There aren't many procedures feared more than wisdom teeth removal. These words strike fear into the hearts of patients everywhere. Whether it is the horror stories told about dry sockets after extraction or the funny but embarrassing viral videos of siblings believing that they are being chased by zombies while recovering from sedation.
The truth is, when properly evaluated, wisdom teeth do not have to be a scary thing. And the best way to do this is with a panoramic x-ray.
What is a Panoramic X-Ray?
A Panoramic x-ray shows your dentist a panoramic view of your jaws, teeth and developing tooth buds. These tooth buds or wisdom teeth grow gradually over a period of many years. Because of this slow development, serious problems or changes may occur very slowly. Regular dental visits and periodic x-rays can help your dentist assess these developing teeth and suggest treatment when needed before any damage is done.
Having a panoramic x-ray done is quick and easy. The panoramic X-ray gives your dentist an ear-to-ear two-dimensional view of both the upper and lower jaw. One of the most common uses for panoramic X-rays is to reveal the positioning of wisdom teeth.
When You Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth are located correctly, and you have no pain or dental problems, then you shouldn't need to remove them. Unless you undergo another procedure that requires you to do so. Some patients that are correcting their teeth with braces may also need corrective jaw surgery. At that point, it may be necessary to remove your wisdom teeth as they may be in the way for the jaw surgery.
My wisdom teeth have grown in, but they do not bother me.
If your wisdom teeth have come in but don't hurt, they could still cause crowding and this crowding which could lead to tooth decay as it is hard to clean them. It is very hard to treat (reach) wisdom teeth that have cavities, and this could lead to more painful problems as the cavity deepens within the tooth. Then the only solution would be to pull it. Easiest solution? Remove the wisdom teeth before they cause problems.
Impacted wisdom teeth.
This is when you know you have a problem, wisdom teeth can either grow in like normal teeth, or they will remain below the surface horizontally, usually because there isn't enough room for them come in regularly. Some may even come in partially, but when they do this, they may rub and still allow plaque and bacteria to form. When an impacted wisdom tooth collides with the roots of your molars, it can be extremely painful. A panoramic x-ray will show the position, and then your dentist will recommend the best course of action. If removal is the best bet, don't be nervous.
With techniques like IV sedation, you will not even know the surgery is happening. And you will probably be in and out in about an hour. As long as you follow post care instructions, you may be swollen, but you will heal quickly.
For more questions about panoramic x-rays or wisdom teeth removal, please give us a call.