Wisdom teeth removal is a simple and common procedure in dentistry. Wisdom teeth are the final pair of teeth an individual develops, usually during the late teenage years or early adulthood.
There are several factors that determine wisdom teeth removal, one of which is the frequent pain they cause. If you need wisdom teeth extraction, the procedure can be conducted in your dentist’s office.
The procedure is rather a quick one, and recovery does not take too long. In most cases, you will be fully recovered in a period of about 4-5 days; however, before you consider any kind of procedure or surgery
Here are a few things you should know:
- The complications involved with the procedure
- What to eat after wisdom tooth removal
- Facts about wisdom tooth removal surgery
- Wisdom tooth removal recovery
How necessary is wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom tooth removal can be the answer to many problems that arise due to their eruption. Some of the problems associated with this process are outlined below.
Wisdom teeth may be impacted in various ways: This is usually due to the fact that they are positioned in the extreme corners of the jaws. Because of the lack of sufficient space, they lead to pain and discomfort.
The wisdom tooth can erupt at a bad angle: Teeth erupting in the wrong direction will always stress adjacent teeth, leading to a certain degree of discomfort; the only way to provide relief is to undergo wisdom teeth removal.
The jaw size is too small: If the size of the jaw is too small, the teeth will not have enough space to grow properly, which also results in the wisdom teeth pressing against other teeth. The consequence of this procedure is the development of pain in the jaw.
You might have cavities or gum disease: Another main reason why people undergo wisdom teeth removal is due to poor dental hygiene. The most recurrent spaces involve the development of cavities and gum diseases.
Although there are more reasons than those noted above, the points described are the major culprits behind the need for wisdom teeth removal.
When to see a dentist: Your wisdom teeth are your last set of molars that usually appear in most individuals after the age of 12. There is a very easy way of finding out if you should make a dentist appointment for wisdom tooth removal. If you are experiencing pain from wisdom teeth, visit your doctor! If you don’t know whether or not the tooth has to be removed, here are some other common situations that can further lead to surgery.
Unhealthy teeth: Poor dental hygiene can lead to the development of irreversible consequences. The most common among these is tooth decay and the development of cavities.
It is advised to remove the wisdom teeth that are no longer healthy from the mouth. This point also highlights the fact that having impeccable dental health can possibly prevent any wisdom teeth extraction procedures to begin with.
Incomplete eruption: Some individuals experience a partial eruption when the wisdom teeth do not fully grow out of the jaw. Removal, in such cases, is recommended to eliminate any feeling of discomfort.
There is no more room for growth in the jaw
Everyone generally has two molars by the age of 12. This makes it possible to determine whether or not wisdom teeth removal will be necessary in the future.
With a mirror as a guide, insert your index finger into your mouth. Guide it towards the back of your mouth in the area behind your second molar. There are two possible outcomes here. If you feel a flat pad, your chances of undergoing the procedure are reduced. Increased possibilities arise in cases where little to no space is available, which is usually indicated by an immediate upward curve of soft tissue behind the second molar.
A series of infections behind the lower second molar
Another reason why wisdom teeth removal has to be done is the development of infections in the region behind the second molar.
These infections can lead to several complications, including gum disease. A common problem associated with this condition is the experience of pain in the area of infection. Removing the wisdom teeth will provide relief in this case.
What’s the best time to get the wisdom teeth removed?
We have identified the main reasons why you may need to get your wisdom teeth removed. The next step in the process is looking for the best time to get the process done. The following may be helpful in making your decision:
Get your procedure done when your tooth hasn’t fully developed
Teeth usually develop, starting with the crown and then proceeding to the root. This simply means that the root will not be fully developed in the tooth, so it can be removed early. This usually makes the removal easier not only for the dentist performing the operation but for you, as well. It is a very good way to reduce recovery time from wisdom teeth removal.
At the dental office
- Patient is made comfortable in the dental office.
- Anesthesia injection is given
- Surgical procedure is started by giving a soft tissue cut and bone cut as per the need for removal of the tooth
- After completely removing the tooth, sutures are given at the surgical site for closing the tooth socket.
Wisdom tooth removal aftercare
The period following the wisdom teeth removal procedure is a very important one. Several measures must be taken to ensure the beginning of a quick recovery.
A short stay in the dentist’s office is required in order to make necessary observations.
Here are some tips that can ensure necessary care is provided after tooth extraction.
Make sure your head is always elevated
Keeping your head above the heart level is a vital part of aftercare. This practice must be observed for at least 3 days.
Try to refrain from spitting
It is normal for the wound to bleed after the procedure. Spitting out the blood is not recommended, as it increases the risk of developing a dry socket.
Do not smoke
Smoking after the procedure can put your recovery on a dangerous path. It is also a potential cause of dry sockets. There is a general rule of no sucking, as well, and it is evident that smoking violates that rule.
Do not use straws
Using straws to consume beverages is not safe, as it also violates the don’t suck rule. It is important to stay away from any activity that involves blowing.
Use ice pack
Appling ice on the cheek can be very helpful way to prevent swelling. Make sure you purchase ice packs that are specially designed for the face. This will enable you to make the most out of this form of treatment.
Take a break from brushing your teeth
This may sound a bit strange; however, brushing after teeth extraction can do more harm than good. Health-wise, this will not have any impact because you are not eating much.
Stay hydrated
Drink a lot of water. Water makes the recovery process generally quicker.
Stay away from solid food
Solid food needs to be chewed, which can add mechanical pressure to the site of extraction. For about 24 hours of the procedure, try to consume more liquid or semisolid food that does not require chewing.
Rinsing your mouth is not recommended during recovery
Rising should be done on the fourth day following the procedure. It is advisable to use warm salt water for this process.
Avoid physical activity
Engaging in physical activity, strenuous or not, can be dangerous. This is because it increases the chances of displacing the blood clot that has to stay in the wound for it to heal properly. Physical activity can lead dry sockets.
Wisdom tooth removal recovery time
The amount of time it will take for complete recovery from a wisdom teeth removal procedure depends on how the individual respects the tips listed above.
The overall time it takes to fully recover also depends on the reason you had to take out wisdom teeth. In most cases, it can take a period of about a few days to a week for the wound to heal.
In some cases, complications like discharge of pus, development of fever, or excruciating pain can develop. Making immediate contact with your medical professional is the best way to deal with such symptoms.
Where to get your wisdom tooth removed
Finding a good place to have your wisdom tooth removed is an important step in the process of having a successful procedure done. DR. lavanya’s Dental Clinic is the finest professional place to visit. Here, we provide the best service to all our patients.
