For most people, wisdom teeth lack the space to grow and eventually push on the third molar, causing pain, difficulty in chewing food, and poor hygiene. These teeth, therefore, need to be extracted to prevent future complications.
Here’s a look at why wisdom teeth removal is necessary and at what age you need to have it done.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop in your mouth and usually come through between the age of 17 and 25. You might not even notice them growing. In some cases, this growth causes pain, discomfort, or difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene.
The abnormal development, or impaction, of the wisdom teeth may hamper some functions of the mouth, such as chewing or cleaning your teeth. If you have one or two wisdom teeth painfully pushing against your normal teeth, you may feel shy about smiling or laughing. The good thing is that you can get some, or all four wisdom teeth, removed in a common and simple procedure.
Why do you need wisdom teeth extraction?
There are a few reasons why you may need your wisdom teeth removed. These include:
The ongoing pain from the wisdom teeth pushing against the third molar.
The wisdom teeth getting trapped under the gum, causing swelling and bleeding of the gum.
The wisdom teeth making it difficult to open your mouth.
Am I too old for wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth can be removed at any age. However, your mid-teens to early twenties are the most appropriate age for the procedure. Moreover, waiting too long to decide risks complicating the procedure. One of the complications is the delayed healing of the wisdom socket, which increases the risk of infection. You also risk nerve damage, as the root of your wisdom tooth will have reached the nerves.
Planning for the extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction can be done in a full-service family dentist clinic, or you can be referred to an oral surgeon, depending on the impaction of the teeth. Your dentist will help you decide whether to have all four wisdom teeth removed at once or one at a time.
This decision will help you make plans at work or school, depending on the number of days you will need to rest.
Before the appointment, make the following self-care arrangements:
- Set up a recovery station at your home that will help you ease the pain from the surgery. Include your favorite entertainment devices to help you relax as you recover.
- Plan on who takes over your responsibilities at the office or in any other job that you take daily.
- Plan for a soft diet to avoid disrupting the healing process
On the day of the procedure, don’t brush your teeth, since the toothbrush bristles may make your gum tender, which could delay recovery. A clinic with a full-time family dentist will help you set up everything you need during this time.
The procedure and recovery
The procedure will take around an hour, depending on the impaction of the wisdom teeth. Afterward, you’ll be free to go home with a driver. Having a driver is very important since the procedure involves anesthesia to suppress your consciousness and to block the pain.
Every patient handles its side effects differently, but generally, side effects of anesthesia include memory loss, dizziness, and nausea.
During the recovery time, which usually lasts a few days, keep an ice pack on your face to reduce swelling, and eat soft foods, such as pasta, applesauce, or mashed potatoes. Your dentist will give you instructions before you leave the office, so follow them closely to ensure a quick recovery.
For more information
You are never too old for wisdom teeth removal. If you have one or a few wisdom teeth that are making your life uncomfortable, contact Dean Dental Solutions today at (501) 771-2911 to schedule an appointment.
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