Most people develop wisdom teeth, or third molars, at some point in their late teens or early twenties. These teeth are often too big for the jawbone, which can result in various potential complications. For this reason, dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth as a preventative measure. At Jax OMS, we have the skill, experience, and technology required to safely handle wisdom teeth removal, emphasizing your comfort and safety.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge, usually developing at some point between ages 17 and 21 but sometimes appearing as early as age 11.
The problem with wisdom teeth is that most of the time, the jaw is too small to accommodate them. This can cause the wisdom teeth to become impacted, which is another way of saying that they remain trapped under gum tissue or bone rather than fully emerging. Unaddressed, this can cause gapping and spacing issues, damage healthy teeth, and increase your risk for bacterial infection.
Why Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed at an Early Age?
Wisdom teeth removal is typically recommended as a preventative measure. By having your wisdom teeth extracted early, you can avoid problems such as impaction, cyst formation, and chronic pain, all of which are common occurrences when the wisdom teeth are left in place. Additionally, having your wisdom teeth removed earlier can result in a speedier recovery and a lower risk of complications.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following wisdom teeth removal, you will need to allow a few days for your mouth to heal. Over the first day or two, you can anticipate some bleeding, swelling, and mild discomfort. We use a pain medication called Exparel®, which leaves the mouth numb for a full 48 hours after the surgery. This allows most patients to sail through their recovery with little or no discomfort, and without needing additional pain relievers.
You will also need to stick to a diet of soft foods and liquids for a few days following your wisdom teeth removal, transitioning back to a normal diet as you feel able.
You’re in Good Hands with Us
At Jax OMS, we perform wisdom teeth removal all the time. This is a very common procedure that can prevent significant issues down the road. To learn more, schedule a consultation with us by contacting (904) 821-1334
