Your third molars, or wisdom teeth, are typically the last to emerge in your mouth. Some people may not even have them come through at all. Whether or not they erupt, wisdom teeth can cause problems if there isn’t enough space for them. If they become impacted, removal becomes even more critical.
Your dentist will monitor the development of your wisdom teeth through regular check-ups and X-rays, and may recommend extraction if there are signs they could lead to complications. Some dentists suggest removal even if the wisdom teeth aren’t impacted, as they can be hard to clean and more prone to decay. In some cases, wisdom teeth can become infected, which may require urgent medical attention. Symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth include:
- Pain in the tooth and gums
- Gum bleeding
- Gum inflammation
- Swelling in the face and jaw
- Headaches
- Bad breath
If your dentist recommends wisdom tooth extraction, it’s important not to delay the procedure, as it’s better to remove them before complications arise. Typically, you’ll be referred to an oral surgeon for the extraction. If only one tooth needs removal, local anesthesia may suffice. However, removing multiple wisdom teeth usually requires general anesthesia and is considered a day surgery, allowing you to go home afterward.
It’s crucial to follow your dentist’s post-surgery instructions to avoid complications. You may need to rest for a day or two, apply ice or heat for comfort, and be careful if stitches are involved. Your dentist will also provide guidance on which foods to eat during recovery. By following these instructions, you can expect to return to your normal routine soon and won’t have to worry about the issues wisdom teeth may cause in the future.
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Wisdom tooth extraction is a common and safe procedure that many oral surgeons perform daily. While some people may fear the surgery, this is often due to misinformation or exaggerated tales. Understanding the process and recovery can help alleviate these fears.
Procedure:
The removal of wisdom teeth involves the following steps:
- The gum tissue over the tooth is opened, and any bone blocking the tooth’s eruption is removed.
- The tooth is extracted, sometimes in pieces, if necessary.
- In some cases where bone is removed, a bone graft may be placed.
- After the extraction, dissolvable stitches are placed to close the area.
Pain-Free Experience:
Patients are given sedation or anesthesia, ensuring they do not feel pain during the procedure. Many do not recall the surgery itself, making the process more manageable than it might seem.
Recovery:
Following the procedure, proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery. Here are some key points to remember:
- Post-Surgery Instructions: Have someone accompany you to the appointment to hear the instructions and ensure you avoid driving.
- Bleeding Control: Bite gently on the provided gauze at the extraction site and change it frequently. Avoid lying flat on your back, as it may increase bleeding.
- Swelling Management: Apply ice packs to your cheeks on the first day to minimize swelling.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid straws for the first few days.
- Hygiene: Do not touch the area with your fingers or tongue.
- Avoid Smoking: Refrain from smoking for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
By closely following your surgeon’s instructions, you can minimize risks and recover quickly. Remember, most patients experience only mild discomfort for a few days, making wisdom tooth extraction a manageable procedure.
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Most dental professionals recommend removing third molars, or wisdom teeth, during early adulthood, ideally before they are fully formed and rooted into the jaw. This typically involves extraction between the ages of 17 and 25. Delaying the removal of wisdom teeth can lead to significant risks and complications.
Wisdom teeth that are left in place can lead to the following risks:
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth may not have enough space to grow, causing pain and potential damage to surrounding teeth and tissues.
- Tooth decay: Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, making them prone to decay.
- Infection: Bacteria can get trapped in the eruption site, causing infection.
- Cysts and tumors: Severely impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the growth of cysts or even tumors.
For patients needing wisdom teeth removal later in life, complications can include:
- More complicated surgery: Deeply rooted or impacted wisdom teeth may require more complex surgical procedures, leading to longer recovery times.
- Nerve damage: The roots of wisdom teeth may be close to nerves affecting the lower lip, and surgery could potentially damage these nerves, causing permanent sensation loss.
If you or your young adult have emerging wisdom teeth, it’s important to schedule a consultation with your dentist to assess whether and when extraction is necessary. While not all patients need wisdom teeth removed, extracting them during eruption can help avoid many future dental issues. Early removal typically leads to quicker recovery times and fewer complications.
Do you live in Sicklerville or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
If you didn’t have your wisdom teeth removed as a young person, you may be considering extraction as an adult. Your dentist may recommend this procedure to prevent future infections, cysts, or jaw pain caused by impacted wisdom teeth, or even reduce the risk of developing tumors associated with these teeth.
What are impacted teeth?
Impacted teeth occur when a wisdom tooth grows underneath an existing tooth, often pushing against other teeth. In some cases, wisdom teeth grow in straight behind the back molars, while in rare situations, one or more may not emerge at all. X-rays can reveal whether impacted teeth are present, and if they are causing problems with other teeth, they need to be removed.
Challenges for adults
As the roots of wisdom teeth typically develop fully around the age of 24, extraction becomes more complicated for adults. The roots can become entangled with facial nerves, making the removal process riskier. A CT scan is often recommended for adults, as it provides a detailed image of facial nerve positioning, something an x-ray might not show. If the roots of the lower wisdom teeth aren’t touching or wrapped around the alveolar nerve, extraction can still be performed.
Risks for gum disease
Adults with wisdom teeth are at a higher risk for gum disease, which can lead to serious health issues. Gum disease has been linked to complications in pregnancy and other health conditions. This condition, once thought to only affect older adults, is now being observed in younger patients, particularly pregnant women. Additionally, growing evidence shows that chronic infections and inflammation in the body due to gum disease can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Talk to your dentist to determine if wisdom tooth extraction is right for you. Be honest about any symptoms you may have, such as pain or pressure, so the professional can assess your specific needs.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Drain is accepting new patients from Sicklerville and the surrounding area.
Tooth pain can be one of the most uncomfortable types of pain there is. It can make your whole jaw and head ache, interfere with eating, and cause your teeth to be more sensitive. One common reason for a toothache is your wisdom teeth, which are the molars in the very back of your mouth that develop last. Sometimes they don’t even erupt, but they can still be there under your gums causing trouble. If you experience pain related to wisdom teeth, here are some suggestions.
Make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. This way you can find out for sure if your wisdom teeth are to blame for your pain, and decide the best treatment plan for your situation. A dentist examination, which may include x-rays, is the best way to determine exactly what’s going on with your teeth. You may not even be able to see your wisdom teeth, but they might be growing improperly under your gums. Often, wisdom teeth need to be extracted to avoid continued pain or worsening condition. Luckily, wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure that your dentist or oral surgeon is very familiar with, and can provide you with great treatment that will end up relieving your pain.
While waiting for your dental appointment, try applying an over-the-counter numbing gel such as Oragel. This may help relieve your pain at least for a short time. Also, taking non-prescription pain medicines should help. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both good choices to try, especially to subdue the pain when you want to sleep.
Remember that prevention is often the best way to avoid dental pain. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss every day. See your dentist regularly for checkups, because problems with wisdom teeth can sometimes be spotted before you ever begin to feel any pain associated with them. This allows you to deal with the problem before you have to endure a toothache.
Schedule your appointment at our Sicklerville dental office
Wisdom teeth are really just your third molars, located in the very back of your tooth arch and are the last of your adult teeth to erupt. They most commonly erupt between the ages of 17 and 20. Most people have them, but for some people, these third molars simply do not develop. Some patients might have more than one set of wisdom teeth! Only an x-ray can reveal the complete story.
A high number of patients who possess wisdom teeth don’t know they have them because the teeth are impacted, or stuck underneath already erupted teeth, as opposed to erupting normally through the gums. This is when wisdom teeth become problematic.
The patient’s jaw may be too small to allow for the full eruption of the wisdom tooth, leading to it becoming stuck in the jaw, pushing at other teeth, causing pain and shifting of the teeth. The tooth might be able to erupt partially, triggering a flap of gum tissue to develop over the tooth, trapping bacteria and germs which can lead to serious infection.
Sometimes wisdom teeth come in at strange angles, facing sideways or backward, or they develop a serious infection and damage the surrounding teeth. They can also lead to the development of a cyst or cause damage to the jawbone.
If your dentist has told you that you need to have your wisdom teeth out, it’s a good idea to listen and to follow that advice. Removing problematic wisdom teeth can reduce crowding in the mouth, infection in the gums or tooth decay in the wisdom tooth or in the surrounding teeth.
The younger you are when you have your wisdom teeth removed, the easier it is to recover. Ask your dentist to learn more about wisdom teeth and about your particular needs as a patient.
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