Friday, February 5, 2021

Get Wise About Wisdom Teeth!

Have you been wondering if you need to have your wisdom teeth removed? Or wondering what the point is of the wisdom teeth in the first place? Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist of southern Missouri, and we are here to help you understand important facts about dental health and how to take care of yourself. Keep reading to learn more about wisdom teeth and whether or not you should have yours removed. 


Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed? 


As wisdom teeth come in, you will likely feel quite a bit of pain, particularly as they break through your gums. They may also start pushing your teeth together, causing your "bite" to shift. If you are noticing jaw pain and that your teeth don't fit together as well when you bite down, it could be time to remove your wisdom teeth.

Getting an x-ray at our dental offices in Southern Missouri is the easiest way to determine how your wisdom teeth are coming in. Sometimes they can grow at a weird angle and become "impacted". Signs that you may have an impacted tooth include throbbing pain, swollen glands, tender gums, jaw swelling, and a painful headache. Any time that wisdom teeth cause pain, discomfort, or damage to your other teeth, it is time to have them removed. 

What are Wisdom Teeth, Anyway?


These teeth are the very back molars that come in when you are significantly older than when your first teeth came in. They do not replace any baby teeth and, because they come in when you are older, they're given the name "wisdom teeth". Whether or not you have wisdom teeth grow in is determined by genetics. So if both your parents had to have theirs removed, it is likely that you will need to have yours taken out as well.


Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?


Wisdom teeth are a type of molar. Molars are used to grind down tough foods so that they are easier to consume. Our diets are significantly softer and easier to eat now than they used to be, so wisdom teeth are no longer necessary. There is also not as much room to allow wisdom teeth to grow in. That means that they can start pushing your teeth together, causing cosmetic and in some cases physical issues for your teeth.

Care After Removal


Taking care of yourself after getting your wisdom teeth removed is very important. Your dentist will give you a syringe to help clean the areas where the teeth were removed. Use warm salty water to flush out the area every time you eat. Your dentist may also recommend sticking to a liquid diet for a few days while your stitches heal. Make sure you don't use a straw and don't engage in any physically demanding activities for awhile. The suction and pressure from your elevated heart rate could cause the stitches to burst, which can quickly turn into an infection. 

Visit Access Dental


If you aren't sure whether or not you have wisdom teeth coming in, or if yours need to be removed, Access Dental and Dentures can help make that determination for you! As the best dentist in the Springfield area, we can help you take proper care of your teeth and overall oral health. Give us a call to schedule an appointment or to ask questions about our services and how we can help you! 1-877-DENTIST


We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST




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