Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that is performed to remove one or more wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically erupt in people between the ages of 17 and 25. Many times, they do not have enough space in the jaw to erupt properly and can cause pain, inflammation, and other dental problems. If you are considering having your wisdom teeth extracted, you likely have many questions about the process. This article will answer some of the most common wisdom tooth extraction FAQs.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the very back of your mouth. They usually erupt during late teen years (17-25). While some people may have all four wisdom teeth, others may have only two or even none. In many cases, these teeth can cause problems with overcrowding, infection and inflammation due to lack of space in the jaw for them to erupt through the gums in a healthy position. In addition, some wisdom teeth never fully erupt, making them difficult to clean properly and putting you at risk of infection.
Why Should Wisdom Teeth be Extracted?
The primary reason wisdom teeth should be extracted is to prevent overcrowding of other teeth or the development of gum disease. Our mouths are naturally small and can’t accommodate all 32 permanent teeth that erupt over time. This is why wisdom teeth often become impacted, stuck below the gum line, causing pain and inflammation. When this occurs, extraction may be necessary to protect against further complications. Other reasons to extract these third molars include:
- Cysts or tumors in the area of a partially erupted tooth
- Infection caused by bacteria buildup around an impacted tooth
- Crowding or misalignment of other teeth
- Damage to adjacent teeth from poorly positioned wisdom teeth
- Problems with the jawbone
- Poor oral hygiene due to difficulty cleaning around impacted teeth
Regardless of the reason, it’s important to have wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause further complications.
What Can I Expect During Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The process of wisdom tooth extraction typically begins with a consultation. The dentist or oral surgeon will examine the area and take x-rays to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and any other issues that may need to be addressed during the procedure.
Once it’s determined that removal is necessary, you’ll be provided with instructions for pre-operative care, such as eating or drinking restrictions, before your appointment. You may also be asked to take antibiotics prior to the surgery in order to reduce the risk of infection.
An anesthetic will be administered during the procedure to numb your mouth and keep you comfortable. Depending on how deeply impacted your teeth are, the dentist or surgeon may make an incision in the gums and remove any bone or tissue that is blocking access to the tooth. The wisdom tooth will then be extracted, and stitches may be needed to close the incision.
After the procedure, you’ll likely experience some swelling, tenderness and pain in the area. You should take care to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as taking medications as prescribed, eating soft foods and avoiding vigorous activity for several days after surgery.
What Can I Expect During Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Recovery time and how long the swelling will last can vary from person to person. To reduce discomfort, it’s recommended to take pain medication as prescribed by your dentist. It’s also important to follow any instructions provided regarding eating, drinking, and activity after the surgery.
Generally speaking, you can expect some swelling and discomfort for approximately 3-5 days following the extraction procedure. This is normal; however, if you notice excessive bleeding or pain that doesn’t seem to be improving, you should contact your dentist immediately. The first 24 hours after surgery are particularly important in terms of rest and recovery. During this time:
• Avoid strenuous activities such as physical exercise
• Avoid sucking through a straw since this may dislodge the blood clot at your extraction site
• Don’t smoke or vape
• Avoid any foods that are crunchy or difficult to chew, such as nuts and popcorn
• Stick with soft foods like applesauce, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Avoid brushing the teeth near your extraction site for at least 24 hours
• Rinse gently with salt water several times a day to keep the area clean and reduce inflammation
• Use ice packs to reduce swelling (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off)
After the 24-hour mark, you can gently brush and floss your teeth as normal, but avoid the area surrounding the extraction site. You should continue following a soft-food diet for several days while avoiding hot liquids and alcoholic beverages.
In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce any risk of infection after surgery. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and complete the course of antibiotics to minimize any risk.
What is the Best Age To Have Them Removed?
The best time to have wisdom teeth extracted is between the late teens and early twenties. This is because this period of life offers the greatest opportunity for success. At this age, the roots of the teeth are not fully formed, and there’s still enough bone to insert tools. The surgical site will also heal faster at a younger age.
However, there are certain circumstances that can make it necessary to extract wisdom teeth earlier or later than ideal. For example, if an infection is present or if the wisdom tooth has already partially erupted through the gum tissue, an extraction might be recommended sooner rather than later. If your dentist notices any signs of potential problems with your wisdom teeth during a routine examination, they’ll likely recommend having them removed.
It’s also important to remember that wisdom teeth can continue to form and grow even into adulthood, so it’s never too late to have them extracted if necessary. However, it is more difficult to extract wisdom teeth that are fully formed due to their size and the amount of bone they’re surrounded by. In addition, healing time after surgery tends to be longer in older patients.
Wisdom tooth extraction can help prevent potential dental health issues and ensure optimal oral hygiene. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions regarding post-surgery care and recovery, including taking prescribed medication, avoiding strenuous activity, and eating soft foods for several days following the procedure. The best age to have wisdom teeth removed is between the late teens and early twenties, but extraction can be performed at any age if necessary. If you’re wondering whether it’s time for you to have your wisdom teeth extracted, be sure to discuss this with your dentist.