5 Commonly Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Wisdom teeth are one of the rights of passage for many teens and young adults. Also known as third molars, these teeth are the last to erupt, so they never have enough space in the jaw to grow healthily. More often than not, wisdom teeth cause problems, and extraction is usually the best way to resolve the issue. 

Need to learn more about wisdom teeth extractions in Napier, New Zealand? Below are commonly asked questions about wisdom teeth removal expertly answered by Dentiq Dental. If you don’t find what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to talk to Dr. Sundar Jagadeesan and his team. 

1. What are the symptoms of troublesome wisdom teeth?

Not everyone has wisdom teeth. And some people have only one instead of two or four. While some wisdom teeth don’t cause problems—it’s rarely the case—most cause the following unpleasant symptoms. 

• Jaw pain and stiffness
• Poor alignment or overcrowding
• Tooth pain
• Tension headaches
• Swollen or tender gums 
• Difficulty opening the mouth (trismus)
• In more serious cases, cysts can form

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is wise to schedule a dental exam promptly. Early evaluation and removal, when needed, can prevent long-term complications.

2. What is wisdom teeth impaction?

Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. At this age, there’s not enough room left in the mouth for them to come in properly. Because of limited space, they become impacted, meaning they get partially or fully stuck beneath the gum line or lodged against neighboring teeth or bone.

There are several types of tooth impaction. 

• The tooth is upright but doesn’t break through the gum (vertical impaction)
• The tooth leans toward the next tooth or the back of the mouth (angled impaction)
• The tooth lies sideways, pushing against the roots of the tooth in front of it (horizontal impaction)

Impacted teeth can cause pain, swelling, and damage to the nearby teeth. And because they can be sneaky, you might not even feel them at first. Dr. Jagadeesan recommends regular dental X-rays to spot these latecomers before they cause trouble. 

3. Must I remove my wisdom teeth?

Not all wisdom teeth require removal. Removing them is unnecessary if they break through the gums and grow without causing overcrowding or oral hygiene complications. Sometimes, the dentist may recommend a “wait and see” approach. Other times, the dentist may recommend removal even if your teeth don’t cause problems now—this proactive approach saves you from future issues. Removing your wisdom teeth is a personalized decision. The dentist will examine your unique case and determine the best way to move forward. 

4. What can I expect from wisdom teeth extraction?

When you need wisdom teeth removal, we treat you with compassion and empathy to ensure a stress-free experience. Before moving forward, the dentist will answer all your questions and address any concerns to ensure you are well-informed before treatment. 

To optimize your comfort, the dentist uses powerful anesthetics. You won’t feel any pain during treatment, just mild pressure. Patients tell us they expected worse. After extraction, we’ll give you aftercare tips for a smooth recovery. Many patients recover after a few days. 

5. Do wisdom teeth require replacement after removal?

No, wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced after removal. These teeth typically don’t serve a vital function in the mouth. And since they’re located at the very back, their absence doesn’t affect your appearance. Once removed, the gap they leave is both nonessential and barely noticeable.

Who offers wisdom teeth removal services near me in Napier?

Dentiq Dental provides gentle, stress-free dental extractions in Napier, NZ, and the surrounding locations. Call 06 880 6161 and schedule your appointment today. 

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