Do Wisdom Teeth Have To Be Removed?

Are wisdom teeth a rite of passage or a dental dilemma waiting to happen? Should they be embraced as natural companions or promptly shown the exit door? Wisdom teeth often stir up questions and concerns in dental health. Whether you’re a teenager navigating the emergence of these latecomers or an adult pondering whether to bid farewell to them, understanding the ins and outs of wisdom teeth is crucial.

Today we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding wisdom teeth. From exploring their purpose in our ancestral past to deciphering their impact on modern-day dental health, we’ll delve deep into the complexities of these enigmatic molars. Join us as we navigate the terrain of wisdom teeth extraction, separating fact from fiction and empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your dental well-being.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Why do we have wisdom teeth? They are third molars, leftovers from our ancestors, who used them to grind down plant and raw meat tissue. However, with modern diets, these teeth have become less applicable. As a result, many individuals experience problems when they grow up due to a lack of space in their mouths to accommodate them.

At What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Start Growing?

Wisdom teeth are the final molars to emerge, usually in the late teens and early twenties. Most people grow wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25. As the mouth already has a limited area, this can cause discomfort as the teeth try to find their place. Although not everyone develops wisdom teeth, it is important to keep an eye on those who do.

Signs You Might Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Imagine this: you’re minding your own business when suddenly, a dull ache starts brewing in the back of your mouth. You brush it off at first, but as days pass, the discomfort grows into a full-blown annoyance. Enter the culprit: your wisdom teeth. These latecomers to the dental party have decided to make their grand entrance, but unfortunately, they’re causing more trouble than excitement. If you’ve found yourself in this scenario, you’re not alone. Wisdom teeth, those pesky third molars, often have a knack for wreaking havoc in our mouths. Some common you may need to remove them are:

Pain and Irritation

When wisdom teeth grow, they can push themselves against other teeth, causing pain and potential misalignment.

Jaw Issues

You can also experience jaw stiffness and discomfort when a wisdom tooth is erupting.

Sinus Problems

The upper wisdom teeth can exert pressure on the sinuses, which may lead to congestion or discomfort.

Inflammation and Infection

If a wisdom tooth only partially emerges, it can cause pericoronitis and an infection.

Cysts

Occasionally, wisdom teeth can cause cysts to develop, which may harm the bone and gum tissues in the long term.

In any of these cases, wisdom teeth removal might be the best course of action (or dare we say the wisest move -pun intended).

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Surgery

So, your dentist has told you it’s time to say goodbye to your wisdom teeth. It’s a decision that might come with a mix of relief and apprehension. After all, the idea of undergoing oral surgery can be a bit daunting. But fear not! Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common procedure that usually takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Depending on the position and developmental stage of the tooth, one or all four wisdom teeth may need to be removed.

What to Expect from Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction Surgery

Once you’re settled into the dentist’s chair, the first step of the wisdom teeth removal procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia. Your dentist will discuss the options with you, which typically include local anesthesia to numb the area around the teeth, sedation to help you relax, or general anesthesia for complete unconsciousness during the procedure.

With the anesthesia in place, the dentist will then proceed to remove the wisdom teeth. The specifics of the procedure depend on various factors, such as the position of the teeth and whether they are impacted. For impacted teeth, the dentist may need to make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, and in some cases, they may need to remove a portion of the bone covering the tooth.

Once the tooth is accessible, the dentist will carefully extract it from its socket using specialized instruments. This process may involve applying gentle pressure to loosen the tooth and then removing it in sections if necessary.

After all the targeted wisdom teeth have been successfully removed, the dentist will clean the extraction sites and may place stitches to promote healing. Gauze pads are then placed over the extraction sites to help control bleeding and facilitate clot formation.

Overall, while wisdom teeth removal surgery may seem intimidating, rest assured that it’s a routine procedure performed by experienced dental professionals.

Recovery Insights: From What to Eat to Speeding Up the Process

Once the wisdom teeth removal surgery is complete, a recovery process of around two weeks begins, and it’s crucial to take good care of yourself to ensure a smooth healing journey.

Immediate Aftercare

Right after the surgery, you’ll still be under the effects of anesthesia, so it’s important to have someone accompany you home. Follow any specific instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as avoiding vigorous rinsing or touching the extraction sites with your tongue or fingers.

Managing Discomfort

It’s normal to experience some discomfort and swelling in the days following surgery. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication to help manage any pain. Additionally, applying an ice pack to the outside of your face in the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling.

Bleeding Control

Some bleeding from the extraction sites is also normal. Bite down gently on the gauze pads provided by your dentist to help control bleeding. Change the gauze pads as needed and avoid activities that may increase bleeding, such as vigorous rinsing or drinking through a straw.

Diet Modifications

Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods in the first few days following surgery, like yogurt, pudding, and applesauce. Avoid hot or spicy foods, as well as anything crunchy or hard that could irritate the extraction sites. Gradually introduce solid foods back into your diet as you feel comfortable.

Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing infection and promoting healing. However, be gentle around the extraction sites when brushing and avoid vigorous rinsing. Your dentist may recommend using a saltwater rinse to gently cleanse the mouth.

Follow-Up Appointments

Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress and remove any stitches if necessary. Attend this appointment as scheduled and don’t hesitate to contact your dentist if you experience any unusual symptoms or complications during the recovery period.

Rest and Relaxation

Give your body the rest it needs to heal properly. Avoid strenuous activities, especially in the first few days after surgery, and get plenty of rest to aid in the healing process.

Patience

Remember that everyone’s healing process is different, so be patient with yourself as you recover. It’s normal to experience some ups and downs along the way, but with proper care and attention, you’ll be back to feeling like yourself in no time. But if you are still wondering how to speed up wisdom teeth recovery, keep your head upright, apply ice packs as required, and follow the dentist’s instructions for medication to reduce swelling and pain.

So, Do Wisdom Teeth Have to Be Removed?

In some cases, there is no need to remove wisdom teeth, if they are healthy, fully grown, properly placed, and do not cause any issues when chewing. However, it’s important to consult with a dental professional to assess your individual situation through check-ups and X-rays.

Factors such as the alignment of your wisdom teeth, their impact on surrounding teeth, and any associated pain or complications will determine whether extraction is recommended. If you’re experiencing discomfort or have concerns about your wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice.

For residents of Mississauga, Ontario, the Eye Smile clinic is here to provide personalized dental care tailored to your needs. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to ensuring your oral health and well-being, offering comprehensive evaluations and treatment options, including wisdom teeth extraction when necessary.