Wisdom Teeth Removal – Everything You Need To Know

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Your mouth changes a lot over your life. One significant dental milestone is wisdom teeth, they are historically called so as they erupt when one reaches a more mature age. 

The third and last pair of permanent teeth to emerge are wisdom teeth. They appear on the top and bottom of the mouth, behind the second set of molars. Wisdom teeth normally erupt between late adolescence and one’s 20s, but there are exceptions. 

Some people receive their wisdom teeth sooner or later, while others do not have any at all. A healthy set of wisdom teeth can support chewing when they all grow out well. 

It’s typical to feel slight pain, discomfort, and soreness as the wisdom teeth erupt, but if you are feeling a lot of pain, you need to visit a dentist immediately. Although wisdom teeth may grow in without presenting immediate issues, there are several reasons why they should be extracted.

How many wisdom teeth are there?

The average person has 1 wisdom tooth in the 4 corners of the mouth, which is four wisdom teeth total. Wisdom teeth normally develop between the ages of 17 to early 20s. By this time, the other 28 fully grown teeth are present so there isn’t much room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to fully emerge. A complete set of 32 adult teeth includes two on top and two on the bottom.

What is the function of wisdom teeth?

Anthropologists say that the last set of molars (wisdom teeth) was fully functional to the early humans to help them chew on rough and coarse food such as meat, nuts, leaves, and roots. But in today’s times, after millions of years of evolution and development, they do not serve any purpose unless they grow correctly, they can then serve as a functioning set of the third pair of molars. 

Why Do People Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?

It’s not uncommon to have problems with the wisdom teeth because there’s simply not enough room for growth. Once they do develop, they can exert pressure on your existing teeth, causing pain and shifting of teeth. 

It’s also very uncommon for them to get impacted, which means that rather than emerging upward like the other teeth, they grow at an odd angle or are unable to fully erupt. When this happens, surgery to remove your wisdom teeth will be required. Wisdom teeth removal surgery is quite common, however, it does take some time to recover from.

When Is the Best Time for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Overcrowding and pain, as well as fractured back molars and migraines, can all be linked to wisdom tooth growth. Before you start having difficulties with your wisdom teeth, many dentists and orthodontists recommend that you get them removed. If you don’t have your wisdom teeth removed before you start having difficulties, you should have them removed as soon as possible.

Your dentist most likely takes x-rays of your complete mouth once a year. These x-rays are used to evaluate if you have cavities or other dental issues, as well as to track the development of the wisdom teeth.

The direction the wisdom teeth are beginning to grow, whether they are affected inside the gum, and if they are fully developed are all things your dentist will look at on the x-rays. Each of these things will play a role in determining whether or not you should have oral surgery and when.

What is the process of wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth can be removed by a dentist or need an oral surgeon to undertake a routine surgical operation. Following the consultation, your dentist will provide you with additional details regarding the type of extraction you’ll require. You can have all four teeth extracted at once or have them taken in stages over a few appointments.

Gently Inspecting Your Teeth 

The dentist examines your teeth and jaw carefully before arranging a removal. X-rays will be taken and your root structure will be evaluated to assess whether the wisdom teeth are erupting and how they are affecting your root growth. This data will assist your doctor to determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be pulled or if surgery is required so that there aren’t any unexpected events!

The Extraction Procedure 

The dental team will give you further details on what to expect as well as how to prep during your examination. Sedation, local freezing, or anesthetic will be used based on your preferences and your doctor’s expert opinion. To extract teeth as softly as possible, procedures that are minimally invasive are performed so that you’ll be at ease and have a quick recovery.

Aftercare 

You may be requested to bring a family member or friend to the session with you, drive you home afterwards, and stay with you while you recover. Aftercare instructions will be given to you, including helpful hints about what to do and what to avoid for the fastest and most pleasant recovery. If you have other growing questions, please contact your dentist right away.

What happens after a wisdom tooth extraction?

A wisdom tooth removal procedure happens all in one day, which means that you go to the surgical center and leave that day itself, it is also called an outpatient procedure. You can find out about the wisdom teeth removal cost by phoning in earlier.

You will wake up in the dentist’s chair post-treatment if you get a local sedative or anesthetic during the operation. If you have been administered a general anesthetic, you will take longer to wake up and will be transferred to a recovery area. It’s possible that you don’t recall how you went from the dental chair to the recovery area. Inquire with your dentist about the sedative options available.

On the first day of recovery, your mouth will be bleeding. Some wisdom teeth removal recovery tips would include immediately applying a cold compress to your face. You’ll also be given directions as to when and how to take the medication, whether they are over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. 

You will be sent home when you wake up and feel ready. Ask a friend or family member to drive you back home. It’s possible that your dentist will insist on it, especially if you’re having general anesthesia and won’t be able to drive for a long time. 

Post-surgery, consume soft meals but avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol. After eating, gently rinse your mouth with saltwater.

The extraction of wisdom teeth is a frequent surgery used to prevent or treat issues regarding any discomfort with the wisdom teeth. You don’t have to worry about how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal. The day after surgery, you can eat soft foods, sleep regularly and resume your normal activities.