Wisdom teeth can often be a source of concern and discomfort for many individuals. These late-developing teeth at the back of the mouth can cause a range of issues, including pain, infection, and misalignment. Understanding the importance of proper dental care and the potential complications associated with wisdom teeth is essential for maintaining oral health. Follow our guide below that can help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
Remember, if you have any questions about anything related to your oral health, Dr. Youngquist and Dr. Capua and their team are here to consult with you and get your every question answered. We know issues relating to wisdom teeth are usually affecting your teenagers (though not always) — and we take every step possible to ensure they are prepared and well taken care of with VIP treatment.
Wisdom teeth won’t make you smarter. They’re called that because they usually come in when you’re older, around ages 17 to 21. These teeth are in the very back of your mouth. You get two on top and two on the bottom as part of a complete set of 32 adult teeth.
Missing Molars
Wisdom teeth are molars, your toughest, widest teeth that grind food. But some people don’t have all their wisdom teeth. They’re the ones most commonly missing from adult mouths. Some would theorize that our jaws have changed over the years due to changes in our diet.
Why They’re Taken Out
You’re more likely to have issues with these molars than with any other teeth. Each year, some 10 million wisdom teeth are removed, or extracted, in the U.S. A top reason is impaction, when the tooth may not have enough room to come out from the gum like it should.
Other Issues
Most wisdom teeth with signs of disease or clear problems should come out. Reasons include:
- Infection or cavities
- Lesions (abnormal looking tissue)
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Bone loss around roots
- Not enough room to brush and floss around the tooth
Possible Problems Later
Some dentists recommend taking them out as a precaution because they could cause problems in the future, like:
- Before the tooth comes in, the sack of tissue around it can grow into a cyst, which can lead to bone loss in your jaw.
- If the tooth is on its side under your gum, it can destroy nearby teeth by eating away the roots.
- Bacteria and plaque can build up around a tooth that’s only partly out.
But many researchers and public-health experts don’t think taking out otherwise healthy teeth is a good idea. If your dentist suggests it and you’re not sure if you should, you can always get a second opinion.
Simple Extraction
How your dentist takes your tooth out depends on how far it is out of your gum. If it has come in completely, your dentist can do it. They may numb your gums, then use a needle to put a stronger numbing medicine in the area. They’ll loosen the tooth with a tool called an elevator, then pull the tooth with dental forceps, which look like pliers. They’ll clean out the area and pack it with gauze to stop bleeding.
What to Expect After Simple Extraction
You’ll probably have a little bleeding on the first day. You may also feel sore and swollen for a few days. Any bruises could take a bit longer to go away. You should not brush or rinse your teeth for 24 hours. After that, gently gargle with warm salt water every 2 hours for a week.
Surgical Extraction
If your tooth is still below the gum line, you’ll likely need to have it removed. Some dentists may prefer to refer to an oral surgeon for this procedure, but many dentists perform this procedure routinely. During the operation, you may be given medicine to make you sleepy, so you won’t feel pain or remember much. The surgeon will cut open the gum and remove the tooth bone to get to the root. They may need to cut the tooth into pieces to keep the hole as small as possible.
After Surgery
It’s a good idea to have a ride home because you may be groggy from the medicine. You may be able to manage your pain with over-the-counter drugs, or your surgeon may recommend prescription painkillers, especially if they took out any bone.
Self-Care
You should be able to get back to your normal activities the next day. To speed the healing and ease any pain, you might:
- Hold a cold pack against your jaw intermittently to help with soreness and swelling.
- Try not to spit too much so you won’t move the blood clot that’s keeping the area from bleeding.
- Drink lots of water, but stay away from alcohol, hot beverages, or sodas for 24 hours.
- You probably won’t be able to fully open your mouth for about a week. Stick to soft foods that won’t bother the area.
Possible Problems Afterward
It’s rare, but the surgeon can damage some nerves while taking out the lower teeth. That might leave your lips, tongue, or chin permanently numb. With upper teeth, the surgery can damage your sinuses, and your air-breathing cavities under your eyes. If your blood clot goes away too soon and leaves your nerves and bone exposed, that can lead to a painful condition called dry socket. That can happen with both simple and surgical extractions.
When to Call Your Doctor
Talk to your dentist or surgeon right away if:
- You have a hard time breathing or swallowing.
- Blood won’t stop oozing after a day or two, or pain lasts more than a week.
- Your face or jaw stays swollen for more than a few days.
- You have a fever.
- You feel numbness or notice pus or foul smells.
Don’t let wisdom teeth troubles become an issue. Our exceptional dental care and general dentistry in Utah offers personalized guidance on managing your wisdom teeth. Schedule your appointment today at 801-756-1009. For more dental tips, follow us at @palisadesdental.
Reference: [https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-wisdom-teeth]
