It’s the year 2020, which means if you are still suffering from dental issues caused by your wisdom teeth, it’s time to consider having them removed. At Edgewood Dental Care, we regularly practice wisdom tooth removal. We have seen first-hand how much of a difference it can make in the quality of life of our patients.

If you are ready to say goodbye to the pain and discomfort caused by your wisdom teeth, learn what you can expect during a wisdom tooth removal. Then call us at 859-474-7830 to schedule an appointment in Edgewood, KY. We look forward to hearing from you.

Why Do I Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are four adult teeth located in the back corners of the mouth, behind the rest of your teeth. They typically grow in between the ages of 17 and 24. It is commonly believed that we have wisdom teeth because they were once necessary for our ancestors, who ate raw meat, leaves, roots, and nuts.

We have since evolved and developed the ability to cook and prepare food into more manageable portions, so our wisdom teeth are no longer needed.

Do My Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

As we evolved and our diets changed, the size of our jawlines changed as well. Unfortunately, that means most of us no longer have room for our wisdom teeth to fit comfortably.

Many of our patients come to us with wisdom teeth that never broke through their gums. This is known as impacted wisdom teeth. A wisdom tooth that emerges only part of the way through the gums is known as partially impacted. In both cases, because of lack of room, the tooth will often grow at an angle and cause problems like tooth pain, bacterial growth, and more.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign your wisdom teeth need to be removed:

  • Swollen or red gums
  • Jaw pain
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Swelling around the jaw
  • Difficulty opening your mouth

What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal

If you think you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed, don’t panic. This common procedure is meant to relieve pain and discomfort. At Edgewood Dental Care, we are here to improve your quality of life, which is exactly what a wisdom tooth removal procedure can do.

Local anesthesia and dental sedation are used during the procedure to ensure you are comfortable the entire time. Most of our patients describe the procedure as “uncomfortable” as opposed to painful. But rest assured, we go to great lengths to make sure you feel at ease before, during, and after your wisdom teeth are removed.

In the days following your procedure, plan on taking time to rest. You will likely experience some swelling and discomfort, but pain medication and ice packs make the experience much more tolerable. During your recovery, you can expect to ingest mostly soft foods. You should avoid anything spicy as well as drinking through a straw.

As for the other details of your recovery, we will go over everything during your appointment. Don’t let another day of pain and discomfort get you down. Call Edgewood Dental Care at 859-474-7830 today or contact us online to request a consultation and discuss your options.