dentist Archives - Going Dad

The wisdom teeth are the last to cut through the gum tissue and normally do not make an appearance until a person’s late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, wisdom teeth do not have enough room to cut through the gum tissue, and they become impacted. With this guide, individuals will learn some signs they should never ignore when it comes to their wisdom teeth.

7 Signs Wisdom Teeth Need Attention

Many people have their wisdom teeth removed proactively, so they do not have to face problems. Many places, like Herndon dentists, make it easy to setup an appointment online to get any issues resolved quickly. When issues arise and are causing discomfort and other problems, individuals often need emergency dental wisdom teeth removal. If the following signs are occurring, a person needs to schedule a dental appointment right away to see if their wisdom teeth need to be removed.

1. If the wisdom teeth become impacted, a person may notice they have a hard lump in the gum tissue and it becomes swollen and irritated.

2. A toothache in the wisdom teeth should never be ignored. Wisdom teeth can become very painful when they are decayed or become infected.

3. Sometimes, there is simply not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth, which causes tooth shifting.

4. Jaw pain is another sign of wisdom tooth problems that should never be ignored. The pain may radiate through the jaw and into the ear.

5. Because of their positions, infections are common in wisdom teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. Pus drainage, redness, and fever are all common signs.

6. An individual may also experience headaches because of their wisdom teeth. Headaches are caused by the immense pressure placed on the jaw.

7. Wisdom teeth can also cause a person’s teeth to become overly sensitive. The wisdom teeth place excess pressure on the teeth and cause discomfort.

What to Do in the Event of an Emergency?

Sometimes, the pain of wisdom teeth can be unrelenting. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it sometimes requires an emergency extraction. Those who have noticed signs of impaction need to call a dentist right away. Often, dentists will offer emergency appointments when patients require immediate care.

The dentist will remove wisdom teeth with a local anesthetic or general anesthesia. It is important to note that a person will not feel any discomfort when their wisdom teeth are removed. After removal, it is common to feel some soreness, so individuals will need to consume a soft foods diet for a couple of days.

If the teeth are impacted, incisions are necessary for removing the wisdom teeth. If the tooth has cut through the gum tissue, the dentist will use dental tools called elevators to widen the socket and allow for the removal of the tooth.

Does Everyone Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Some people will not need a wisdom tooth extraction. If there is ample room in the jaw and the teeth are coming in straight and not causing problems, it is best to leave them alone. Often, there is not enough room for the teeth, and they begin to cause problems with other teeth in the mouth. When issues are arising with wisdom teeth, it is best to remove them.

Schedule a Consultation

Those who are dealing with wisdom teeth problems should see their dentist as soon as possible. With a full examination and X-rays, dentists will know which plan of treatment needs to be sought for the patient. Often, an extraction becomes necessary.

Wearing braces or aligners is the standard treatment for straightening misaligned teeth. Yet, how long one has to wear braces to get that perfect smile is not fixed. It usually varies according to the treatment requirements and the patient’s lifestyle.

Moreover, the orthodontist often gives instructions about oral hygiene, which promotes faster treatment. So, make sure that you follow them.

The Average Amount Of Time For Braces

Usually, it takes between 1 to 3 years for misaligned teeth to get straightened. However, the time can get shorter or longer as per the patient’s circumstances.

Having said that, let’s learn about these circumstances.

How Crooked Your Teeth Are

The most common reason to wear braces is when a person has crowded, stuck out, and space between the teeth. These are different types of crooked teeth. The Orthodontist often suggests getting braces for crooked teeth as it helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and enamel erosion.

Also, the duration of the treatment depends upon the severity of these conditions. In fact, some people even have to remove their teeth to make more room in the mouth. Such a situation increases the treatment duration.

Teeth Alignment When You Bite

It isn’t necessary that your top and bottom teeth align (also known as bite) the way they are supposed to. Generally, there are four types of bite,

Open bite
Deep bite
Underbite
Crossbite

If you are getting braces to treat a bite, it will take much longer than the treatment for misaligned teeth.

Type Of Braces Used

The type of orthodontic treatment also has a significant impact over the duration.

Metal Braces: These include brackets that are attached to your teeth and connected using a metal wire. To align your teeth, the orthodontist will tighten these wires regularly. These are generally recommended for serious correction of misaligned teeth.

Clear Aligners: Unlike metal wires, these are made of plastic-like trays and can easily be removed. It makes it convenient to brush and floss your teeth. However, you need to wear them almost every day. Otherwise, the treatment plan will get extended.

But, these are not recommended for closing teeth gaps.

Lingual Braces: These are aesthetic braces and are more effective than metal braces and clear aligners. Here the metal braces are glued behind your teeth. But these might not be a great option for everyone. Therefore, you must consult your dentist.

Diet And Lifestyle

Eating food after getting braces can be pretty challenging. Therefore, it is essential that you follow your orthodontist’s advice about what you can and can not eat. Otherwise, your braces can break, which will require an emergency appointment.

Likewise, you might also need to make some changes in your lifestyle. Ask your dentist if they can provide you a mouthguard to wear while playing sports or exercising. Also, you must visit them every six months for cleaning.

Wrapping it up!

Braces are essential for teeth and jaw alignment. Plus, healthy teeth also lead to better well-being. The period will vary as per your treatment plan. Even so, it is essential that you communicate with your dentist or orthodontist throughout the process.