What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the very back of your mouth. They usually emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth were useful for our ancestors who had larger jaws and needed extra grinding power for their diet of raw plants and meats. However, modern diets and smaller jaw sizes mean that many people don’t have enough space in their mouths for these teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth can often cause problems.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are commonly removed for several reasons. One of the main reasons is lack of space in the mouth. When there isn’t enough room for the wisdom teeth to come in properly, they can become impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gum line and can’t fully emerge. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. Additionally, wisdom teeth can grow in at awkward angles, pushing against other teeth and causing misalignment. Even if they come in fully, they can be difficult to clean due to their location, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. In some cases, wisdom teeth may form cysts or tumors, which can damage the surrounding bone and tissues.

What Is the Procedure?

We do our best to make this a stress-free experience. The procedure to remove wisdom teeth is typically done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area, or in some cases, under general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep. The oral surgeon or dentist begins by making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and the bone. If the tooth is impacted or large, it may be necessary to remove it in pieces to make extraction easier. After the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned, and stitches may be placed to help the gum tissue heal. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the extraction.

What to Expect

After the Wisdom Teeth Extraction procedure, you can expect some swelling, discomfort, and bleeding for the first few days. It’s normal to experience mild pain, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications or prescribed painkillers. You may also have a soft diet for a few days, including foods like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes, to avoid irritating the extraction site. It’s important to follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.

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Recovery from the Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal typically takes about one to two weeks. During the initial 24 hours, you should rest and avoid strenuous activities to prevent complications. Applying ice packs to your face can help reduce swelling, and keeping your head elevated while resting can also be beneficial. It’s crucial to avoid using straws, smoking, or rinsing your mouth vigorously, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.

For the first few days, stick to a soft diet and avoid hot or spicy foods. Rinse your mouth gently with salt water after the first 24 hours to help keep the area clean and promote healing. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific aftercare instructions, including how to brush your teeth and care for the extraction sites.

Most people return to their normal activities within a few days, but full recovery, including the healing of the gum tissue, can take up to two weeks. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to ensure that the area is healing properly and to address any concerns you may have.

In summary, wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge and can often cause problems due to lack of space in the mouth. Removal is a common procedure to prevent or address these issues. The procedure involves numbing the area, extracting the tooth, and caring for the site to ensure proper healing. Following the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon will help ensure a smooth recovery and reduce the risk of complications.