Almost everyone has heard of wisdom teeth, and for many people, the thought of having them removed can be a little bit scary. But it doesn’t have to be!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wisdom tooth extraction, from why they’re removed in the first place to what you can do to make your recovery as smooth as possible.
We’ll break down the process so you feel confident and prepared.
What are Wisdom Teeth and Why are They Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the very last teeth to grow in your mouth. They’re technically called your third molars, and they usually appear in your late teens or early twenties. For some people, these teeth grow in perfectly straight and don’t cause any problems. But for many others, there just isn’t enough room in the jaw. This can lead to a whole host of issues.
When there’s not enough space, wisdom teeth can become what’s known as “impacted.” This means they’re stuck under the gum line, or they might only partially peek through. They can grow in at an angle, pushing against your other teeth and causing pain. An impacted wisdom tooth can be a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infections, swelling, and even damage to the teeth next to it. That’s why dentists often recommend removing them, even if they aren’t causing problems yet. It’s often a preventative measure to save you from future pain and dental work.
Signs That Wisdom Teeth Need to be Extracted
So, how do you know if your wisdom teeth are causing trouble? There are a few clear signs to watch out for.
- Pain and tenderness: You might feel a dull ache at the back of your jaw or a sharper pain when you bite down.
- Swelling: The gums around your wisdom teeth might become red, swollen, and tender to the touch.
- Jaw stiffness: It might be difficult to open your mouth all the way, and you may feel a clicking or popping in your jaw.
- Bad breath: An impacted tooth can trap food particles and bacteria, which can lead to a persistent bad smell or taste in your mouth.
- Damage to other teeth: In some cases, a wisdom tooth can push against the tooth next to it, causing pain and even affecting the alignment of your teeth.
The dentist can tell you for sure if your wisdom teeth are a problem. They’ll take an X-ray of your mouth to see how the teeth are positioned and if they are impacted. A regular check-up with a professional, such as a Dentist Forest Hill, is the best way to stay on top of your dental health.
The Process of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If you and the dentist decide that removing your wisdom teeth is the best option, you’ll need to go in for the procedure. The good news is that it’s a very common and straightforward surgery. The dentist or oral surgeon will explain everything in detail, but here’s a general idea of what to expect.
First, you’ll be given some form of anesthesia. This is to make sure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. The type of anesthesia depends on how many teeth are being removed and how complex the extractions are.
- Local Anesthesia: This is the most common option, especially if only one or two teeth are being removed. Our dentist at Brentford Dental will inject a numbing agent into the area around the tooth. You’ll be awake during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain. You might feel some pressure or a pulling sensation, but no sharp pain.
- General Anesthesia: If all four wisdom teeth need to be removed, or if the extractions are particularly difficult, you may be put to sleep completely. This is usually done in a hospital or a specialised clinic. You won’t remember anything about the procedure and will wake up when it’s all over.
Once the area is numb, a dentist, like Beaconsfield Dentist, or an oral surgeon will get to work. If the tooth has already come through the gum, the dentist will use special tools to gently loosen and pull it out. If the tooth is impacted, they might need to make a small incision in the gum to get to it. Sometimes, the tooth has to be broken into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove. After the tooth is out, the dentist will clean the area and might use a few dissolvable stitches to help the gums heal. The whole procedure usually takes less than an hour.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery: What to Expect
The most important part of the process is the recovery. Proper post-extraction care is essential to avoid complications and get you back to your normal self as quickly as possible.
- Bleeding: It’s normal to have some light bleeding after the surgery. The dentist will give you some gauze to bite down on. Change the gauze every 30 minutes until the bleeding stops.
- Swelling and bruising: This is also very common. You can use an ice pack on your cheek for the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling. Apply it in 15-minute intervals. The swelling usually peaks on the second or third day and then starts to go down.
- Pain: Our dentist will give you a prescription for pain relief or recommend over-the-counter options. Take the medication as directed to stay ahead of the pain.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Think smoothies, soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Avoid anything crunchy, chewy, or hot, as these can irritate the healing area. Slowly reintroduce solid foods as you feel more comfortable.
- Hygiene: It’s important to keep your mouth clean, but be gentle! Our dentist will give you specific instructions. This often involves a saltwater rinse, but be careful not to brush or rinse too hard, and avoid spitting forcefully, as this can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a painful condition called “dry socket.”
Possible Risks and Complications from Wisdom Tooth Extraction
While wisdom tooth extraction is generally very safe, there are a few potential risks and complications to be aware of.
- Dry socket: This is the most common complication. A blood clot needs to form in the empty socket to protect the bone and nerves as it heals. If this clot is dislodged or dissolves too early, it exposes the bone, which can be very painful. It’s important to follow the dentist’s instructions carefully to prevent this.
- Infection: In rare cases, the extraction site can become infected. This can be treated with antibiotics. Signs of infection include a fever, bad taste in your mouth, or pus coming from the socket.
- Nerve damage: This is extremely rare but can happen if the wisdom tooth is very close to a nerve. It can cause temporary or, in very rare cases, permanent numbness in the tongue, lip, or chin.
Alternatives to Wisdom Tooth Extraction
For most people, removing wisdom teeth is the best option. However, in some cases, the dentist might suggest an alternative. For example, if a wisdom tooth is not impacted and is causing a small cavity, it might be possible to get a filling. If the tooth is only partially grown in and is getting infected, a minor surgical procedure called an “operculum removal” might be done to remove the flap of gum over the tooth. But these alternatives are usually only for specific situations.
Our dentist at Brentford Dental will always recommend the best course of action for your individual case.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth extraction can sound intimidating, but it’s a very common and safe procedure that can prevent a lot of future pain and problems. By understanding what to expect before, during, and after the extraction, you can feel much more at ease. Remember to follow the dentist’s instructions carefully for a quick and smooth recovery.
If you have any concerns or think your wisdom teeth might be causing a problem, it’s always a good idea to speak to a professional.
A local dentist, such as our dentists at Brentford Dental in Forest Hill, can give you an accurate diagnosis and help you decide on the best course of action. Taking care of your wisdom teeth is just another important step in maintaining a healthy, happy smile.
Don’t put it off – get the right advice today.