In the set of permanent teeth, there are four wisdom teeth (also known as third molars), each developing as the last teeth at the back of the gums. The wisdom teeth erupt only after the other 28 teeth are fully formed. The third molars are located between the jawbone structure and the second molars. Therefore, it is common to experience problems when they erupt due to the lack of room in the mouth.
The lack of room can cause them not to grow out and break through the gum. The wisdom teeth can erupt partially, grow horizontal instead of vertically, or damage nearby teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth with varying positions can result in pain and other dental problems.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Should all wisdom teeth be removed?
- Why do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
- How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
- Things you should and shouldn’t do during your wisdom teeth recovery.
Should all wisdom teeth be removed?
Some people have their wisdom teeth grow in perfectly fine. If you don’t experience discomfort when the wisdom teeth start to erupt, it’s absolutely fine to leave them unextracted. But unlike other types of teeth, the third molars often grow out in an inappropriate position.
Wisdom teeth keep growing regardless of the condition. Despite not experiencing problems when they erupt initially, there might be one problem or more later. Many people remove their wisdom teeth as soon as they know that the wisdom teeth are erupting, even though it seems unnecessary. Dentists may also recommend extracting the wisdom teeth that are not impacted or causing any troubles yet to avoid potential dental problems in the future.
It would be best to ask your dentist to check your wisdom teeth and give you professional advice on their condition. Talking to your dentist will give you a clearer idea of whether further procedures are necessary.
Why do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
While some people are lucky to have their wisdom teeth developed properly and not causing any problems, the rest likely have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth may or may not cause issues. However, there are some reasons why you need to undergo wisdom teeth removal, such as:
- Impacted wisdom teeth are harder to clean because of their location. They are far in the corner, behind other teeth. Therefore, wisdom teeth have a higher risk of tooth decay and gum diseases.
- Irregular growth of wisdom teeth can interfere with the jawbone and other teeth. Wisdom teeth sometimes grow horizontally facing the second molar. It can result in severe problems and pain. Wisdom teeth removal reduces the risk of damage to surrounding teeth and jawbone structure.
- It’s better to extract your wisdom teeth early if wisdom teeth removal is necessary. It means during your teenage years and twenties. As the teeth grow and the roots become longer, the risk of infection is higher, and the healing process tends to be slower.
- Impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to crowding teeth. It makes the teeth more vulnerable to plaque and tooth decay as the crowding teeth are more difficult to clean.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Having a few days off from your daily activities is highly recommended after the wisdom teeth removal surgery. Good rest days are crucial to making a quick recovery. Most people will fully recover within a few days, even though there are cases where it takes up to a few weeks.
A small cut in the gum might be necessary to reach the wisdom tooth. The stitch on the gum usually dissolves around 7 to 10 days.
Expect bleeding to happen within a few hours after the surgery. Using gauze and pressing it over the area will help stop the bleeding. Your face might also feel swollen after the procedure. Apply ice to the area to help reduce swelling. You should feel little to no pain after the surgery because the numbing sensation from the local anesthetic still affects you. After some time, if you feel any pain, you can take pain relief.
It is possible for some people to feel side effects from anesthesia, including nausea and dizziness. These side effects should be gone in less than an hour. You might not be able to enjoy food normally in the first 24 hours, up to the next few days.
Things you should and shouldn’t do during your wisdom teeth recovery
Here are some important things to note after the wisdom teeth removal procedure so that you can recover quickly and smoothly.
What you should do:
- Keep the area as clean as possible within the first week. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water after eating.
- Take antibiotics from your dentist to prevent infections. Also, consume painkillers prescribed by your dentist and use them per direction.
- Consume soft foods within the first few days after the surgery, such as smoothies, mashed potatoes, or oatmeal. Keep your diet containing good nutrition to help the wound-healing process.
- Drink a decent amount of water to keep your mouth hydrated.
- Contact your doctor if you have any allergic reaction to surgery materials or medication.
What you should not do:
- Chew food or anything near the healing area.
- Drink alcoholic beverages or rinse with mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
- Brush the healing area when you brush your teeth. The toothbrush can scrub the wound.
- Eat hard, crunchy, spicy food as it can scratch your wounds and cause pain and irritation.
- Drink using a straw as it can develop a dry socket from the suction. Dry sockets will delay the healing process and cause pain.
- Smoke during the recovery. Smoking can slow healing.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth removal is a safe dental procedure, and complications are rare. Follow the post-operative instructions you receive, particularly during the first seven to 10 days following your procedure, for a successful recovery. It is essential to understand how to care for yourself during this time.
Our dentists at Eastman Dental are happy to address any questions you might have regarding wisdom teeth or the removal surgery. Make an appointment to get a dental check-up if you suspect your wisdom teeth are erupting.