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Wisdom teeth can cause pain, damage to other teeth, and other dental issues. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may not cause any visible or immediate problems. However, because they are difficult to clean, they can be more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease compared to other teeth.
Wisdom teeth can cause pain, damage to other teeth, and other dental issues. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may not cause any visible or immediate problems. However, because they are difficult to clean, they can be more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease compared to other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain or other dental complications are usually extracted. Some dentists and oral surgeons also recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth that are not causing symptoms to prevent future problems.
Impacted wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the mouth that do not have enough space to emerge or develop normally. Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come in. Most people have four wisdom teeth at the back of their mouths, two on the top and two on the bottom.
Wisdom teeth usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, as the third set of molars located at the very back of the mouth.
When a wisdom tooth gets trapped under the gum or does not have enough room to break through the gum, it is referred to as "impacted." Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to dental diseases, tooth decay, and other dental problems.
In emergencies when you cannot reach your dentist, there are some simple methods to provide relief at home. Remember, these methods only offer temporary relief and do not replace professional medical advice or treatment. Here are five ways to alleviate wisdom tooth pain in emergencies:
Impacted wisdom teeth may not cause problems for some people, while others may experience noticeable symptoms. In some cases, a wisdom tooth may partially emerge with part of the gum visible. This is called a partially impacted wisdom tooth. A partially impacted wisdom tooth can trap food and be difficult to clean, which can be quite painful for some people.
If the tooth becomes infected or causes other problems, symptoms may include:
In other cases, the affected tooth may never emerge from the gum, which is called a fully impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth do not always cause symptoms. However, if they become infected, damage other teeth, or cause other dental problems, they can present with the above symptoms.
The emergence or lack thereof of wisdom teeth depends on many factors. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people have wisdom teeth that align with other teeth and emerge without problems. However, due to insufficient space in the mouth, wisdom teeth often remain impacted. In such cases, the teeth cannot develop normally.
An impacted wisdom tooth may be partially visible or remain completely under the gum. If partially or fully impacted, the tooth can grow in the following ways:
The diagnosis of an impacted wisdom tooth can be made by your dentist through an examination of your teeth and a simple X-ray of your mouth. The X-ray can show whether your teeth are impacted and if there is any damage to other teeth or bones. If your teeth are impacted, you and your dentist should discuss the benefits and risks of surgery.
Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and can trap food particles. If a wisdom tooth is not removed, it can lead to specific problems such as:
Due to these potential complications, some dentists recommend surgery for impacted wisdom teeth even if there are no symptoms.
If your impacted wisdom teeth cause symptoms or dental problems, your dentist may recommend their removal. Wisdom tooth extraction is usually an outpatient procedure, allowing you to go home the same day.
During the procedure, your doctor may use the following types of anesthesia:
Local Anesthesia: To numb your mouth.
Sedation Anesthesia: To relax you and prevent pain.
General Anesthesia: To put you to sleep so you feel nothing during the procedure.
During surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in your gum and remove any problematic bones before extracting the tooth. They will then close the incision with stitches and pack the area with gauze. The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Most people can resume normal activities a few days after surgery, but it can take up to six weeks for your mouth to fully heal. For the first week after surgery, you might not be able to open your mouth fully and will need soft foods.
After surgery, you may experience some pain, bleeding, and swelling. Your doctor will give you specific instructions for pain relief, which may include painkillers and cold compresses.
Though rare, a painful dry socket can develop if the blood clot that should form after surgery doesn't form properly or becomes dislodged, exposing the bone.
Recovery time after wisdom tooth extraction can vary depending on factors such as your age and whether the tooth was impacted. Recovery usually takes between 3 days and 2 weeks.
Despite the common nature of the surgery, recovery time can vary based on factors such as:
First 24 Hours:
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks to prevent dislodging the blood clot.
Refrain from chewing food and using a straw.
Avoid smoking, tobacco products, or e-cigarettes as they can affect the blood clot.
Do not rinse your mouth or spit, as this can dislodge the blood clot and hinder healing.
After the First 24 Hours:
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
Continue to avoid smoking and rinsing your mouth.
Avoid using a straw and hard foods.
Oral Hygiene:
Keep the gauze in place as instructed after surgery, but maintain good oral hygiene otherwise.
Do not clean your mouth as instructed by your oral surgeon; afterward, gently rinse with salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash.
Brush your other teeth gently and use dental floss.
Typically, pain and swelling occur within the first day after surgery, which is normal. Mild swelling in the face, slight burns, jaw lock (trismus), and a strange taste can be expected. If you experience severe pain, bleeding, or significant discharge, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Days 2-4:
Pain, swelling, and bruising may increase. It is recommended to rest for at least 1-2 days.
Symptoms will gradually decrease and eventually disappear.
Days 5-14:
Healing usually begins around the 7th day. Swelling and pain should reduce during this period.
You will regain normal jaw movement and can gradually resume activities.
Regular dental appointments are crucial. Biannual check-ups help your dentist monitor the growth and emergence of your wisdom teeth. Regularly updated dental X-rays can identify the potential for impacted teeth early, allowing for intervention before any symptoms arise. These check-ups and examinations increase your chances of early detection and prevention of potential problems.
