth extraction is a painful procedure. While it’s true that wisdom tooth extraction can be uncomfortable, the reality is that this discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and other treatments such as ice or heat therapy. In some cases, wisdom tooth removal may even be performed using general anesthesia in order to minimize any discomfort.
Discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications
As wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure, there will likely be some discomfort afterwards. However, this discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Additionally, your dentist may also prescribe a stronger medication if the discomfort is particularly severe.
Ice and heat therapy can reduce swelling and discomfort
Ice and heat therapy are two simple treatments that can help reduce wisdom tooth removal discomfort. Applying a cold compress or an ice pack to the wisdom tooth extraction site can help reduce swelling while applying heat therapy can help relieve pain and stiffness in the jaw.
General anesthesia may be used for wisdom tooth removal
In some cases, wisdom tooth removal may be performed using general anesthesia in order to minimize any discomfort. This is usually only necessary for wisdom tooth removal procedures that require more complex techniques such as surgical extractions or those involving impacted wisdom teeth.
Wisdom tooth removal can lead to complications
It’s understandable to be concerned about wisdom tooth removal and the potential risks associated with it. However, wisdom tooth removal is a relatively safe procedure and complications are rare. That being said, wisdom tooth extraction should only be performed by an experienced dentist in order to minimize the risk of any potential complications.
Wisdom tooth extraction should only be performed by an experienced dentist
Wisdom teeth removal can lead to certain risks such as infection or damage to surrounding teeth. That’s why it is important that wisdom tooth extraction is only performed by an experienced dentist who has the necessary training and expertise to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly.
Infection is a potential risk of wisdom tooth removal
Infection is a potential risk of wisdom tooth removal, although this is usually rare. In order to reduce the risk of infection, it’s important to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions and keep the wisdom tooth extraction site clean. This includes avoiding activities such as smoking or drinking alcohol until the wound has had time to heal properly.
Damage to surrounding teeth is a potential risk of wisdom tooth removal
Damage to surrounding teeth is another potential risk of wisdom tooth removal. In order to reduce the risk of this occurring, it’s important that wisdom tooth extraction is only performed by an experienced dentist who has the necessary training and expertise to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth removal is a relatively simple and safe procedure that can provide relief from wisdom tooth pain. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with a wisdom tooth extraction in order to reduce the risk of any complications. Additionally, wisdom tooth removal should only be performed by an experienced dentist in order to minimize the risk of any potential complications.
FAQs
A: Wisdom tooth removal discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and ice and heat therapy can also help reduce swelling and stiffness in the jaw.
A: Wisdom tooth removal is generally a safe procedure, however, it’s important to only have wisdom tooth extraction performed by an experienced dentist in order to minimize the risk of any complications.
A: Wisdom tooth removal is a relatively simple procedure and usually only takes a few minutes to complete. However, the length of the procedure can vary depending on the individual’s wisdom teeth and the complexity of the extraction.
