When do wisdom teeth need to be removed? What is the procedure, and how does the recovery look?
The wisdom teeth appear last in the dentition. These teeth have little space for their proper growth and proper position in the jaw. In most cases, these molars often appear after the age of 18. Generally, all four molars grow to the age of 25.
In some cases, the third molars can cause inflammation even during germination. They can cause problems while they break through the gums and settle down with the remaining 28 teeth. The gums can be painful, slightly swollen, and inflamed during the growth.
On the other hand, the wisdom teeth can grow only partially due to the lack of space between the teeth in the jaw. One part of the tooth remains under the gums and makes it an ideal place for collecting food debris and bacteria growth.
When is the best time for wisdom tooth extraction?
On the other hand, the wisdom teeth can grow only partially due to the lack of space between the teeth in the jaw. One part of the tooth remains under the gums and makes it an ideal place for collecting food debris and bacteria growth.
If you wait for the molar to grow fully, it can lead to many complications. You can suffer from gingivitis or disrupt the proper arrangement of the existing teeth (usually corrected by wearing the braces). Also, waiting too long can cause forming caries, plaque, or calculus on the molar next to it.
How does the wisdom teeth extraction procedure look?
Wisdom tooth removal is just a routine process thanks to modern dental equipment and local anesthesia. But most importantly, thanks to the expertise of the stomatologist who will perform the intervention. There is no need for patients’ fear. Most often, this intervention does not differ much from the classic tooth extraction.
However, if the wisdom teeth have not yet fully erupted or started to grow and symptoms are present, preventive wisdom tooth removal is an option. Make sure you book the consultation with the dentist and take the necessary X-ray of the jaw.
The tooth extraction is performed under local anesthesia. The extraction process can take only a few minutes if the tooth has erupted, so the dentist can grasp and remove it nicely. If it has not sprouted completely, it is necessary to move it a little with adequate dental instruments until it is slightly loose. Then the extraction can start.
If the tooth is partially or entirely under the gums, it is necessary to make a small incision to remove the tooth. In these cases, the wound will need stitching with several surgical sutures. That way wound will heal faster.
Due to anesthesia, the procedure is not painful for the patient, but it can be a little uncomfortable. It certainly does not last long, and you will feel the benefits as soon as the wound heals. The jaw will be more relaxed, and the teeth will have enough space again.
How to behave after the procedure?
After removal, the dentist puts a small piece of gauze on the wound to stop the bleeding. It is safe to remove the gauze after about 20 minutes after the procedure. Your dentist will advise you given your specific situation. In case you feel sore after the anesthesia wears off, you can take a mild painkiller.
To relieve and soothe the pain, you can apply a cold compress. The compress must be applied on the outside of the cheek, of course. Hold it for 15-20 minutes, take a short break and repeat the process. The wound should never be rinsed with water, especially not with mouthwashes or teas. The coagulum is a lump of blood that is formed after tooth extraction. It protects the wound from infection and contributes to faster healing. Rinsing the mouth will remove the coagulum, and this action might cause discomfort.
What one should avoid after the wisdom tooth has been extracted?
For the first 24 hours, avoid cold and hot food that can irritate the wound and choose softer meals. Chew food slowly, and for the first day or two, try to chew food from opposite sides of the place where the wound is.
If you are a smoker, it is advised to, if possible, refrain from cigarettes for at least 48 hours because nicotine harms the formation of coagulation and can further irritate the wound and slow healing. If the patient also has sutures, they are usually removed 6-7 days after the intervention. Use soft toothbrushes and mild toothpaste until the wound heals.
For all additional questions and requests for examinations or interventions, you can contact us via our phones at +381 11 2662 577 and +381 64 2662 577. The Dental Oral Center team will resolve your concerns and give expert advice.