Wisdom Tooth: Symptoms, Removal & Care | NOW Dentistry Guide
Wisdom Tooth: Symptoms, Removal & Care | NOW Dentistry Guide
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Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties. While some people have healthy wisdom teeth that align properly, others experience pain, swelling, or impaction, requiring professional removal.
At NOW Dentistry, we specialize in wisdom tooth extractions in Baltimore, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. If you're experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or difficulty chewing, it may be time to evaluate your wisdom teeth. Read on to learn about symptoms, extraction procedures, and post-care tips to keep your smile healthy.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that appear at the back of your mouth, usually between ages 17 and 25. While some people never develop them, others may have one, two, three, or all four wisdom teeth.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Anthropologists believe wisdom teeth were essential for early humans who needed extra molars to chew tough, raw foods. However, due to evolution and modern diets, our jaws have become smaller, often leaving insufficient space for these molars to emerge correctly.
Common Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Problems
Many people experience pain and discomfort when their wisdom teeth erupt. If these molars don't have enough space, they may become impacted, causing several oral health issues.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Removal:
???? Jaw Pain & Stiffness – Pressure in the back of the mouth due to growing or impacted wisdom teeth.
???? Swelling & Redness – Inflamed gums around the wisdom tooth can indicate infection.
???? Difficulty Chewing – Discomfort while eating, especially near the back molars.
???? Bad Breath & Unpleasant Taste – Bacteria buildup around a partially erupted wisdom tooth can lead to infections.
???? Crowding & Shifting Teeth – Limited space may cause adjacent teeth to move out of alignment.
???? Frequent Headaches & Ear Pain – Pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can radiate pain to other areas.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to schedule a wisdom tooth evaluation at NOW Dentistry to determine whether removal is necessary.
What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when there isn’t enough room for proper eruption, causing the tooth to become trapped under the gums or against other teeth.
Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
✅ Soft Tissue Impaction – The tooth partially emerges but remains covered by gum tissue.
✅ Partial Bony Impaction – The tooth is partially visible but stuck in the jawbone.
✅ Complete Bony Impaction – The tooth is fully trapped under the bone, requiring surgical removal.
Ignoring an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to infection, cyst formation, and damage to nearby teeth. Early removal can prevent serious complications.
Wisdom Tooth Removal: The Procedure
At NOW Dentistry, we provide safe and painless wisdom tooth extractions using the latest technology and sedation options. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial Consultation
✔ Comprehensive X-rays & oral examination to assess the position of your wisdom teeth.
✔ Discussion of treatment options and sedation preferences (local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia).
2. Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Depending on the complexity of your case, we offer simple extractions for fully erupted wisdom teeth and surgical extractions for impacted molars.
???? Procedure Steps:
✔ Numbing the area with local anesthesia.
✔ Small incision (if necessary) to expose the wisdom tooth.
✔ Careful removal of the tooth using specialized dental instruments.
✔ Stitches (if needed) to close the surgical site.
3. Recovery & Aftercare
After your wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and quick recovery
Post-Extraction Care & Recovery Tips
Following proper aftercare can prevent complications like infections, dry sockets, and excessive swelling.
Immediate Care (First 24 Hours):
✔ Bite Down on Gauze – Helps control bleeding and form a clot.
✔ Apply Ice Packs – Reduces swelling and discomfort.
✔ Avoid Rinsing or Spitting – Prevents dislodging the clot.
✔ Stick to Soft Foods – Opt for yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soup.
✔ Stay Hydrated (No Straws!) – Avoid using straws to prevent dry sockets.
✔ Take Prescribed Medications – Pain relievers and antibiotics (if needed).
Ongoing Recovery (Next 3-7 Days):
✔ Gentle Rinsing – Use warm salt water to keep the area clean.
✔ Avoid Smoking & Alcohol – Can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
✔ Limit Physical Activity – Rest is key to a faster recovery.
✔ Monitor for Signs of Infection – Persistent swelling, pain, or fever may indicate complications.
Most patients fully recover within 1-2 weeks, with minimal discomfort.
FAQs About Wisdom Tooth Removal
1. Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
No! If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and not causing problems, removal may not be necessary. However, if they’re impacted, causing pain, or affecting nearby teeth, extraction is recommended.
2. Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Painful?
Thanks to modern anesthesia and sedation dentistry, wisdom tooth removal is virtually painless. You may experience mild discomfort after the procedure, but pain medications and proper care will ensure a smooth recovery.
3. What Are the Risks of Delaying Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Waiting too long to remove an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to:
✔ Severe Pain & Swelling
✔ Infections & Abscesses
✔ Tooth Crowding & Misalignment
✔ Cysts & Damage to Nearby Teeth
Early removal helps prevent these complications and promotes better oral health.
4. How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost?
The cost varies based on complexity, number of teeth extracted, and sedation options. At NOW Dentistry, we offer affordable wisdom tooth extractions and accept most dental insurance plans. Flexible payment plans are also available.
Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Consultation at NOW Dentistry
If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain or need an evaluation, NOW Dentistry is here to help. Our experienced team provides expert wisdom tooth removal in Baltimore, ensuring a safe and comfortable procedure with fast recovery.
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???? Located in Rosedale, Baltimore, MD
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Don’t let wisdom tooth pain affect your daily life—get relief with expert care at NOW Dentistry!
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