Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed? How to Know If It’s Time
You’re likely to have a new arrival in your mouth between the ages of 17 and 21. While some wisdom teeth don’t cause any problems, people still choose to remove them. Now, this leaves us with a burning question, why have your wisdom teeth taken out?
According to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons,
9 out of 10 patients eventually get an impacted tooth from the wisdom teeth. This can lead to severe pain and swelling that requires surgery. This is ultimately the answer to “why should I get my wisdom teeth removed,” but continue reading to learn more about the other reasons as well.
Gum Irritation
Gum irritation or Periodontitis leads to red, swollen gums. This is an indicator to visit your dentist. However, it is critical to determine the underlying cause of the gum disease.
If the discomfort occurs at the rear of the mouth, it may be caused by the eruption of your wisdom teeth. The inflammation will subside after the tooth extraction.
Severe Pain
Your wisdom teeth may announce their arrival by causing excruciating pain. It can put pressure on your sinuses, disrupt your jaw, and create persistent headaches.
It may be tempting to take some pain medications, but the pain often returns. If it gets to that point, call your dentist right away.
Bad Breath
When a wisdom tooth erupts through the gums, it may create pockets at the end of the mouth. These pockets are difficult to reach with a conventional toothbrush. When this occurs, germs can quickly accumulate, resulting in an unpleasant taste or bad breath.
These pockets can be treated with proper dental cleaning, but the germs will quickly accumulate again. If you remove the wisdom teeth, you eliminate the bacteria’s home and restore your oral health.
Difficulty Chewing Your Food
Your jaw may get rigid from the wisdom teeth eruption, so chewing might be difficult. You may find yourself continuously biting down on your tongue or the inside of your cheek. This is caused by the wisdom teeth shifting the position of the other teeth.
When Your Dentist Makes a Recommendation
Although you have minimal symptoms or are unaware of the wisdom teeth, you should still listen to your dentist. They can detect the initial signs of eruption or potential oral issues.
It may be tempting to postpone or avoid surgery entirely, but having it done can save you a lot of pain in the future. People often express anxiety about the expenses. However, your dentist can discuss all the available financial options.
The Day of Your Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Wisdom tooth extraction is performed as an outpatient procedure. This means you will come to the surgical facility and depart on the same day. If you are sedated or given local anesthesia during the surgery, you will most likely awaken in the dental chair.
However, if you are given general anesthesia, regaining consciousness takes longer, and you will be transferred to a recovery room. You may have difficulty recalling your route from the dentist’s chair to the recovery area.
Waking up From Your Wisdom Teeth Surgery
As you awaken from surgery, you will gradually recover sensation in your mouth. Some discomfort and edema are normal. Blood will also be present in your mouth on the first day of recovery.
You can apply an ice pack to your face. You will also have prescription pain medication with instructions on how to take them. Make sure to have a friend or a family member to drive you back home.
Recovery Process From Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Most patients recover completely after wisdom teeth surgery within 3-4 days. If you have an impacted tooth, recovery might take up to a week.
You may resume regular activities the following day after surgery, but avoid anything that will dislodge the sutures and disrupt the incision. Keep in mind to avoid these types of activities:
- Vigorous activity
- Cigarette smoking
- Spitting out
- Drinking alcohol
- Chewing Tobacco
Some swelling, discomfort, and bleeding are common after wisdom teeth extraction. If the pain or bleeding is severe and intolerable, contact your dentist immediately. By the third day, your symptoms should have significantly improved.
How to Clean Your Wound From Surgery?
Rinse the wound with salt water to keep it clean. When rinsing, do not spit the water out. Place your lips over the sink and let the water drain, and dab the wound gently with gauze to absorb any extra blood.
Apply a bag of ice to your cheeks to reduce the inflammation. Don’t forget to take antibiotics to prevent infection. Make sure you follow your dentist’s instructions on how often to take the pain medications.
What Type of Food Can You Eat?
Maintaining enough hydration and nutrition is critical for healing, even if you do not have an appetite. Try foods that are easy to chew and will not affect your sutures. Begin with soft foods, such as:
- Cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed pudding
- Soup
- Puréed potatoes
- Smoothies
Since surgery can irritate your nerve, blood vessels, and tastebuds, you may find that your food tastes bland. You may even lose sensation around your mouth. Not to worry, your senses will return once you fully recover.
What Type of Food Should You Avoid After Surgery?
Your mouth is filled with sutures, and it’s prone to infections and other complications. There are types of food that can delay your recovery. For example, here is what you should avoid:
- Extremely hot food that can burn the surgical site
- Spicy food that can irritate your mouth
- Nuts or seeds that might get lodged in the space left by your wisdom teeth
When you feel ready, gradually increase your food intake. If you love hot and spicy food, slowly add those to your meal. The strategy is to listen to your body and avoid specific food that gives you any pain.
Where Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
We have listed a variety of problems caused by wisdom teeth. However, not everyone will have symptoms. The information above should help you determine if there’s any need for concerns.
Wisdom tooth surgery may seem frightening, but it’s necessary to prevent oral health issues in the future. If you are still wondering, “should I get my wisdom teeth removed?”
Contact us today to learn more about the signs of wisdom tooth problems.
