When should wisdom teeth be removed?
The procedure of removal/extraction and its aftercare
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. They typically emerge in young adults around the age of 17 or older, though in some individuals, all or some wisdom teeth may never develop. While wisdom teeth were once essential for our ancestors’ diets, modern jaws tend to be smaller, leaving less room for these teeth to grow properly.
When tooth roots develop without enough space, wisdom teeth can push against or crowd nearby teeth, leading to discomfort and potential oral health issues. In many cases, they grow at improper angles or fail to fully emerge, increasing the risk of problems like infections, gum inflammation, and tooth decay.
Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of the mouth, but their impact varies depending on factors like jaw size and growth direction. Even if no symptoms are present, wisdom teeth can pose hidden risks to oral health by damaging nearby teeth or causing misalignment.
To address these issues, oral surgery is often recommended. Having your wisdom teeth removed can prevent complications and protect the health of your remaining teeth. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the development of wisdom teeth and decide if removal is necessary.
What are the potential issues related to it?
Recognizing the potential problems caused by wisdom teeth can help you understand why removal may be necessary. Issues like gum disease, severe pain, or even bad breath can arise, and here’s how wisdom teeth can create challenges:
Infections
When a wisdom tooth partially breaks through the gums, bacteria can get trapped under the flap of tissue, leading to an infection. This can result in severe pain, swelling, and inflammation of the gums.Damage to Other Teeth
An impacted or erupted wisdom tooth can push against other teeth, causing them to become crooked or even structurally damaged. In some cases, this displacement can lead to decay or cavities in the neighboring teeth due to trapped bacteria.Tooth Decay
The unusual positioning of wisdom teeth makes them difficult to clean, often resulting in decay. If the tooth is partially covered by gum tissue, it creates a space where cavity-causing bacteria can collect, leading to potential infections.Periodontal Problems
Wisdom teeth that grow at odd angles, such as toward the cheek, can irritate nearby tissues. Poor positioning may make them hard to clean, increasing the risk of gum disease and difficulty biting down properly.Cysts and Bone Damage
If the sac that holds the crown of a wisdom tooth stays in the bone, it can fill with fluid and develop into a cyst. This can destroy surrounding bones and potentially damage other teeth in the process.
By understanding these potential risks, you can see why having your wisdom teeth pulled is often recommended to prevent serious oral health complications. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for monitoring wisdom teeth and addressing problems early.
In most cases, it is recommended by dentists to have a wisdom tooth removed around the age of 17 years because that is when it usually develops. Removal at this stage can be easy as the bones may not be as dense as it becomes at an older age. Also, the recovery at a younger age is fast since the roots usually have not developed completely.
What is the procedure of removal?
- The procedure begins with an evaluation of the dental and medical history of the patient.
- Two sets of X-rays would be conducted to see the overall view of the mouth and to examine the individual teeth. The X-rays are called Panoramic and Intraoral periapical x-ray respectively.
- The removal of the tooth may be scheduled at the dentist or dental surgeon’s clinic. Occasionally it happens at the hospital as well.
- The type and length of the surgery depend on the case.
- It is recommended not to eat or drink at least 8 hours pre-surgery.
- In some cases, sedative is given to relax or general anesthesia is given to put the anxious patient to sleep through the surgery. Local anesthesia is given to numb the area around the wisdom tooth.
- Once the patient is fully relaxed or asleep (if patient is choosing to go with sedation) and the mouth is completely numb, the surgery will begin.
- The surgical method depends on the wisdom tooth that either is impacted or erupted.
Erupted wisdom tooth extraction
If the tooth is partially or completely erupted, it may be extracted or lifted out with the help of forceps. Occasionally, if the roots are deeply embedded in the jawbone, the tooth may have to come out in split form or the bone has to be removed.
Impacted wisdom tooth extraction
If the teeth are impacted, an incision is made in the gum to reach the wisdom tooth. It creates a flap, which is peeled back, exposing the jawbone. If the tooth is lodged in the bone, the tissues that are covering the tooth may have to be removed. The dentist will extract the tooth from the socket in a single attempt or split it to take it out easily.
Aftercare post removal
- After the surgery, the patient will be kept under observation for some time as he recovers from the anesthesia. When the progress is satisfactory, the patient is allowed to go home the same day.
- It’s better to take days off post-surgery as the pain and swelling are likely to happen. The dentist will prescribe antibiotics and pain-relieving medications to speed up the recovery (as per clinician’s discretion).
- The healing process will start right after the surgery. The body sends blood to nourish the tooth socket. To control the excessive bleeding, a piece of gauze has to be put on the bite to avoid direct pressure on the area.
- The blood clot will form in the socket. After a day or two, the soft tissues will begin to grow in the socket and becomes denser over the coming months.
- It is recommended to drink clear and cold liquids to help with the soreness. The impacted area should not be brushed or flossed otherwise the whole mouth has to be cleaned.
- Follow up will be held to see if the socket is healing properly and the mouth is returning to its healthy state.
- Patient is given thorough post op instructions to follow through for optimum recovery.
At the Clean Smile Dental Hygiene Clinic, Dr. Haider is providing general dental services. Wisdom Tooth extraction/ consults feel free to reach out. We make sure to discuss all possible treatment options and procedures with the patient so they can make informed decision. Call (780)800-6655 to book an appointment.
WISDOM TEETH FAQS
Most frequent questions and answers
Signs that you may need wisdom tooth removal include pain in the back of your mouth, swelling, difficulty chewing, or infections. Your dentist may also recommend removal if your wisdom teeth are impacted, causing misalignment or crowding of other teeth.
The surgical procedure for removing wisdom teeth involves making an incision in the gum to access the tooth, especially for impacted wisdom teeth. Afterward, the area is cleaned, and stitches may be used to close the site. The entire process is a form of dental surgery typically performed under local or general anesthesia.
Not all wisdom teeth happen to cause problems. If they grow in properly, are healthy, and have enough room, they may not need to be removed. However, regular check-ups are essential to monitor their growth and prevent potential issues.
Yes, impacted wisdom teeth can press against neighbouring teeth, causing misalignment, pain, or damage to other teeth. This is why early intervention and proper wisdom teeth management are important.
Recovery from wisdom tooth removal usually takes about 7-10 days, though swelling and discomfort may subside after a few days. Following post-op care instructions helps speed up healing after the surgical procedure.
Your dentist might suggest removing wisdom teeth before problems occur, such as dental surgery to prevent future crowding, infection, or difficulty cleaning them. Proactive wisdom teeth management can save you discomfort later on.
The surgical removal of wisdom teeth is typically pain-free during the procedure itself, as anesthesia is used. Some discomfort and swelling are normal during recovery, but pain management techniques, including medication, can help.
