Did you know that the summer is a perfect time to get your wisdom teeth removed? If you’re waiting on having this simple procedure done, here’s why you shouldn’t wait on scheduling it.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge, usually between 17 and 25 years of age. You can have anywhere from zero to four of these late-blooming teeth. Although they originally helped our ancestors break down a fibrous diet of roots, grasses, nuts, and seeds, they can cause many oral health issues for modern patients due to our smaller jaws.
Why Would I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth often grow in crooked and can be difficult to keep clean due to their hard-to-reach position. They can also cause overcrowding, misalignment, and damage to neighboring teeth. And if they become impacted (stuck below the gums) or you are unable to keep them clean, they are at high risk for developing decay, cavities, and infection. Infected wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling, bad breath, cysts, and gum disease.
Post-Op Recovery
Everyone has different recuperation rates after the procedure, depending on how many teeth were removed and if they were impacted. It might be uncomfortable to eat or swallow for the first few days, so eat soft foods only, like smoothies, mashed sweet potatoes, yogurt, and pureed soups. Get ample rest, drink plenty of water, avoid drinking from straws, and keep the extraction sites clean without vigorous rinsing or spitting. The extraction sites usually take several weeks to fully heal, but let us know if you experience swelling or pain that increases in intensity. Carefully follow any additional post-operative instructions we give you at your appointment to ensure a smooth recovery.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Holly Springs, NC
Have some downtime this summer and need to get your wisdom teeth taken out? Getting your wisdom teeth extracted isn’t scary—it’s a very safe procedure when performed by our gentle dentists. Contact us to schedule a wisdom teeth removal consultation at our comfortable office!
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