Wisdom teeth are the last to develop in the human mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 21. In ancient times, these teeth helped people chew and eat their foods without a problem; however, they are not much use in today’s diet and food lifestyle.
Wisdom teeth often cause overcrowding, impaction, or other dental issues due to the reduced size of our jaws. This can result in wisdom teeth extraction to prevent or address potential problems. Below, you will discover why understanding when to extract these teeth and how to recover correctly is essential for maintaining oral health.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need Removal
Impaction
An impacted wisdom tooth happens when there is not enough space in the mouth for the tooth to emerge or develop normally. This can lead to the tooth growing at an angle, remaining trapped within the jawbone or gums, or partially breaking through the gum line. It can cause various problems, including crowding adjacent teeth, which may lead to misalignment and require dental treatment.
Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth are prone to infections because they are difficult to clean properly. Bacteria and food debris can become trapped around the partially erupted tooth, leading to gum disease and cavities. The pressure and inflammation can also result in significant pain and swelling, further complicating oral health and potentially affecting overall well-being.
Pain and Discomfort
Wisdom teeth can be a great source of pain and discomfort, impacting daily activities like chewing and speaking. As these teeth attempt to emerge, they can exert pressure on the surrounding teeth and jaw, leading to general pain that radiates through the mouth and jaw.
This pressure can cause headaches and make it hard to open the mouth fully or chew food without discomfort. In cases where the teeth are impacted, the pain can be more intense and persistent, often partnered by swelling and tenderness in the gums.
Gum Disease and Infection
Wisdom teeth, especially when partially erupted or impacted, can be challenging to clean effectively. Their position at the back of the mouth makes it hard to reach them with a toothbrush or floss, allowing food particles and bacteria to accumulate around the teeth and gums.
This buildup can lead to plaque development, which, if not removed, can cause gum disease. The gums around a partially erupted wisdom tooth are particularly susceptible to infection and inflammation, known as pericoronitis. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe dental issues, such as abscesses, bone loss, and systemic health problems.
The Wisdom of Extraction
Consulting Your Dentist
Consulting your dentist is crucial in determining whether wisdom tooth extraction is necessary. During a dental visit, the dentist will perform a thorough assessment, which may include X-rays, to check the health of your wisdom teeth.
This helps identify potential issues such as impaction, overcrowding, infection, or the risk of future complications. A professional consultation ensures that any decision regarding extraction is based on a comprehensive understanding of your unique dental situation. Additionally, your dentist can provide personalised advice on managing symptoms and maintaining oral health, making the consultation an essential step in ensuring the long-term well-being of your teeth and gums.
Benefits of Extraction
Removing problematic wisdom teeth offers several significant benefits, including preventing future dental issues and improving overall oral health. Extraction can prevent crowding, which helps maintain the alignment of existing teeth and avoids dental treatments.
It also reduces the risk of infection, gum disease, and decay from impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth, which are difficult to clean properly. Extraction can enhance oral hygiene by eliminating these potential sources of pain and inflammation, making it easier to brush and floss effectively.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
Types of Anaesthesia
Patients typically choose between local and general anaesthesia when undergoing wisdom tooth extraction.
- Local anaesthesia involves numbing the area around the wisdom teeth, allowing the patient to remain awake but free from pain during the procedure. This option is commonly used for more uncomplicated extractions where the teeth are easily accessible, and the procedure is expected to be quick.
- General anaesthesia, on the other hand, renders the patient completely unconscious and is often used for more complex extractions. This approach ensures that the patient experiences no pain or awareness during the surgery, making it suitable for extensive or particularly challenging dental work.
The Surgical Process
The surgical extraction of wisdom teeth typically follows steps for a safe and effective procedure. First, the dentist administers anesthesia to numb the area or induce unconsciousness, depending on the chosen type of anesthesia. Once the patient is comfortable and the anesthesia has taken effect, the dentist begins by making a cut in the gum tissue covering the tooth. This incision allows access to the tooth and its surrounding bone.
Next, the dentist may need to remove some bone tissue that covers the tooth or divide the tooth into tiny pieces to facilitate easier removal. They carefully loosens the tooth from its socket and extracts it from the jawbone using dental instruments, such as forceps and elevators. After removing the tooth, any remaining debris or infection is cleaned from the extraction site.
Finally, the dentist closes the incision with stitches, which promote healing and help protect the extraction site. The patient is given post-operative care instructions, including information on managing pain and swelling and recommendations for diet and oral hygiene during the recovery period.
Recovering Like a Wise One: Post-Operative Care
Pain Management
After wisdom tooth extraction, managing pain effectively is crucial for a comfortable recovery.
It’s often advised to start taking pain medication before the numbness from anesthesia wears off to stay ahead of any discomfort. If prescribed more potent pain relievers, such as opioids, they should be used sparingly and strictly as directed due to their potential for side effects and dependency.
Additionally, ice packs to the outside of the face in the initial 24 hours can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Maintaining a soft diet and avoiding extreme activities during the initial recovery period supports healing and minimises pain. Consulting with the dentist about any concerns regarding pain management ensures the best approach for a smooth recovery after wisdom tooth extraction.
Bleeding and Swelling
Some bleeding and swelling are normal after wisdom tooth extraction. The extraction site may ooze blood for a few hours after the procedure. Dentists typically provide gauze pads to bite down on, which helps control bleeding by applying gentle pressure. Changing these gauze pads as instructed is important to promote clot formation and minimise bleeding.
Swelling at the extraction site is common and usually peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours.
Diet
Maintaining a soft food diet during the recovery period after wisdom tooth extraction is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps prevent irritation or damage to the sensitive and healing extraction site. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can cause dry sockets by dislodging the blood clot formation on the socket.
Additionally, chewing hard foods can strain the jaw muscles and delay healing. Here are examples of suitable foods:
- Soups: Broth-based soups or creamy soups are nourishing and easy to consume.
- Smoothies: Blended fruits and vegetables provide nutrients without requiring much chewing.
- Yoghurt: Soft yoghurt is soothing and can be enriched with fruits or honey for added flavor.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy mashed potato is gentle on the healing gums.
- Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is soft and can be a good source of vitamins.
- Oatmeal: An oatmeal with milk or water is soft and nutritious.
It’s important to avoid using a straw when consuming liquids, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and lead to complications. Staying hydrated with water, electrolytes and consuming nutrient-rich, soft foods supports healing and ensures a smoother recovery after wisdom tooth extraction.
Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is essential to promote healing and prevent infection. Here are some critical practices to follow:
- Gentle Brushing: Brush your teeth gently, starting the day after surgery, but avoid brushing at the extraction site for the first few days. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean around the extraction site carefully to avoid disturbing the healing tissue.
- Rinsing: After meals and before bed, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. This keeps the extraction site clean and promotes healing.
- Avoid Certain Actions: Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or using a straw in the first 24 hours, as these can knock over the blood clots and delay healing.
- Follow-up Care: Attend follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon as scheduled. They will track your healing progress and provide additional instructions as needed.
Rest and Activity
Resting and avoiding strenuous activity during the recovery period after wisdom tooth extraction is crucial for several reasons. During the initial days after surgery, prioritise rest and limit activities to gentle movements around the house.
Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, or vigorous physical exertion. Gradually resume normal activities as you feel more comfortable, and your dentist gives clearance. Letting your body adequate time to recover can support a faster and smoother healing process after wisdom tooth extraction.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal, when necessary, plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by preventing potential complications such as crowding, infections, and discomfort. Following the extraction, adhering to proper recovery steps—including rest, pain management, a soft diet, gentle oral hygiene, and avoiding strenuous activities—promotes a smooth healing process. By prioritising these steps, individuals can minimise post-operative discomfort, reduce complications, and ensure a healthier outcome for their oral health in the long term.
