Welcome to Gentle Dental Family Care, your trusted destination for wisdom tooth extraction in Kew Gardens. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing safe, efficient, and comfortable wisdom tooth removal services. Whether you’re experiencing pain, overcrowding, or other dental issues, we use the latest techniques and technology to ensure a smooth and stress-free procedure. Let us help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile—book your wisdom tooth extraction appointment today!
The Unique Role of Wisdom Teeth
Human evolution has significantly influenced the development and problems associated with wisdom teeth. Our early ancestors had larger jaws and more teeth to help them chew a tough diet of roots, nuts, leaves, and uncooked meat. These larger jaws easily accommodated the third set of molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, which usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.
However, as humans evolved, several key changes impacted our jaws and dental structure:
- Dietary Changes: Over time, the human diet evolved to include softer, cooked foods. This shift reduced the need for large, powerful jaws capable of chewing tough materials. Consequently, the size of the human jaw gradually decreased.
- Brain Expansion: As humans evolved, the size of our brains increased, which in turn affected the shape and structure of our skulls. The expansion of the cranium to accommodate a larger brain contributed to the reduction in jaw size.
- Developmental Changes: Evolutionary pressures favored smaller, more efficient jaws. The reduction in jaw size meant there was less space for teeth to emerge properly. This often results in the third molars becoming impacted or misaligned.
These evolutionary changes mean that many people today do not have enough space in their jaws for their wisdom teeth to emerge properly. This is what leads to the common problems associated with wisdom teeth such as impaction, crowding, misalignment, and infections.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction
At Gentle Dental Family Care, we understand that while some individuals may have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may require extraction due to various complications. Here are some signs indicating you might need wisdom tooth extraction:
- Crowding: If your wisdom teeth are trying to emerge in an already crowded mouth, they can push against other teeth, causing crowding and alignment issues.
- Pain and Swelling: Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth can cause persistent pain and swelling in the gum area surrounding the tooth.
- Difficulty Cleaning: Due to their location at the very back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can be challenging to clean effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Cyst Formation: Occasionally, the sac surrounding an impacted wisdom tooth can fill with fluid, forming a cyst that can damage nearby bone and teeth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with us to determine if wisdom tooth extraction is necessary. Early treatment can help prevent more serious complications.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure: What to Expect
At Gentle Dental Family Care, we ensure a smooth and comfortable wisdom tooth extraction process. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure:
Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. We will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and determine the best course of action for removing your wisdom teeth. This might involve a simple extraction or a more complex surgical procedure, depending on the position and condition of your wisdom teeth.
Extraction
On the day of your procedure, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area around your wisdom teeth. In some cases, we may also provide a sedative to help you relax during the surgery. Our skilled team will then carefully remove the wisdom teeth, which may involve cutting away gum tissue or breaking the teeth into smaller pieces for easier extraction.
Recovery
Post-surgery, you can expect some swelling and discomfort in the affected area. We will provide specific instructions for managing pain and promoting healing, which may include taking over-the-counter pain medication, applying ice packs, and following a soft food diet for a few days. The recovery process can vary, but most people are able to return to their normal activities within a week or two.
It’s important to follow the personalized recommendations we provide and attend any follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. At Gentle Dental Family Care, we are here to support you every step of the way.
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Professional Wisdom Tooth Extraction In Kew Gardens
At Gentle Dental Family Care, we recognize that many people will require wisdom tooth extraction at some stage in their lives. Although it might seem convenient to delay this procedure, timely treatment is crucial. Postponing wisdom tooth extraction can lead to significant oral health issues down the road.
If you’re experiencing discomfort or other problems with your wisdom teeth, it’s vital to arrange a consultation without delay. We will thoroughly evaluate your wisdom teeth and determine if extraction is the best course of action. Don’t let anxiety or hesitation about wisdom tooth extraction stop you from safeguarding your oral health.
Our experienced team at Gentle Dental Family Care is committed to making the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. Take charge of your dental health—schedule your consultation today and start your journey towards a healthier, pain-free smile.
Wisdom Teeth Q & A
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that form in the back of your mouth in the upper and lower jaw. Most people develop four wisdom teeth that erupt during their late teenage years or early adulthood.
Unlike your other teeth, wisdom teeth aren’t critical for chewing and aren’t an essential component of a healthy mouth.
Why do I need to get my wisdom teeth removed?
Sometimes, wisdom teeth come in straight and require no dental intervention. However, because wisdom teeth are the final teeth to erupt and there's little room left for them in your mouth, they frequently become impacted. Wisdom teeth can cause crowding, pain, and infection unless removed.
If you’ve worn braces, wisdom teeth can also cause your other teeth to misalign and quickly undo months or years of orthodontic work.
What are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?
The experts at Gentle Dental Family Care monitor your overall dental health at each of your appointments. X-rays help your dentist gauge the position and growth of your wisdom teeth and determine the right time for extraction.
With routine dental exams and care, it’s unlikely that the eruption of your wisdom teeth will come as a surprise. Here are some telltale signs:
- Gum pain
- Jaw pain
- Swollen gums
- Foul breath
- Bitter taste in your mouth
What can I expect during wisdom teeth removal?
Depending on the number of teeth you’re having removed, the doctors at Gentle Dental Family Care use a local anesthetic to numb your gums. You may receive general anesthesia whether you’re having some or all of your wisdom teeth extracted.
If your teeth have erupted, your dentist uses a specially designed tool to gently massage and pry each tooth from its socket. For impacted teeth, the dentist makes a short incision in your gums to remove the tooth in small pieces.
After sterilizing the gums to remove debris, your dentist applies gauze at the extraction site to manage the bleeding. Two or three dissolvable stitches may be needed.
For thorough and compassionate removal of your wisdom teeth, call Gentle Dental Family Care now or book your appointment online.
