Wisdom Teeth 101: A Guide to the Removal and Recovery Process
Having your wisdom teeth removed can be essential for your dental health later in life. We explain what to expect during the removal and recovery process here.
Each year, about 5 million people have their wisdom teeth extracted, and quite frankly, that's a lot of people. Wisdom teeth have proven to cause many dental and health issues than one would think, which is why dentists always suggest for their patients to get wisdom teeth removal.
Yet, what kind of problems do wisdom teeth cause, and what's involved in the extraction process? Is wisdom teeth recovery painful? Keep reading and find out.
Wisdom Teeth-What Are They?
The very last teeth that grow in the back of your mouth, the molars, are called wisdom teeth. They usually grow out pretty late, around the ages of 17-21, which is why they're called wisdom teeth. They are the toughest, strongest pair out of all your teeth.
Reasons For Extraction
Consequences of Not Extracting
Dentists usually recommend extracting wisdom teeth as soon as possible due to the number of problems it can drag along. It may not always be necessary, but extraction is considered a preventative measure to avoid future problems.
For example, before the tooth grows out, the surrounding tissue can grow into a cyst, which leads to bone loss. It could also destroy any surrounding teeth by eating away the roots. Plus, if there's not enough room in your jaw for your wisdom teeth, they could grow out and cause all the other teeth to move out of place, creating a crooked smile, leading to more dental issues.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
The extraction process all depends on how far your wisdom teeth have grown out and if they've grown out correctly or not. If they were able to grow out well, the removal is simple. It would only require numbing the gums, loosening the tooth, and then extracting it with pliers.
If the tooth hasn't reached the gum yet, then a surgical extraction may be required. The patient is given a sedative, and once the patient is fully asleep, the oral surgeon or dentist will cut open the gum, remove the tooth bone, and finally, extract the tooth.
Wisdom Teeth Recovery
If you've received a simple extraction, be sure not to brush or gargle any liquids for the next 24 hours. Your dentist will give you some strict instructions to follow in order to help the healing process, such as gargling warm salt water every two hours for approximately two weeks or so. You will notice some swelling in the affected area for a few days, as well as soreness but no need to alarm, as this is perfectly normal.
Recovery from the surgical extraction might involve more intensive care, as this procedure is much more invasive. Take any painkillers that your dentist or surgeon prescribes and try some self-care home remedies that can help ease the discomfort and speed the healing process, such as:
- Avoiding alcoholic beverages or carbonated drinks
- Placing ice packs on the affected area
- Avoiding any hard, solid foods that might add pressure to the area
- Stay fully hydrated
Another critical thing to remember during wisdom teeth recovery is not to spit much. By spitting, you can worsen the bleeding and slow down the healing process but unclogging the wound.
When To Speak With Your Doctor
If you notice that the pain has gotten worse and lasts longer than what you expected, then calling your dentist should be the next step. You should also contact your dentist if the bleeding hasn't stopped or if you're experiencing any fevers.
Here at Signature Smiles, we have a highly professional team ready to evaluate your case and prepared to offer the best kind of extraction for your wisdom teeth removal. Schedule an appointment with us today, and we will gladly inform you of our services and answer all the questions you may have!
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