Table of Contents

• What are Your Wisdom Teeth?
• Why Do You Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction? 
• Will Your Teeth Shift After Extraction?
• How to Alleviate Discomfort After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
• Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Removal at Mills River Family Dental

Wisdom tooth eruption can be a major pain. As these teeth erupt, you may experience increased discomfort and sensitivity, potentially necessitating extraction. Wisdom tooth extraction is a crucial part of maintaining optimal oral health and comfort. However, you may have many concerns leading up to this appointment.

One major concern following your extraction is whether it will lead to potential tooth shifting. It isn’t an uncommon concern, as the loss of other teeth has been known to cause shifting and changes in your bite. If you’re about to schedule a wisdom tooth extraction and are concerned about potential tooth shifting, keep reading to learn more about what to expect. 

What are Your Wisdom Teeth?

Your wisdom teeth, also known as your third molars, are the last adult molars to come through.  Many dental patients experience their eruption between the ages of 18 and 25. However, not everyone has wisdom teeth, and some people will never experience this growth. In some cases, these teeth will grow in appropriately and cause little to no pain or trouble.

Some wisdom teeth may become impacted in your jaw or beneath your gums, or grow at an angle, pressing against the neighboring teeth. In these cases, it isn’t uncommon for people to experience considerable discomfort as they erupt. This improper growth puts you at an increased risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health complications. 

Why Do You Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction? 

Not everyone who has wisdom teeth will need to schedule an extraction. However, there are a few situations that necessitate their removal, including: 

• Impaction: If there isn’t enough room in your mouth to accommodate your wisdom teeth, they may struggle to fully erupt. This failed eruption can lead to frequent discomfort, making it essential to schedule wisdom tooth extraction. 
• Infection: When your wisdom teeth fail to fully erupt, this can create pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets are the ideal environment for bacteria to grow, potentially leading to infection. To address this infection, removal is your best option. 
• Tooth Damage: Your wisdom teeth may begin to press on the surrounding teeth once they’ve erupted. This pressure can compromise the health and strength of your jawbone and damage your second molars. 
• Preventative Care: Some dentists may recommend wisdom tooth extraction to help you avoid the problems listed above. If your loved ones experienced issues with these teeth, wisdom tooth extraction can help you avoid following in their footsteps. 

Will Your Teeth Shift After Extraction?

If you are preparing for wisdom tooth extraction, you may worry about the impact this will have on your surrounding teeth. You may be concerned about the risk of your teeth shifting after the removal of these additional molars. However, in most cases, if your teeth do move, the movement is typically very slight. 

It is unlikely that you will notice major changes in the positioning of your teeth. If your wisdom teeth caused misalignments, there is a chance that their removal will lead to a more noticeable change in the positioning of your teeth. Patients who are concerned about potential tooth shifting should discuss this with their dentist to determine whether they believe their teeth will shift substantially. 

How to Alleviate Discomfort After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

It isn’t uncommon to experience some discomfort following your wisdom tooth extraction. Although it may be concerning, there are several steps you can take to alleviate this pain. The best ways to address any discomfort following this procedure include: 

• Take Prescribed Pain Medication: If your dental team has prescribed a pain medication, follow the package instructions carefully. If this medication isn’t treating your discomfort, consider contacting your dental team for support. 
• Use Ice Packs: Cold compresses, following this procedure, can help alleviate any lingering swelling and inflammation. Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the area for up to 15 minutes to relieve your discomfort. 
• Rinse with Warm Salt Water: Mix one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of salt and carefully rinse your mouth. This mixture will slow bacterial growth and promote healing, helping you recover more quickly. 
• Follow a Soft Food Diet: While you may be tempted to eat your favorite foods, it’s best to follow a soft food diet for a few days following the procedure. Consider eating foods like applesauce, yogurt, potatoes, soup, and soft vegetables to avoid irritation. 
• Avoid Strenuous Activity: If you are an extremely active individual, it is essential to take a few days off from physical activity. Allow your body plenty of time to recover adequately and gradually return to more strenuous activities after about five days. 

While some pain following a wisdom tooth extraction is to be expected, debilitating pain is cause for concern. If you’re experiencing extreme discomfort, contact your dentist and consider scheduling an emergency dental appointment to ensure everything is healing appropriately. 

Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Removal at Mills River Family Dental

When you’re experiencing discomfort from your wisdom teeth, it’s essential to schedule removal as soon as possible. Even the most minor discomfort can make it difficult, if not impossible, to complete everyday responsibilities. If you’re looking for a dental team in the Mills River, NC, area to help you through wisdom tooth removal, turn to Mills River Family Dental for support. 

Since 2003, our team has provided the most reliable dental care to patients across the area. Whether you need to schedule your twice-yearly dental cleaning, cosmetic dental care, or wisdom tooth extraction, our team has the training and experience to handle all of these procedures. With our help, you can trust that you’ll achieve your healthiest smile.

If you would like to schedule wisdom tooth extraction with our team of experts, please contact us today.