Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more of the third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, which are the last teeth to erupt in the back corners of the mouth. These teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, they often cause problems such as pain, infections, or crowding, leading to the need for removal.

Before planning for wisdom teeth removal, it is important to take a x-ray to properly assess their position.

Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth:

Wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they don’t have enough room to fully erupt or develop properly. Impacted teeth may grow at an angle, pressing against other teeth, or they may remain trapped in the jawbone or gums.

 

Pain and Discomfort:

Wisdom teeth that partially erupt or grow improperly can cause pain in the back of the mouth, along the jawline, or even radiate to other areas of the head and neck.

 

Crowding or Misalignment:

Erupting wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing crowding or misalignment, especially if orthodontic work (like braces) has been done. This can disrupt the alignment of your teeth.

 

Infections or Gum Disease:

Partially erupted wisdom teeth create a flap of gum tissue where food particles and bacteria can get trapped, leading to pericoronitis (inflammation of the gum around the tooth), infection, and gum disease.

 

Cysts or Tumors:

Sometimes, impacted wisdom teeth can form cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the jawbone, which can damage nearby teeth, bone, and nerves. In rare cases, these cysts can lead to the development of benign tumors.

 

Tooth Decay:

Wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, making them harder to clean properly. This increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay, especially if the wisdom teeth are partially erupted or misaligned.

 

Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal:

The recovery period typically lasts a few days to a week, during which time you'll need to follow specific aftercare instructions to avoid complications.

Managing Pain and Swelling:

Pain Medications:

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be recommended. In some cases, prescription pain medications are given.

Ice Packs: 

Apply ice to the face to reduce swelling during the first 24 to 48 hours.

Elevate Your Head:

Keep your head elevated when resting or sleeping to help reduce swelling.

Bleeding Control:

It's normal to experience mild bleeding for the first day. Change the gauze as directed, and avoid spitting, as this can dislodge the blood clot.

 

What can I eat after wisdom teeth extraction?

Stick to a soft-food diet (yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, etc.) for the first few days to avoid irritating the extraction site. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or sticky foods that could interfere with healing.

 

Oral Care:

Do not brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, or use mouthwash for the first 24 hours. Afterward, you can gently rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean.

 

Avoid Dislodging the Clot:

A blood clot forms at the extraction site to promote healing. It’s crucial to avoid dislodging it, as this can cause dry socket, a painful condition where the bone and nerves are exposed. Avoid activities like smoking, drinking through a straw, or vigorous rinsing for a few days.