Last Updated on: 5th December 2024, 10:16 am
In this article, you will learn when wisdom teeth need to be removed and what to expect during, before and after the procedure. Wisdom teeth are the third molars that are commonly known to cause pain and other dental issues. Wisdom teeth or third molars usually appear between the ages of 17-24. But it is not uncommon to appear earlier or later in life. These late-stage molars can cause extreme pain and discomfort when they try to erupt or impacted abnormally in gums and bone causing harm to other teeth, crowding, misalignment, sinus problems, and damaging cavities. The next are the most common problems and need for wisdom removal.
Impacted wisdom teeth
When the wisdom teeth do not have enough space in the jaws, they are considered impacted. There are various degrees and alignments of impactions. There could be soft tissue impactions, partial and complete bony impactions. As the degree of impaction varies from soft to complete bony, the extraction becomes more and more difficult.
Abnormal positioning
Wisdom teeth usually grow in abnormal or maligned formations causing other teeth to shift and cause crowding in the front teeth. The simple explanation for crooked eruption and growth of wisdom teeth is that our jawbones are not large enough to accommodate a 3rd molar causing it to push other teeth. Our specialists always recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth before starting an orthodontic treatment to allow room for movement of other teeth.
Pain and discomfort
The discovery of impacted wisdom teeth generally starts with pain and discomfort in the involved region. At Channel Islands Family Dental Office, in Oxnard, we always advise patients to contact their dentist for an examination and X-ray.
Difficulty in eating
pain and discomfort while eating are considered one of the common reasons for the extraction of a wisdom tooth. The location and angulation of wisdom teeth that are usually difficult to clean make it the best place for food entrapment and infection-causing pain and sensitivity while eating or drinking. .
Formation of cavities
Crooked or abnormal positioning of the 3rd molar is one of the main reasons for food impaction and formation of cavities behind 7th molars.
Inflammation and swelling of gums
Oral health is not only limited to teeth, but gums also play an important part. When a wisdom tooth is partially erupted at an angle, it causes swelling and inflammation around the gums. It makes it hard to clean around the gums, eventually leading to cavity formation and tooth decay.
Difficult to clean and bad breath
Partially erupted or misaligned wisdom teeth cause swelling and inflammation around the gums that make; it difficult to clean, leading to deposition of bacterial plaque and increasing infection incidence.
What is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
We have already discussed the main reasons for getting your wisdom tooth removed. It is always considered better to get your wisdom teeth removed during the early stages of growth because the bone is still growing and soft makes the extraction smooth and easy. It is also important to be physically healthy when removing third molars to help in fast and comfortable recovery.
What to expect before, during, and after wisdom tooth removal?
The first thing your dentist will consider before initiating the treatment is doing a thorough examination and x-ray to assess the position and structure of the wisdom tooth.
The removal of third molars is done under local anesthesia or sedation. The extraction procedure could be surgical or non-surgical, depending upon the position and level of bony impaction.
Tips for fast recovery
The period following a wisdom teeth removal procedure is a very important one. Several measures must be taken to ensure the beginning of a quick recovery.
1. Make sure your head is elevated
2. Avoid spitting
3. Do not smoke
4. Do not use straws to drink
5. Stay hydrated
6. Avoid solid food
7. Use ice packs
8. Avoid vigorous brushing
After extracting an impacted tooth embedded in the jaw bone, it is normal to experience some pain, sensitivity, and swelling in the involved region. This could be minimized by using pain medications and the application of ice packs. It takes a while for your mouth to heal completely, and it is important to maintain good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and the use of mouthwash afterward.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about when wisdom teeth need to be removed or other topics, you can contact us at Channel Islands Family Dental as well as our page on Facebook. We look forward to your visit and we will make a timely diagnosis. Our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme will be able to guide you toward the best treatment to take care of your health and give you back your best smile.