Here is Your Guide to the Wisdom Teeth Removal

Removing Wisdom teeth involves oral surgery which is most often a preventive measure to avoid future complications arising out of mal-alignments or impacted teeth. 

We have all grown up on the tales of the appearance and removal of wisdom teeth. Most people believe that getting wisdom teeth is a rare occurrence but it is not that rare. These are called the third molars. Most people will have them in their early or late twenties.

Some people never grow wisdom teeth. Our ancestors had a much different diet than us today. According to the researchers, our ancestors needed wisdom teeth to chew hard food like uncooked meat. We can survive very well without them if they are to be removed. 

Most people indeed face issues when wisdom teeth appear. An experienced dentist can take care of the issues which is why you should get an appointment at the earliest.

Also Read: 5 Popular Replacement Options for Missing Teeth

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

For some people, all four wisdom teeth will be well-aligned and healthy. But for many others, these teeth can cause a lot of discomfort while coming out. There may be pain, swelling, cavities, gum disease, etc. These problems occur because- 

• These teeth may be impacted in the gums or jawbone due to their location far back in the mouth. 
• Mal-alignments are common with wisdom teeth. They may cause bites or press against the other teeth. There may be damage to the jawbone or nerves
• There may not be enough space in your mouth for an extra set of molars
• Due to these teeth being far back, it is difficult to reach them to clean them well. This can be a reason for gum disease and cavities

If there are issues with the wisdom teeth, you will notice these signs

• Tooth pain around that area at the back of the mouth
• Food getting trapped around the wisdom teeth
• Gum issues around the molars
• Your dentist may notice

• Tooth decay in partially erupted wisdom teeth
• Cysts around the wisdom teeth
• Damage to the jaw bone or teeth around the problematic wisdom teeth 

As some signs may be missed by you and can only be seen by an experienced dentist, never miss your regular appointments.

When do you need wisdom teeth removal? What is the process?

If you are having any signs and symptoms mentioned above or your dentist sees any problems, you will be advised to remove wisdom teeth. When the teeth have recently erupted, it is easier to extract them as the bone is not very dense.

Due to their position far back in the mouth, mal-alignments can make it a little tricky. This is why you need an experienced dental surgeon. During a regular examination, your dentist might advise that you get these teeth removed before any issues to prevent complications later on. 

The Process

You will undergo a thorough oral examination. X-rays and/or scans will be taken to ascertain the location. Always tell your dentist about existing health issues, allergies, medications, and supplements you are taking. 

The next step will be to numb the area using a local anesthetic. You can ask your dentist for sedation or other types of anesthesia for feeling relaxed during the surgery. The surgery takes anywhere between 30 minutes to one hour. 

Rarely, it may take a little longer if it is a complicated case. Your wisdom tooth or teeth will be extracted during this procedure. The wisdom teeth will be exposed via incisions to gain access to them.

Sometimes, the gums or the surrounding bone have to be cut out if the tooth is not fully erupted or is mal-aligned. The wisdom teeth will be loosened and removed from the sockets. The wound/incision will be closed with dissolvable stitches. 

Recovery 

The recovery from wisdom teeth extraction is rapid and uneventful for most people. There will be mild pain and swelling which generally goes away in three to four days after wisdom teeth extraction. You will need to rest on the day of surgery and can go back to normal activities after 24 hours. It is better to avoid strenuous activities for a few days. 

You will be given certain instructions by your dentist. Follow them for a speedy recovery. 

• You can use an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain
• Ask your dentist if you can use moist heat on the face after 36-48 hours to decrease soreness
• Eat soft and bland foods at room temperature. Cold foods can be soothing.
• You may be advised to take antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines. Take them as prescribed
• Brush the rest of the teeth from the next day

Don’ts

• Brush the area around the wound as that can dislodge blood clots.
• Use a straw or rinse your mouth strongly. Dislodging blood clots will delay healing. 
• Eat or drink hard, spicy, and very hot foods.

Contact your dentist if you have a fever, excessive pain or swelling, oozing from the wound, worsening swelling, facial numbness, or any other abnormal symptoms. 

What is the appropriate age for wisdom teeth removal?

The right age for removing any troublesome wisdom teeth is the age at which these teeth start giving trouble. It is usually recommended to have them removed in the early 20s or late teens as they are still forming which makes them easier to be extracted. You will know if the teeth/tooth are malaligned or have other issues at a very early stage. Get them removed as soon as possible to avoid complications.

To Conclude

Wisdom tooth removal is a common oral surgery procedure that should be done by an experienced dentist at a good clinic.

We offer our patients the best facilities in a fully equipped dental office. Get an appointment for wisdom teeth removal from our experts at Morgan Hill Dentistry for great oral health.