The wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21. Between the ages of 16 and 19, an initial examination of the wisdom teeth is suggested. As you get older, your jawbone grows harder, making it more difficult to remove. Sometimes even if you do not have typical symptoms, some dentists elect to extract wisdom tooth to prevent future problems.
Here are some common signs that you need to get your wisdom tooth extracted.
Wisdom tooth is impacted
Impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that either grows in or starts to grow and can be impacted if there isn’t enough space for the wisdom tooth to come out the proper way. This means it goes horizontally instead of vertically when it is growing in. Wisdom teeth that are impacted may need special care, like having surgery done where they will need to be removed.
Gums are swollen and tender to touch
Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing gum flaps on the top or side of the gum near to, or even in place of, an incoming tooth. This flap may easily trap small food particles and germs, resulting in infection. It commonly swells up as a result of this, leaving your sensitive, red gums inflamed. The source of the pain isn’t always immediately obvious, especially if you have naturally swollen gums.
As a result of this infection, your gum may feel tender to touch and your teeth can become wobbly, often making it difficult to chew. This toothache is something that needs resolving, often by extracting the wisdom tooth.
Inability to chew
Sometimes wisdom teeth can cause problems with chewing and swallowing food. This is most common when wisdom teeth come in crooked or partially impacted (growing in sideways). If you have this problem, your dentist may recommend surgical removal of these impacted teeth to make more room for them.
Food might be getting trapped between the gums and the teeth. If you can’t reach the back of your mouth and clean adequately while brushing, this might lead to a slew of issues. Check with your dentist to see if any solutions are available. If it’s impossible to fix, extraction may be the only alternative.
Stiffness and pain in the jaw
Wisdom teeth can cause pain and stiffness in the jaws, as they start to move around and out of their sockets. The lack of space in the jaw for this new set of teeth can cause pressure to build up around them. This is often accompanied by swelling and pain, which can also be attributed to an infection.
In the worst cases, one of the wisdom teeth may start to grow, but be blocked from exiting the gums completely. This can cause a sharp pain deep in the jaw and is often described as being similar to having an ice pick inserted into a tooth. The issues surrounding any one tooth can also affect other teeth in the same area which results in pain when biting down on food.
There are many remedies that can be taken to help with the pain and discomfort associated with wisdom teeth. It is highly recommended to ease any pain or distress before more serious conditions are diagnosed, which will require surgery.
Teeth are crooked and overcrowded
Wisdom teeth can grow even though there isn’t enough space in the mouth for them when there is a lack of room. When the jaws are too full, teeth may be pushed together, causing them to become misshapen. Nothing may be done to make all of them fit. Only some, or perhaps all, of your wisdom teeth may need to be removed.
A dental expert can determine whether your wisdom teeth will overburden your other teeth by looking at x-rays before they are fully developed. This is just one example of why it’s critical to make an appointment as soon as you detect your wisdom teeth emerging. If your neighbouring teeth become deformed, you may be required to wear braces.
Cysts forming around the wisdom tooth
A cyst is a condition in which fluid builds up in the tissues surrounding a tooth. A cyst happens when water fills an area next to the teeth. If it isn’t treated, it might damage bones, roots, and adjacent structures. It can grow into a tumour that necessitates further surgery if it becomes too severe.
Developing sinus issues
Wisdom teeth might cause a range of sinus issues. Teeth growing in on the top jaw may lead to these problems. When the teeth mature and roots form, they can press against and irritate the sinuses, putting pressure on them. Wisdom teeth may occasionally result in sinus pain, pressure, headaches, and congestion. In such cases, your dentist may advise extraction.
What does the wisdom tooth extraction procedure involve?
Wisdom teeth removal can be performed for either medical or cosmetic reasons.
In a standard wisdom tooth extraction procedure, the tooth is removed in one session. However, if the wisdom teeth have been impacted into the jawbone, it may be necessary for you to undergo two operations.
In order to extract partially impacted wisdom teeth, a small incision must be made around where the tooth emerges from your gums and another incision has to be made along your gum line at a different angle. The surgical team will then carefully use instruments to cut away any bone until they can gain access to the roots of each impacted tooth.
The tooth is removed and the gum is then closed with stitches or surgical tape. The sutures are usually removed after several days.
A dentist or oral surgeon is the individual who performs wisdom tooth extraction. Local or general anaesthesia is usually administered. Someone will be needed to assist you after the operation if you receive a general anaesthetic. Wisdom teeth extraction procedures come with many different types of sedation.
The procedure can take anything from one to several hours, depending on how many teeth are being removed and the severity of the case.
If you are having surgery, you will probably be required to avoid blood thinners such as aspirin before the operation. Aftercare will also include prescription pain medications.