What is Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are located at the back of the mouth and may require removal if they are causing issues with oral health. We offer advanced oral surgery services, including wisdom teeth extraction, to address such concerns. If you're experiencing difficulties with your wisdom teeth, please reach out to us for a complimentary consultation.
Typically appearing between the ages of 15 and 25, wisdom teeth can pose various problems, such as overcrowding, TMJ issues, infection, decay, and damage to adjacent teeth. Through visual examination or X-ray imaging, we can evaluate whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
While wisdom tooth extraction may seem like a common procedure, it's not always necessary for everyone. Factors like mouth shape, tooth size, and positioning determine the need for extraction on a case-by-case basis. However, proactive removal can mitigate potential complications and promote better oral health in the long run.
Given their location and proximity to neighboring teeth, wisdom teeth can impact adjacent teeth and pose challenges for proper cleaning. This increases the risk of infection and other dental problems, making extraction a common preventive measure recommended by dental professionals.
How Do I Know If My Wisdom Teeth Need Removed?
While each patient's situation varies, there are several common indicators that suggest the necessity of wisdom teeth removal. These signs include:
- Impaction: When a wisdom tooth is trapped under the gums or fully concealed, it can lead to infection or the formation of a cyst, potentially damaging adjacent teeth or roots.
- Changes in bite alignment: Wisdom teeth may grow at irregular angles within the jaw, altering your bite alignment.
- Crowding or damage to existing teeth: Insufficient space for proper emergence of wisdom teeth can cause crowding or damage to neighboring teeth.
- Partial emergence: Partially emerged wisdom teeth can trap bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and oral infection.
Several dentists advise early removal of wisdom teeth, typically during adolescence, before the roots and bone have fully developed, which often results in quicker recovery.
How Do I Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, often leading to inflammation or bleeding as they emerge through the gum line, which may result in headaches or tooth pain. Here are some remedies to alleviate wisdom tooth discomfort:
- Rinse with saltwater
- Use peppermint essential oils or clover oil to soothe pain
- Take aspirin or an over the counter pain reliever
- Apply an ice pack or heating pad to your cheeks
What Is An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when there isn't sufficient space for it to emerge normally. There are varying degrees of impaction based on the tooth's position within the jaw. Soft tissue impaction happens when the tooth's crown has pierced through the bone, but the gum still covers part of it. Partially bony impaction occurs when the tooth has partly erupted but remains partially submerged in the jawbone. Complete bony impaction is when the tooth is entirely surrounded by jawbone.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The recovery period following a wisdom tooth extraction can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the procedure and individual healing capabilities. Typically, initial recovery takes around 3-4 days, but full healing may require several weeks.
What Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
It is advisable to consume soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, smoothies, and pudding during the initial days following surgery. It's best to avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could potentially irritate the extraction sites.
When Can I Resume Normal Activities After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
It is recommended to refrain from strenuous activities for at least the initial 24-48 hours post-surgery to reduce bleeding and swelling. Following this period, you can gradually reintroduce normal activities, but it's advisable to avoid any activities that may exert pressure on the extraction sites, such as heavy lifting or intense exercise, for approximately a week.
