Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the four teeth that typically erupt in the back of your mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. While wisdom teeth can sometimes erupt without any problems, in many cases they can cause pain, infection, and other complications.
If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it’s important to see your dentist to discuss whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be extracted:
- Pain. Wisdom teeth pain is the most common sign that you need to have your wisdom teeth removed. The pain can be constant or intermittent, and it can be mild or severe. It’s often worse when you chew or open your mouth wide.
- Swelling. Swelling of the gums around your wisdom teeth can be a sign of infection or an impacted tooth.
- Discomfort. You may also experience discomfort in your jaw or face, even if you don’t have any pain. This is because wisdom teeth can put pressure on your other teeth and jawbones.
- Infection. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, they can become infected. This can cause pain, swelling, redness, and a bad taste in your mouth.
- Cyst. A cyst can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. This is a fluid-filled sac that can damage your teeth and jawbones.
- Dental problems. Wisdom teeth that don’t erupt properly can cause other dental problems, such as crowding, crooked teeth, and gum disease.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to examine your wisdom teeth and determine whether or not they need to be extracted.
When should wisdom teeth be extracted?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time to extract wisdom teeth will vary depending on the individual. However, in general, wisdom teeth should be extracted if they are causing pain, infection, or other problems.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted even if they are not causing any problems. This is because impacted wisdom teeth can increase your risk of developing dental problems in the future.
What happens during wisdom teeth extraction?
Wisdom teeth extraction is a relatively common procedure that can be performed in a dentist’s office or an oral surgeon’s office. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, which means that you will be awake during the procedure but you will not feel any pain.
In some cases, wisdom teeth extraction may require general anesthesia, which means that you will be asleep during the procedure.
The actual extraction procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. After the procedure, you may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising. You will also need to follow your dentist’s instructions for care after the procedure.
Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction
The recovery period after wisdom teeth extraction varies from person to person. However, most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days.
It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for care after the procedure. This includes taking pain medication as prescribed, avoiding strenuous activity, and eating soft foods.
Complications of wisdom teeth extraction
As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications associated with wisdom teeth extraction. However, these complications are rare.
Some of the possible complications of wisdom teeth extraction include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Dry socket
- Jaw fracture
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing any of the signs that you may need your wisdom teeth extracted, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to examine your wisdom teeth and determine whether or not they need to be extracted.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a relatively common procedure that can be performed in a dentist’s office or an oral surgeon’s office. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days.
There is a small risk of complications associated with wisdom teeth extraction, but these complications are rare. If you have any questions or concerns about wisdom teeth extraction, be sure to talk to your dentist.