Having your wisdom teeth removed is an inevitable dental procedure for many people. These are your third set of molars at the back of your mouth that usually emerge in your late teens. In most people, they will come in between the ages of 16 and 20. In many cases, there is not enough room in your mouth for these teeth. This means that they can push on your other teeth and move them out of alignment.
This can cause problems for your teeth and require orthodontic treatment. In addition, wisdom teeth can become infected and lead to a lot of other dental issues. Because of this, many dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal as the best approach. By having them extracted, you can make sure that the rest of your teeth do not suffer any harm.
The wisdom teeth removal procedure is often considered quite unpleasant. However, thanks to modern dental techniques, this procedure is now easier than it has ever been before.
In this guide, we are going to share some interesting facts about wisdom teeth removal, so if you’re curious to learn some wisdom teeth removal facts, then you’ve come to the right place. Keep this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the fascinating facts we have you.
1) Frequent removal
First of all, it’s worth noting that wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common forms of tooth removal far surpassing any other tooth in the frequency of extraction.
One of the most common reasons for this removal frequency is due to a condition called Pericoronitis, which is simply an inflammation that occurs around the wisdom tooth when it is first emerging.
This issue usually affects young adults, and it is one of the most common reasons for a wisdom tooth to need extraction.
2) There are alternatives to extraction
While extraction is often the most likely scenario for a problematic wisdom tooth, it is now possible for root canal treatment to replace some of this need, and it is now becoming a very common as an alternative to full extraction.
Root canal is usually common if the tooth is infected, and the root can be saved. The downside is that it will usually require many separate visits to the dentist, and the treatment can also be quite expensive. But on the positive side, it means the tooth will not be lost completely, so there will be no need for an expensive dental implant at some point in the future.
3) The costs can vary quite a bit
Interestingly, the cost of a wisdom tooth extraction isn’t usually a set amount ñ and it will greatly vary depending on the complexity of extraction. In general, most dentists consider upper wisdom teeth to be easier to extract, which will usually mean the treatment is cheaper.
On the other hand, the lower wisdom teeth can be more problematic, usually involving extra costs. The most challenging extraction is the front, premolar, molar, and wisdom teeth ñ whereas the easiest ones are simply fully erupted wisdom teeth.
4) After tooth extraction care is important
Once the tooth extraction has been completed, the treatment isn’t necessarily over. Unfortunately, bleeding can be quite common once a wisdom tooth has been removed, so your dentist will usually place a gauze over the exposed wound, which you need to bite down on for anywhere up to 60 minutes.
Luckily, the pressure generated from biting the gauze is perfect for stopping the bleeding, and it doesn’t take long for a blood clot to form over the exposed wound.
Over the next few days, you’ll have to be very careful about eating and drinking around the extraction site, and it may be a little sore for a few hours afterward. But after a week or two, you’ll be back to normal and accustomed to the tooth no longer being in your mouth.
5) How teeth are removed
Wisdom tooth extraction is either an incredibly simple process or very complex, depending on the location. In most cases, the dentist will take an x-ray to ensure they are fully aware of the position of the tooth, as well as how it affects the surrounding teeth, nerves, and sinuses.
After the initial examination is complete, you would be given a local anesthetic to help relax you and take away any of the pain you may feel during the process.
Next, if there is gum attached to the tooth, this will need to be removed slightly, to allow for the tooth to move and break the fibers which connect the tooth directly to the jawbone. Once these fibers have been broken down, the tooth can be carefully removed using forceps.
After the treatment, there can be sharp bone edges exposed, and these need to be smoothed over and there’s also the possibility of stitches being required around the extraction site to close up any wound that is left over.
6) What can happen afterward
For most people, the pain will disappear within just a few days after the treatment, but there is always the chance for post extraction symptoms to develop ñ and if this happens to you ñ it’s important to consult your dentist straight away.
Some of these side effects can include prolonged bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or severe pain in the jawbone. All of these problems can be considered a dental emergency, so it’s well worth booking an emergency appointment if this happens to you.
However, it’s important to note that these side effects are relatively rare, so they shouldn’t concern you too much if you are nervous about the treatment you may be undergoing soon.
Overall, it’s safe to say that wisdom tooth extraction is a very common occurrence, so if you are currently worrying about the treatment, it’s important to remember that your dentist will be thoroughly versed in the modern techniques of tooth extraction simply because this problem so common.
Now that you have finished reading this guide, you should be aware of some of the interesting wisdom teeth removal facts that exist, and you should also have a better understanding of how the entire process of wisdom teeth removal works. While these wisdom teeth removal facts may not comfort you straightaway, many people find that the treatment is not as bad as they thought it was going to be.
Further reading
The best time to have your wisdom teeth removed is while they are still coming in and their roots have not fully developed. This will make the extraction process as easy as possible. If you wait until the molars have fully formed, having them removed can be a more painful and difficult process.
If you have a child who is around 15 years old, you should have their dentist take a look at their mouth to see how their wisdom teeth are developing. Even if they have not emerged yet, X-rays can be used to track their development. In many cases, your dentist may recommend that these teeth be removed before they can cause any serious problems.
How many wisdom teeth are there?
For most people, there will be four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom. However, not everyone has a full set. Some people may only have two or three, which makes removing them easier. However, no matter how many wisdom teeth you have, having them extracted will require a surgical procedure.
It is important to realize that wisdom teeth removal is a process that will lead to a significant amount of discomfort. However, this pain will generally recede within a few days. The long-term benefits of having these teeth pulled will more than outweigh any short-term pain and discomfort.
Who performs wisdom teeth removal?
Your dentist may be willing to perform this operation himself, or he may prefer to refer you to an oral surgeon. Before you schedule an appointment, there are some things that you need to know. It is important to allow enough time to rest and recuperate from the surgery, so you need to make an appointment at a time that is convenient for you.
Is anaesthesia required?
Because of the surgical nature of this procedure, you will need anaesthesia. The surgeon will first give you a local anaesthetic to numb your mouth. Depending on your preference, he may sedate you fully, so that you are unconscious during the surgery, or he may give you a lower dose that lets you remain conscious. Be sure to discuss your options with the surgeon’s office before you proceed.
The healing process
After the procedure has been completed, your mouth will require healing. You need to make sure that you do not do anything that will slow down this process or cause any more problems. During the first day or two after the operation, avoid eating any solid foods, since these could hurt your gums. You should avoid drinking hot beverages or soda as well.
You also need to avoid doing things that could dislodge the blood clots and cause dry sockets. If this happens, you need to let your dentist know right away. You can use gauze to stop any bleeding that may occur as a result of the operation.
Try to take it easy for several days after the procedure. Most people are able to resume normal activities after a day or two, but you should not push yourself too hard. You need to make sure that you give your body time to heal from what can be a major surgical procedure.
How to alleviate swelling
Ice can be used to keep any swelling down. Apply an icepack to your face to reduce swelling and bruising. If some occurs, do not worry. These can be normal consequences of having your wisdom teeth extracted.
How to reduce pain
If you find that you are experiencing a good bit of pain, first try over the counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If these do not help, your dentist can provide you with a prescription for a more powerful painkiller. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully so that you do not take too much medicine.
It can be helpful to rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water after the first day. This will not only help keep your mouth clean, but will also reduce the chances of an infection. Avoid brushing or flossing for the first day. After that, you can resume your normal dental care routine, but be gentle. If you experience any pain or see excessive bleeding, let your dentist know right away.
How long until you can eat food again?
After the first 24 hours have passed, you can resume eating soft foods. Yogurt, applesauce, and other types of soft food are the best choices. Eat these exclusively for the first day or two, and then gradually introduce other foods as your mouth begins to heal.
Wisdom teeth removal can be a painful procedure, but the benefits are worth it. By planning ahead, you can make sure that you keep your recovery time to a minimum.
