Wisdom teeth usually start making their way through the gums or erupting in early adulthood. Some people never develop wisdom teeth, some people have them come in easily, and some experience complications involved with their development.
Wisdom teeth extractions become necessary and recommended when these complications arise. Whether you are seeking wisdom tooth pain relief or think you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed, it is crucial to work closely with a skilled and caring dental professional.
Wisdom Tooth Complications
When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, this means that it does not have enough space to emerge through the gums properly and in alignment with the other teeth. Wisdom teeth may grow in at a severe angle, shifting other teeth and causing severe discomfort. A wisdom tooth may also become partially impacted, where you are able to see the crown of the tooth emerging through the gum line.
Partially impacted wisdom teeth can cause chronic gum infections from trapped food particles around the emerging crown. This trapped bacteria can cause accelerated tooth decay of the crown and nearby teeth.
If the wisdom teeth become impacted or partially impacted, wisdom teeth extractions are almost always recommended.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
Your No Gaps dentist will assess your wisdom teeth using X-rays and determine if they are erupting normally.
On the day of your extraction, your dentist may apply a local, general, or sedation anaesthesia, or a combination of two or more, depending on your comfort levels and the complexity of your procedure.
A simple extraction takes little time and effort and usually does not need sutures. For impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth, you may need a complex extraction which involves an incision in the gums to expose the tooth. In some cases, your dentist will divide the tooth into sections, making it easier to remove.
Once the tooth is removed, your dentist will clean the area and remove any leftover debris or tooth particles. Gauze is placed on the incision site to promote clotting and control bleeding.
Discomfort After the Procedure
As with any invasive dental or medical surgery, there is usually some mild discomfort involved in the days following the procedure. Swelling and inflammation are our body’s natural mechanisms of defense when acute trauma occurs.
Your dentist will provide information and instructions to follow for wisdom tooth pain relief, and aftercare. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure a speedy recovery.
Your dentist will likely recommend a combination of medications and at-home remedies. These may include a prescription medication for the first two days, and then management with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen.
Icing your cheek near the extraction site can help reduce the swelling and inflammation for the first 24 hours following the extraction.
These recommendations will be tailored to you and how your body will react to the procedure.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Last? – The Healing Process
Recovery after a wisdom tooth extraction may vary and be relative to each person. Some people may experience discomfort longer than others. Other symptoms following the surgery may include swelling in the mouth and cheeks, mild visible bruising, stiff or sore jaw, and numbness or tingling in the mouth. The healing process may be similar to the following timeline:
- In the first 24 hours, blood clots should develop around the area of the extraction. This provides a protective layer over the exposed bone and nerve endings, as well as a foundation for new soft tissue to develop.
- In the 2-3 days following the procedure, you may notice a decrease in swelling in the mouth and cheeks.
- If your procedure required stitches, your dentist will remove these in 10-14 days.
- After two weeks, all bruising should fade, and you should be feeling back to normal.
Discomfort following a wisdom tooth extraction typically lasts from 2-7 days, but most patients are back to their normal routines in just 2-3 days.
Dry Socket
Dry socket is one of the most common complications following wisdom tooth extraction. This is when the blood clot does not develop over the site of the extracted tooth. It may also occur if the blood clot becomes dislocated or dissolves before the wound heals.
Symptoms of dry socket include extreme discomfort at the site of the extraction, loss of the blood clot, ability to see the bone at the extraction area, unpleasant taste or bad smell in the mouth, and tenderness in the face on the same side of the extraction.
Smoking is one of the biggest risks involved with dry socket. It is highly recommended that you do not smoke after your wisdom tooth extraction and throughout the healing process. Other risk factors include hormonal contraceptives, failure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, preexisting gum or tooth infection, and if you’ve had dry socket in the past.
It is normal to experience discomfort following the removal of your wisdom teeth, but if you believe you may have dry socket, it is important to speak with your dentist right away. They may provide you with antibacterial mouthwash or an oral antibiotic.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Last? – Final Thoughts
At No Gaps Dental, we strive to provide gentle and effective dental care. Whether you are coming in for a wisdom tooth extraction or just want to find out if the procedure is right for you, we perform a thorough examination and go over all your options with you.
We ensure your peace of mind by providing you with any information you might want or need in regard to wisdom tooth pain relief and the entire extraction process. Call us on (02) 8007 6727 to find a location nearest you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.