Everybody had wisdom teeth – the third set of molars at the back of your mouth. Sometimes these teeth came in fine, filled a gap, and were useful. Often, though, they erupted at the wrong angle, or in a position too close to other teeth, and their removal was necessary. Here is what you need to know.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, more formally called third molars, come in anytime between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people are lucky enough to never have problems with their wisdom teeth, they can also cause problems if there’s not enough space in the jaw for the teeth or the teeth come in at an angle. This makes wisdom teeth extractions necessary.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Here are the main reasons for getting wisdom teeth removed:
- Impaction: When there isn’t enough space for wisdom teeth to come in fully, they can get stuck (impacted), causing pain, swelling, and possible infection.
- Misalignment: Wisdom teeth can grow at odd angles, affecting the position of other teeth and leading to bite problems.
- Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets that trap bacteria, leading to painful infections like pericoronitis.
- Cysts and Tumors: In rare cases, cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth, potentially damaging nearby teeth and bone.
The Removal Process
Here’s what to expect when getting your wisdom teeth removed:
- Consultation and Examination: Your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to check the position and health of your wisdom teeth.
- Anaesthesia: To keep you comfortable, you’ll receive local anaesthesia or sedation. The type of anaesthesia depends on how complicated the extraction is and your preferences.
- Extraction:
- If your tooth has fully erupted, it’s removed like any other tooth.
- If it’s impacted, the dentist will make a small cut in the gum to remove it, sometimes dividing the tooth into pieces for easier removal.
- Suturing and Recovery: After removing the tooth, the area is stitched up to help it heal. You’ll get instructions on managing pain, reducing swelling, and what to eat during recovery.
Aftercare Tips
Taking care of yourself after the procedure is crucial for a smooth recovery:
- Pain Management: It’s normal to feel some pain after the procedure. Use over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications to stay comfortable.
- Swelling and Ice Packs: Swelling is common. Apply ice packs to your face to reduce it and get relief.
- Diet Modification: Stick to soft foods and liquids for the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, and crunchy foods that can irritate the surgical area.
- Oral Hygiene: Keep your mouth clean but be gentle near the surgical site. Use a prescribed mouthwash and avoid vigorous brushing.
Conclusion
Removing wisdom teeth is a common procedure but can feel daunting. If you know why you need it, what to expect and how to recover after the fact, then you can tackle it with confidence. If you are concerned that your wisdom teeth are causing you problems, you should visit your dentist, who can give you specific advice about your own circumstances – and help to keep your mouth healthy and pain-free.
