What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt during the teenage years or early adulthood. When healthily and properly aligned, these teeth can be an asset to the mouth. But, more often, these teeth are misaligned, requiring removal. Misalignment of these teeth may position them horizontally, thus, causing pain. In addition, poor alignment of wisdom teeth is linked to damage of the adjacent teeth, the jawbone, or the bones.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal depends on the severity of the case and how many wisdom teeth were extracted and the patient’s pain threshold. In most cases, it can take up to 1-2 weeks to recover.
During the process, you may experience:
- Swollen mouth and cheeks
- Still feeling on your jaw
- Mild but visible bruising on the cheeks
- Tingling sensation on lips or tongue
- Pain
- Unpleasant taste and in the mouth
In case of experiencing severe pain, massive bleeding, fever, pus on the extraction site, or other unusual symptoms, you need to report to your Smile Ville dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
Other complications to watch out for:
- Dry socket (loosing of the clot, needed for healing of the socket)
- Infection (increased in the number of bad bacteria)
Your healing process may also take longer if you have comorbidities like diabetes, essential hypertension, treatment with bisphosphonates, etc.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
The complexity of your dental treatment will determine the cost of your wisdom teeth removal. If the case is simple, the dentist will extract the wisdom in the dental chair if too complex and risky he will refer to an oral surgeon.
Is wisdom teeth extraction painful?
Wisdom teeth extraction is done under local anesthesia. Therefore, during extraction you will feel pressure and crackling noises but no sharp pain. If there is pain, you should tell the dentist to give more anesthetics
After 3-4 hours, generally the anesthesia wears off, and the pain will be at its peak, painkillers will be advised. Pain can also last for a few days, but it is manageable. Analgesics may be prescribed for the pain and discomfort. Any pain associated with the removal of the wisdom teeth usually occurs during the recovery period.
Pain, bleeding, and swelling are common. You may alleviate swelling with an ice bag. Also, make sure not to dislodge the blood clot for your gums to heal faster. Post operatory instructions will be given in writing.
Will I need general anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal?
Since dentists can do most wisdom teeth extractions in a dental chair, general anesthetics are rarely necessary, it is used only in hospital setting under a dental surgeon care. At Smile Ville dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic to numb your tooth, your gums, and the surrounding area. Being awake in the procedure will allow you to feel pressure rather than pain.
What happens after wisdom teeth extraction?
If the type of anesthesia used is local, you will be given time to rest for a few minutes in the dental chair. It would also be best to bring a companion with you so you will not have problems with your transport on the way home.
Do I need to remove my wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth extraction is usually on a case-to-case basis. No – not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. If wisdom teeth are correctly positioned and have fully erupted, you can maintain them throughout your lifespan. Also, given that, they can adequately be cleaned and do not have decay. Issues arise depending on the size of your jaw and the alignment of your wisdom teeth.
The best way to determine whether your wisdom teeth require removal is to consult us for a professional evaluation. The dentist will perform an assessment reviewing your medical and dental history, taking OPG x-rays, and assess the condition of your wisdom teeth.
Sometimes, a Cone Bone CT scan will be performed to determine further the proximity of your wisdom teeth to a vital nerve that runs in the mandible. If this the case, we will be referring you off for the scan.
What will happen if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed?
For wisdom teeth development, problems commonly arise – therefore the procedure exists in the first place. Some people do not have to deal with these issues, but others can experience swelling, pain, infection, and discomfort. If you experience any of these issues, the best way is to ask our dentist for the recommended management for your case.
Who should remove my wisdom teeth?
General dentists can do most wisdom teeth removals, however, sometimes the anatomy of the tooth and surrounding tissues, medical history or past dental history may trigger the dentist referral to an Oral Maxilla Facial for the removal for the best outcome and your safety.
When should I remove my wisdom teeth?
If there is pain, swelling or decay on the wisdom.
If wisdom tooth position is affecting the cleaning of adjacent can produce gum pocket or decays
After or before braces might be required
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