Have you been told you need wisdom teeth removal? While this may sound a little scary, like any dental procedure, when you know more about it and what to expect, it’s usually not as bad as you imagined it would be.
Wisdom teeth are the very last teeth to develop in the jaw, usually in late adolescence or the early 20s, and because they’re the last to come along, often there isn’t room for them.
Does everyone have wisdom teeth?
Most people have 4 wisdom teeth or large molars which are located at the back of the mouth at the far ends of the upper and lower jaw.
However, it isn’t uncommon for many people to only get a couple of wisdom teeth or even none at all.
Wisdom teeth issues
Unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth may not have the necessary space in the mouth to erupt properly into their correct position. This means that often, they come through at a crooked angle and other times they can get impacted by another tooth or are covered by the gums.
A combination of varied positions and impaction can cause issues which you may not be aware are occurring and in many cases, the best solution is wisdom teeth removal.
Symptoms
Problems can start to arise when a wisdom tooth becomes impacted. Inflammation and infection can develop in and around the gum tissue covering the impacted tooth.
The symptoms you are likely to experience include jaw stiffness, red swollen gums, and generally feeling a little under the weather. The teeth that are close to the wisdom teeth can also be affected by inflammation of the gum tissue and surrounding bone, and possibly decay, particularly if food particles become trapped between the wisdom teeth and the surrounding teeth.
In some cases, a sac of fluid (cyst) may form around the impacted wisdom tooth and this has the potential to destroy the surrounding bone or cause damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.
Antibiotics are often prescribed but usually, wisdom teeth removal is the best long-term solution.
Wisdom teeth removal – what’s the procedure?
Your dentist or oral surgeon will explain the process and the cost of wisdom teeth extractions and answer any questions you may have. Your medical history will also be discussed. It’s also important to mention if you are taking any medications, whether you’re prone to heavy bleeding, and if you know of any anaesthesia or surgery related problems. You’re also likely to have some x-rays taken before the surgery.
On most occasions, wisdom teeth removal is performed under a local anaesthetic which blocks out any pain but means you remain awake. If you feel anxious about the procedure, or your teeth are going to be difficult to extract, then a general anaesthetic in a hospital setting may be the best option. Moreover, you’ll be asleep throughout your surgery. So you won’t know a thing.
If you’re feeling particularly anxious about wisdom tooth removal, you can also opt for intravenous sedation alongside a local anaesthetic.
This is injected through a vein in your arm and makes you feel relaxed and less aware of what’s going on.
You’ll receive instructions on what you can eat and drink before and after surgery.
If you’re receiving a general anaesthetic, you’re not normally allowed to eat for between 6 and 12 hours prior to surgery. You may have a light meal and some fluids an hour before surgery if you’re receiving a local anaesthetic.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
In many cases, wisdom teeth extractions are no different from ordinary tooth extractions. The dentist starts by widening the tooth socket using a pair of dental forceps and a straight instrument and gently rocks the tooth from side to side until it’s sufficiently loose to be completely removed.
If the wisdom tooth hasn’t fully erupted into the mouth, the gum covering the tooth may need to be cut. If the tooth is deeply impacted, some bone may also need to be removed and the tooth may have to be cut into 2 or 3 pieces to remove it. Once the wisdom tooth has been removed, the gums are stitched back in place, usually with dissolvable stitches. These generally disappear within a couple of weeks.
How long do wisdom teeth extractions take?
This varies from one patient to another. Some wisdom teeth can be removed in just a few minutes whereas those that are more difficult or have to be cut into pieces, may take as long as 30 -40 minutes.
What about swelling after wisdom teeth removal?
It’s common to experience discomfort and swelling on the inside and outside of your face following surgery although not everyone does. The first 3 days are often the worst although swelling usually dissipates after this point. After 2 weeks, everything should be back to normal.
In some cases, the jaw may also feel stiff and you may have trouble opening it fully for the first week or two. In these instances, we recommend you stick to a soft diet.
There may also be some bruising on the side of your face which can also take up to 2 weeks to fade. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel directly to your skin during the first 24 hours after surgery may help.
You should also note that the older you are when you undergo wisdom tooth removal, the longer it may take to recover.
Post-operative treatment
If you’ve had general anaesthetic or sedation, then a friend will need to drive you home. You should also arrange for some help around the house for a couple of days as you will need to rest and recuperate.
There is likely to be some bleeding at the extraction site although this usually stops fairly quickly. Should it bleed at home, then apply pressure to the area using a clean swab. Should bleeding persist, then please contact your dentist for advice.
Over-the-counter painkillers can be taken for up to a week after surgery, by which time, you should be feeling less sore and more like your old self again. It’s also important to keep the site clean by gently rinsing it with warm salt water to rid the area of any debris and keep infection at bay.
If you’re experiencing problems from your wisdom teeth then why not make an appointment with No Gaps Dental. We can discuss your best options and whether or not you need wisdom teeth removal.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.