Some people never get a wisdom tooth, while others have all four, and some may only get one, two, or three. These teeth generally erupt during the late teenage years and early- to mid-twenties. By this time, the other 28 adult teeth have usually already erupted and are fully functioning.
Although they may not add many benefits to the oral cavity, wisdom teeth can have negative consequences, and in certain circumstances, pose a risk to your health.
Why Should I be Concerned About Infection?
There are numerous reasons why you should consider having your wisdom teeth removed. Regular dental exams enable your dentist to monitor the development of your wisdom teeth and make a recommendation for extraction before any potential issues occur.
An impacted wisdom tooth is one of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth infection and is a tooth that has not erupted correctly. The tooth may be only partially through the gum, not come through at all, or erupt at an irregular angle.
A tooth that has only partially erupted may leave a flap of gum open for bacteria to grow. Food and other debris can get trapped between the tooth and gum, and an infection may develop.
This situation can lead to swelling and discomfort, and if not treated, serious illness. Usually, your dentist treats the infection with an antibiotic and advises you to have the tooth removed to avoid an infection.
Wisdom teeth stuck under the gum may put pressure on the area and cause discomfort. One which has erupted at an improper angle may create a hospitable space for bacteria to grow. It could also push against neighbouring teeth, causing significant discomfort, shifting, and damage to previous orthodontic work.
When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Since wisdom teeth usually erupt when you already have your full set of adult teeth, there is no loss of ability to bite and chew after you have them removed.
If you already have wisdom teeth or think that they are erupting, it can be tempting to wait until there is a problem, such as wisdom teeth infection, before taking any action.
However, there can be extreme discomfort, and also the added risk of infection, should you delay until a problem has occurred. Wisdom tooth infection symptoms may be swelling or discomfort in the affected area.
Wisdom teeth become more difficult to remove as you age, with the bone around the tooth becoming denser. Older teeth can make the removal procedure more challenging and could lead to more significant complications during the operation and recovery.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Before extracting your wisdom teeth, your dentist conducts a thorough oral examination and takes X-rays. If they feel you need an extraction, then they will give you local anaesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. If there is already a wisdom teeth infection, they need to treat this before performing surgery.
If the surgery could be complicated, or if you are very anxious, then they may also use sedation dentistry, which can help you relax during the extraction. You may not even have any recall of the procedure. General anaesthesia is usually not required, although it is an option for complex extractions.
If the tooth is still below the gum, your dentist will make a small incision to gain access. They may need to cut into the bone around the tooth to make more room. To make it easier to extract the tooth, your dentist may section it, cutting it into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Your dentist will gently rock the tooth back and forth to loosen it from the socket. During this phase, you may feel some pressure. If there is significant discomfort, you can alert your dentist, and they can supply extra anaesthesia.
If the wisdom teeth are visible through the gum, your dentist may not need to make an incision; however, each case is different. If your dentist can remove your wisdom teeth easily, it may only take a few minutes to remove each one. Should they be more challenging, the procedure will take longer.
After your dentist has extracted your wisdom teeth, they close any incisions using stitches. Your dentist may insert gauze to cover the affected area of gum and ask you to keep it in place while your blood clots.
Recovery
In the first 24 hours after the surgery, avoid alcohol, smoking, and eating or drinking anything very hot. The affected areas are sensitive and need time to heal.
It is important to rinse your mouth out with antiseptic washes or gargle with a warm saltwater mix. Trying to prevent wisdom teeth infection during this phase can save a lot of discomfort. Swish the liquid around your mouth and tip your head to let it spill out into the sink. Do not spit, as this could dislodge the blood clot and lead to a condition called dry socket.
Avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated to help your body’s natural healing process.
Recovery could take up to two weeks. You may experience swelling, discomfort, and some mild bruising to your cheek. These are all common postoperative wisdom teeth removal surgery effects and should subside relatively quickly.
The Takeaway
Having your teeth extracted early makes the surgery easier for both you and your dentist. Wisdom teeth removal can be carried out in a single appointment.
While it can seem unusual to have teeth removed when they are not causing any issues, the problems they do cause can create a great deal of discomfort. Repeated infections are not only unpleasant but can also be a health risk. Good oral hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of disease and lower the chances of complications.
If you have concerns about your wisdom teeth or would like professional advice about wisdom teeth, contact No Gaps Dental on (02) 8007 6727.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.