Having wisdom teeth can be painful and uncomfortable. Knowing when it’s time to have them removed can help alleviate the distress associated with the teeth.
Understanding what wisdom teeth are, identifying symptoms that may indicate the need for removal, and learning about the procedure involved are all important steps in making an informed decision about whether or not to have your wisdom teeth removed.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to erupt and grow in the mouth. They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 and can cause a lot of discomfort as they could be too large for the mouth, leading to pain and swelling.
Wisdom teeth can become impacted if there is not enough room for them to grow properly, and this can lead to other problems such as infections and gum disease.
Symptoms That May Indicate It’s Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth
Pain in the jaw, damaged teeth or difficulty opening your mouth can all be indications that it’s time to have your wisdom teeth removed. Swelling and sensitivity along the side of the jaw can also indicate a problem with impactions.
If wisdom teeth become impacted, they may cause problems while eating, persistent bad breath, or even an unpleasant taste in the mouth. The appearance of redness or bleeding along the gums can also be a sign that something is wrong.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Removing Wisdom Teeth
Removing wisdom teeth can provide a variety of benefits. It can help relieve pain, swelling, and other symptoms that may occur when the teeth become impacted.
Additionally, removing wisdom teeth can help improve overall oral hygiene as they are difficult to clean and floss.
On the other hand, removal can be costly and painful, and there is a risk of complications with any surgery.
How to Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Removal
Preparing for wisdom tooth removal involves following your dentist’s instructions, such as avoiding eating or drinking after midnight the night before and scheduling a ride home from the appointment.
Additionally, it is important to follow any prescriptions your dentist gives you prior to the procedure. It is also a good idea to plan out your recovery in advance by stocking up on items like ice packs and soft foods that are easy to eat after surgery.
The Procedure for Removing Wisdom Teeth
The procedure for removing wisdom teeth typically begins with anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable. Next, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum line to expose the affected tooth or teeth.
They may then break down the tooth into smaller pieces if necessary and remove it from the socket. Finally, stitches are placed to close the incision and help promote healing.
Aftercare Tips Following the Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Aftercare following the removal of wisdom teeth includes taking prescribed medications as directed by your dentist and managing discomfort with cold compresses or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Additionally, it is important to stick to a diet of soft foods until the area around the extraction site has healed. Be sure to also practice proper oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing, but take special care not to irritate the extraction site while it heals.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to have wisdom teeth removed when they begin to cause pain or difficulty with surrounding teeth.
In some cases, the dentist may suggest removal even if the wisdom teeth are not causing any issues in order to prevent future problems. It’s always best to speak with your dentist about when is the best time for you to have your wisdom teeth removed.