Between the ages of 17 and 25, wisdom teeth start to erupt. Most people need to have these wisdom teeth removed, although extraction isn't done unless necessary. People in this age range do need to be aware of the symptoms and potential complications that emerging wisdom teeth can lead to.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge. They are the third molars at the back of the mouth. There are usually two in the top row of teeth, and two on the bottom, but not everyone has all four. When they start emerging, they can cause pain.
Why Might You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Some people have enough room for these final teeth, and experience no issues. The majority of people, however, do have problems. The problems usually stem from the fact that there is not enough space on the jaw for them to grow out properly, although there can be other reasons.
Not Enough Space
There is often not enough space in the mouth for wisdom teeth to emerge properly. Because of the lack of space, they press against nerves, so they can end up pushing against nerves and surrounding teeth, damaging those other teeth and increasing the likelihood of decay and gum disease. If left, these wisdom teeth will force the other adult teeth into misalignment and shift them. These issues can lead to your other teeth falling out or needing extraction, as well as being painful.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth do not emerge as they should, they can become stuck underneath the gum, or remain lodged partially or fully under the jaw bone. They can be at awkward angles and be very painful. Partially erupted wisdom teeth that are just underneath the gum, this soft tissue impaction creates gum flaps over the tooth that traps food and bacteria, causing decay and infection. A serious condition called pericoronitis can result, and infection can spread into the bone and further. Impacted wisdom teeth stuck partially or fully in the bone can have these gum tissue concerns and others.
Trauma or Infection
Wisdom teeth are hard to clean and often are subject to tooth decay. If this decay is severe enough, the tooth may need to be extracted. A severely cracked or damaged wisdom tooth may also need removal, in the same way any other tooth extraction might be needed in these cases.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery Process
The specific surgery procedure will vary, depending on the specific circumstances, but the general process is similar.
Diagnostics and Meeting With the Oral Surgeon
Your wisdom teeth and any potential concerns may have been noticed during a checkup, or you may already have been noticing pain or redness in the area. X-rays will be done to see how they are developing and whether they need extraction. Your dentist or oral surgeon will consult with you to explain the dental surgery and why it's needed in your case.
On the Day of Oral Surgery
You will have been asked not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours or longer before your wisdom tooth removal surgery if extraction is done under General Anesthesia.
But if extraction is done under Local Anesthesia, you are asked to eat before the procedure.
You will be given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. There are different wisdom teeth extraction procedures. The level of impaction and other factors will determine which is used.
Simple extractions can be done for fully erupted wisdom teeth. Teeth are pulled out with forceps, either as a single tooth or broken to pull more easily.
An impacted wisdom tooth is more difficult. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons will handle these. Incisions are made in the gum, and any bone that is blocking the tooth is removed. Full bony impactions are the most complex, as these teeth are fully enclosed by bone. Surgical sites are stitched up after wisdom teeth removal.
Recovery
A protective blood clot forms in the empty socket. You'll be given a clean gauze pad to bite on and help the clotting. You will have some bleeding, swelling, and mild discomfort, but this should start to decline after a couple of days, and shouldn't be excessive. Cold compresses and ice packs help with swelling, and you may be prescribed pain medication as necessary for your type of extraction. If not, over-the-counter painkillers can be taken. If pain or swelling increases or stays the same over the next three days, consult your oral surgeon.
Complications
Until the area has fully healed, complications, while rare, are possible. If any are experienced, it's important to check with the oral surgeon. Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding should be checked out immediately, as does numbness or tingling in the jaw, which could mean a nerve in the jawbone was affected.
When the blood clots in the sockets are removed before the area is healed, it is known as dry socket, and can lead to infection. It's extremely painful, and you will also notice swelling in the area and bad breath.
Taking care of your sockets properly reduces the risks of complications greatly.
Aftercare
Avoid smoking for as long as possible after a wisdom tooth extraction, as it delays healing. Don't use a straw, as the suction can dislodge a blood clot.
The gauze needs to be changed to keep the area clean. If bleeding doesn't stop, biting down on a wet tea bag can help, as the tannic acid constricts blood vessels, encouraging blood clots.
Keep your extraction sites clean; you won't be able to brush the area until it's healed, but regular warm salt water rinses clean the area. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
Eat soft foods only for several weeks, until the area has healed. You'll only be able to have liquid foods to start, but after a couple of days, you will be able to manage a soft food diet.
Emergency Wisdom Tooth Extraction
There are times when wisdom teeth removal surgery becomes urgent. There are a few situations that require emergency wisdom tooth extractions.
Severe pain by the back teeth, jaw pain, headaches, extreme swelling, and bad breath indicate that wisdom teeth may need to be extracted right away to relieve pain and avoid infection.
If wisdom teeth may be causing periodontitis, an infection of the gums and surrounding bone, or pericoronitis, an infection of the tissues around the wisdom teeth can result, emergency surgery may be necessary, as these are serious conditions.
At Tooth Buds Dentistry, we perform tooth extractions in a comfortable environment; if you suspect your wisdom teeth are emerging, especially if you are experiencing pain, contact us today.