Your third molars are the last of your teeth to appear, a significant dental care milestone. They are more commonly known as wisdom teeth because they come out between the ages of 17 and 21 when a person is older and said to be wiser.
A healthy wisdom tooth that has grown properly will help you chew. On the other hand, if they are unable to come out in the correct position or if there is not enough space, they can cause problems, often leading to an impacted wisdom tooth. These are painful; wisdom teeth removal may become necessary.
When is the right time to remove them, and how are they removed? Here’s everything you need to know about your wisdom teeth and why you might need to have them extracted.
Common Myths About Wisdom Teeth
Everybody knows someone who has undergone a wisdom teeth removal procedure. Although the prospect of having new teeth or having them pulled is not something we like, we seem to be more resistant to it as we age.
We associate new tooth growth with children; however, many would be surprised to discover that many people don’t complete growing their wisdom teeth until adulthood. Here are some of the common misconceptions about our third set of molars:
Pain is normal and can be ignored.
Patients often feel a dull pain or pressure at the back of their jaw, sometimes accompanied by headaches. It is normal to feel this pain or discomfort, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Sometimes, recognizing the pain caused by these molars is difficult, especially when they haven’t grown out of the gums.
Sometimes these molars become impacted, which is extremely painful and causes other teeth to move out of alignment. If left untreated, it could lead to tooth loss or make braces necessary. Consult your dentist immediately for a wisdom teeth removal procedure to avoid complications and infections at the first hint of pain or discomfort.
Wisdom teeth removal is only for teenagers.
Most people think impacted wisdom teeth only happen to teenagers. They also think that wisdom teeth removal is only applicable to teenagers since adolescence is often the time many go for dental corrections. However, this is not the case.
On the other hand, adults are more likely to ignore the pain wisdom teeth cause, believing them to be a problem only teens have.
Ignoring wisdom teeth is dangerous. Not treating them can lead to many problems, including shifted teeth, migraines, tissue degradation, and cavities.
All four molars should be removed.
Another myth is that all third molars will eventually need to be removed. Although this may be true for some people, it is not universal.
First, not everyone has these molars. Some may be below the gum line that never grows in and cause any problems. Others may only have one or two third molars, while others might grow in all four. You can also have all four third molars grown in and only need to have one removed.
The rule of thumb regarding wisdom teeth removal is that if the tooth is not causing discomfort or pain, it is best to leave it be.
When to Have Your Third Molars Removed
Experts suggest visiting your dentist as soon as you feel a wisdom tooth may erupt. Your dentist can easily identify if its growth will affect your other teeth.
Usually, an erupting wisdom tooth will only cause minor inflammation and discomfort. But, if they become impacted, you might need to have them pulled. Here are some signs you might need your wisdom tooth extracted:
Extreme Pain
Discomfort and slight pain are common in impacted wisdom teeth. However, when discomfort turns into extreme pain, a visit to the dentist is necessary.
Infections
Bacteria usually cause infection in an open wound within the gums. You can easily spot a wisdom tooth infection because of the pain, swelling, and in most cases, the presence of pus.
A wisdom tooth infection can lead to complications such as cellulitis or bacterial infection of the cheek, tongue, or throat.
Periodontitis
Inflammation and infection of the bone and gums that support and surround the teeth are the leading causes of periodontal disease. In this case, impacted wisdom teeth can damage your gums, making them inflamed and infected. The gums may pull away from the tooth, you might lose some bones, and your teeth may fall out.
Gum Abscess
In the case of impacted molars, an abscess may occur when dental caries develop in the crevice created by the emerging wisdom tooth. Not removing dental caries as soon as possible may lead to infections and abscesses.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
Extracting a wisdom tooth is often performed in your dentist’s office. However, if you have a severely impacted tooth or need to have the procedure performed more effectively, your dentist might recommend that you consult an oral surgeon.
Dentists usually give their patients a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth. Before pulling your wisdom tooth, they move your tooth around to widen the socket; you’ll likely feel some pressure before they remove your tooth.
Sometimes, dentists make small cuts in the gums or break the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
Dentists can remove a wisdom tooth in twenty minutes or longer.
Impacted Molar Extraction Aftercare
Removing an impacted molar will require intensive and careful aftercare. Here are the simple things you can do for a quick wisdom teeth removal recovery:
Restrict your activities.
Heavy lifting and other strains on the body may encourage bleeding in the area where the impacted molar was removed. Consider taking a leave from work when you decide to undergo this surgical procedure.
Avoid touching the wounded area.
Sometimes, people feel discomfort from the area where the impacted tooth was removed, urging them to touch the area. Avoid doing this with the tongue or finger, as both body parts carry bacteria that may infect the open wound.
Rinse your mouth carefully.
Avoid using strong chemicals after the surgery as they may irritate the open wound or cause an infection. Also, be careful in brushing your teeth. The bristles may hit the open wound and cause bleeding.
What Your Dentist Can Do For You
If you are starting to feel that your third molar is erupting, it is best to consult your dentist for immediate treatment. Your dentist can also talk about wisdom teeth removal costs and clearly explain what things you need to avoid after the procedure.
You may experience swelling and discomfort after the procedure. Sometimes, mild bruising may also be visible. It is most noticeable within the first three days. However, it can persist for up to two weeks. If these last for more than two weeks, visit your dentist.
Have Your Impacted Tooth Treated at Sunrise Dentistry
Are you looking for dentists in Durango, CO? Sunrise Dentistry can assist with any oral problem, including an impacted third molar or halitosis. Our highly skilled team will provide you with the best possible care for your teeth. For holistic oral care, book a session today with us.
