Not everybody has them removed
A lot of people have heard of horror stories of having their wisdom teeth taken out. A lot of people have them removed, but is it really necessary?
The truth is that not everyone has their wisdom teeth out. In fact, unless you are having trouble, you may not need to have them taken out.
Below are some signs that you may need yours taken out and what to expect.
What are your wisdom teeth?
These are the lower and upper third molars found at the back of your mouth. They’re called this because they generally will come in between the ages of 17 and 21 – the time when someone is the age that they have “wisdom”.
What causes the problems people have with their wisdom teeth?
If wisdom teeth are healthy and positioned correctly, they generally won’t cause problems. Some of the problems that might happen are the following:
- They break through the gums just partway because there isn’t enough space. If this happens, gum tissue may grow over top of the tooth. It can sometimes trap food and cause to gum infections.
- They’re coming in facing the incorrect direction or crooked.
- Your jaw’s not big enough to give them the room they need. The teeth may become impacted so that they aren’t able to come through the gums.
- They are really far back inside your mouth or they are crowded so it’s hard for you to clean them.
- A cyst has formed. This can cause damage to the roots or bone.
What symptoms should I look for?
If you are having trouble with your wisdom teeth, there are a few symptoms you might have:
- Stiffness or pain in your jaw near a tooth that’s impacted.
- Irritation or pain from one that is coming through your gums at a bad angle so that it’s rubbing up against your tongue, bottom or top of the mouth, or cheek.
- The gum tissue that’s formed a flap on top of one of the impacted teeth.
- Your other teeth are crowded.
- Gum disease or tooth decay because you are having trouble with cleaning wisdom teeth properly.
Why it is done
A wisdom tooth is extracted to correct an actual problem or to prevent problems that may come up in the future. Some of the problems that can occur when wisdom teeth come in are:
- Your jaw may not be large enough for them, and they may become impacted and unable to break through your gums.
- Your wisdom teeth may break partway through your gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them. Food and germs can get trapped under the flap and cause your gums to become red, swollen, and painful. These are signs of infection.
- More serious problems can develop from impacted teeth, such as infection, damage to other teeth and bone, or a cyst.
- One or more of your wisdom teeth may come in at an awkward angle, with the top of the tooth facing forward, backward, or to either side.
When do problems occur?
Most of the wisdom teeth problems affect people ages 15-25. People who’re older than age 30 usually don’t have problems that mean that they have to have the wisdom teeth taken out.
How do they treat wisdom teeth?
If they are causing problems, they should be removed. This is done by a professional oral surgeon or dentist.
Your gum will be opened up over the tooth if it’s needed and then the tooth will be removed. Sometimes they will cut the tooth into pieces so that it’s easier for it to be removed. Sometimes you’ll need stitches.
If there’s an infection, sometimes you’ll have to wait for that to be gone before the teeth or removed. Antibiotics are often prescribed to help with this.
While waiting for your teeth to be removed, you can do the following things to help with swelling and pain:
- Place ice upon your cheek just for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t use heat.
- Gently rinse your mouth using warm water will salt in it every 2-4 hours. To make this, you mix 1 teaspoon of salt in one cup warm water.
- You can use naproxen or ibuprofen for pain relief. Read the directions carefully and follow them. Aspirin shouldn’t be used by anyone below the age of 20 due to Reye syndrome risk, which is a rare but very serious disease.
Recovery time after wisdom teeth removal
The recovery period can take several days and in some cases there may still be swelling and discomfort for a week or more.
Use ice packs, enjoy soft foods and keep your mouth clean with simple salt water. If you notice any unusual symptoms like pus discharge, severe pain or a fever, call your oral surgeon right away.
While complications such as an infection are rare, they are possible.
Conclusion – Visit Your Dentist!
The only way to know if you need to have your wisdom teeth out is to go to your dentist. Consult with your dental professional and you’ll know whether or not your problems are caused by your wisdom teeth or some other problem.
Questions about your Wisdom Teeth?
If wisdom teeth issues are affecting your smile, the team at Island Coast Dentistry can help. Through a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Skupny can tailor a oral treatment plan that is most effective for you. A beautiful, healthy smile can be yours!
Contact us today to learn more, or schedule a consultation online.