Understanding Wisdom Teeth Removal
The last molars to develop in the mouth are called wisdom teeth. They typically appear in the late teenage years or early adulthood. When these teeth are healthy and properly positioned, they can be valuable assets to the mouth. Unfortunately, this is not the case for most people, and the potential for problems to arise with wisdom teeth is so great that many dentists recommend their removal, often during high school or college years.
Why Do We Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Discomfort and complications from wisdom teeth aren’t uncommon. One of the main reasons people have them removed is simply that there’s not enough room in the jaw for these extra molars. When it comes to the upper wisdom teeth, the situation can be a little different because they might have enough room to come in above the bone, but they can still get stuck and become impacted. And an impacted tooth can cause a whole mess of problems.
For starters, wisdom teeth that are not completely erupted can open the door for bacteria to bum-rush your mouth and cause all sorts of infections in the gums and jawbone. And don’t forget about the possible crowding and pushing that these stubborn teeth do, even when you don’t want them to. They can press against your other teeth and cause some serious misalignment, and you can bet a tutor will be in your mouth giving your teeth the partners they need.
The Removal Process
The procedure most commonly associated with wisdom teeth is their removal. This usually begins with a consultation at a dental practice. At this first appointment for wisdom teeth removal, a greatly concerned dentist will perform a thorough examination probably accented by several types of X-rays. These X-rays will show the dentist the exact position—not only of the wisdom teeth—but also of the neighbouring teeth and the entire jaw. Once the examination has been completed and the X-rays have done their part in illuminating the interior of the mouth, the dentist will have a very good idea of the present dental situation and the future dental forecast. Once the dentist has imparted this information to the patient, the discussion will begin as to whether the wisdom teeth should be removed. Accompanying this dialogue will be the selection of the best method to ensure the patient has a minimal amount of discomfort and a quick recovery.
Post-Removal Care
The care you give yourself after wisdom teeth have been removed is vital to a good recovery. Here are some key points to remember:
- Follow the Dentist’s Orders: Your dentist has good reason to expect you to take their post-operative instructions seriously. What they say and how they say it can be pretty important around this time.
- Keep Pain and Swelling to a Minimum: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) and cold compresses can help keep discomfort and swelling from putting a damper on your recovery.
- Make Smart Dietary Choices: For the first few days, stick to soft foods. Items that are hot, hard, or crunchy shouldn’t make their way into your mouth until you have healed well.
- Keep Your Mouth Clean: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help keep your mouth very clean without the worry of displacing blood clots that are necessary for healing.
To grasp the significance of having one’s wisdom teeth extracted allows for the making of well-informed decisions regarding oral health. My teeth don’t hurt, but I worry because my brother’s teeth are impacted and his hurt a lot. So far, my dental visits have led to two outcomes: I’ve either needed a filling or a crown. This leads me to believe that my dental situation is not on the upswing.