When visiting your dental clinic in Philadelphia, you may hear the dreaded words: wisdom teeth. Even though almost everyone gets them, only some understand wisdom teeth very well. Whether you’re worried about your wisdom teeth or preparing for your teenager to get theirs, let’s look at what you can expect with your wisdom teeth and how Dental Clinic in Philadelphia can help you. 

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that emerge in our mouths. Most people get them in their late teens and early twenties. If you have good teeth alignment and enough room for the wisdom teeth to emerge, they become another set of molars to help you chew food. 

If you have crowded teeth or your mouth is too small for your wisdom teeth, they can cause problems. They may grow at angles or become impacted, where they don’t break through the gum at all.

Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Whether or not you need your wisdom teeth removed depends on your oral health. Your dentist will examine your teeth and x-ray your jaw to see where your wisdom teeth will emerge. They’ll be able to determine if you have room for them and if you’ll be able to reach them for proper brushing and flossing. 

If it looks like your wisdom teeth will cause problems, your dentist will recommend removing them. This is because misaligned wisdom teeth can cause several problems, including, 

• Damage to other teeth
• Jaw and nerve damage
• Sinus issues
• Inflamed gums
• Cavities
• Misalignment & crowding of other teeth

What Should I Expect from Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Your dental clinic in Philadelphia may remove your wisdom teeth themselves, or they may refer you to an oral surgeon. The removal itself usually takes less than an hour. Depending on the specifics of your oral health and wisdom teeth, you’ll receive one of three types of anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain. 

• Local anesthesia to numb your mouth
• IV sedation to numb your mouth and make you drowsy
• General anesthesia to put you to sleep for the procedure

Usually, recovery only takes a few days. If the surgeon had to cut open your gums to remove your wisdom teeth, then you’ll have stitches that will dissolve as your gums heal. 

Dental Clinic in Philadelphia – After Wisdom Teeth Removal Dos & Don’ts

After the removal of wisdom teeth, it’s important to take care of yourself. You should, 

• Use an ice pack to control swelling
• Use moist heat for a sore jaw
• Eat soft foods
• Drink plenty of water
• Take medication if prescribed
• Exercise your jaw gently
• Brush your teeth starting the second day after removal
• Call your doctor if you have a fever, or if pain and swelling don’t improve

After surgery, do not, 

• Drink through a straw
• Rinse your mouth harshly
• Smoke

Are You Looking for a Dental Clinic in Philadelphia?

Keep up with your regular dental visits so that you’re ready for your wisdom teeth. If you’re looking for a dental clinic or an emergency dentist in Philadelphia, contact us today to make an appointment. Take advantage of our free new patient consultation to meet our staff and choose your new family dentist.