What to Do: Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth may grow in smoothly or not at all for some people. Wisdom teeth might feel like party crashers to some people, arriving late and causing complications.

Wisdom teeth appear significantly later in life than other permanent teeth, typically in late adolescence or early adulthood. You may have infection, pain, or other problems if there isn't enough room in your mouth for these new teeth or if they emerge improperly. In that situation, it's likely that a dentist would advise you to have some or all of your wisdom teeth removed.

When should wisdom teeth be extracted?

While you typically have 32 teeth in your mouth, your jaw may not be large enough to fit them all. When there isn't enough room for a wisdom tooth to fully emerge, it may erupt at an angle. It can quickly push on a neighboring tooth, producing discomfort and irritation to the cheek and gums. The wisdom teeth will have erupted and gotten impacted. 

Gum infection, tooth decay, damage to neighboring teeth, and even jaw cysts can all result from impacted teeth. As a result of persistent infections, the lymph nodes beneath the jaw might become swollen and painful. The best treatment may be to have the wisdom tooth or teeth removed. The upper wisdom teeth had been typically simpler to take out than the lower wisdom teeth, and they are more probably to be impacted.

What additional issues might wisdom teeth bring about?

Some wisdom teeth breach the surface of the gums, but do not fully erupt. This can lead to complications, such as pericoronitis, which is characterized by infected, swollen, or irritated gum tissue surrounding the partly erupted tooth. Pain, swelling, and a terrible taste in your tongue are all signs of pericoronitis. If your wisdom teeth only partially erupt and is causing the infection or the swelling, you may require antibiotics or perhaps a complete extraction.

Wisdom teeth can develop into places that are extremely difficult to clean, increasing your risk of decay and gum disease. Your dentist may prescribe extraction if this is the case, or if the tooth has already been decayed.

Time to Recover

Your dentist or surgeon may go through the recovery guidelines with you and let you know what to expect depending on your operation and circumstances. They'll give you advice on recuperation and any adverse effects before removing the device.

Because wisdom teeth are usually rather big, you may require sutures after they've been extracted. For the first few days after removal, there may be some swelling and bleeding, but over-the-counter pain relievers such paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. Your dentist or surgeon will give you instructions; don't be afraid to ask for take-home materials, such as a leaflet or printout, or a phone number to contact if you have any concerns regarding your recuperation.

Recovery Time

It's recommended to avoid applying suction or pressure to the wound for the first 24 hours after it's been removed. If you have to wash your mouth, try to be gentle.

It's better to stick to a soft diet, such as soup or mashed potatoes, and to avoid chewing as much as possible. When you may start reintroducing foods from your usual diet, your dentist or surgeon will advise you.

After wisdom teeth removal, brush your teeth. After the procedure, you should be able to wash your teeth lightly again. Simply be extra cautious around the tooth sockets that have been removed, and ask your dentist if they have any suggestions for keeping your teeth clean following extraction.