Wisdom teeth are like the third wheel of molars. For most people, two sets of molars are plenty to process food, and the third set (your wisdom teeth) just get in the way. When things get crowded in the back of your mouth, it may be time for wisdom teeth extraction. Here’s everything you need to know.
When do you need wisdom teeth extraction?
We evolved our third set of molars to chew raw meat and other tough foods. Plus, regular dental visits were not a part of life for prehistoric people. In some cases today, wisdom teeth extraction is not necessary. They may come in even and straight, and you may have plenty of room in the back of your mouth to accommodate them.
For many of us, though, wisdom teeth extraction is part of life in the modern era.
Not only do we not require them to gain nutrition from food, but our jaws just aren’t as big as they used to be. These two factors are related. Our food these days is not as nutrient dense as it used to be, so our lower jaws are much smaller. This means that when wisdom teeth begin to erupt, the consequences can be dramatic.
To sneak themselves into the limited real estate at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth may come in diagonally, pressing against the second molars. This can force crowding and movement in the front of the mouth, interrupting the normal bite pattern. Wisdom teeth that erupt at odd angles and cannot come all the way out are referred to as “impacted” wisdom teeth.
This crowding and change in the bite is only the beginning. The teeth are pressed tightly next to each other, making oral hygiene in an already-challenging space even more difficult. This tooth decay can go unnoticed for a long time, as most of our chewing is done on the first and second molars. Left undetected, tooth decay can cause all sorts of issues, including dental abscesses and periodontal disease.
The best way to know if it’s time for wisdom teeth removal? Talk to your dentist. Your Phoenix area family dentist examines your teeth twice a year and can track changes in your bite as well as any increase in tooth decay.
What can I expect during a wisdom teeth extraction procedure?
Your wisdom teeth removal procedure is usually simple and straightforward, almost as common as a routine cleaning. For most patients, wisdom teeth extraction takes 45 minutes or less and occurs in three steps.
Step 1: Anesthetic
This may be a local injected anesthetic, general anesthetic, or, in rare cases, IV sedation.
Sometimes your dentist will use a combination of nitrous oxide for relaxation and local injected anesthetic for pain. Each patient is different.
Step 2: Extraction
Each extraction is also different. Sometimes your dentist will be able to loosen the skin around the tooth and finesse it out with a pair of dental pliers, and sometimes they will need to surgically remove an impacted tooth.
Your dentist will explain this step as it relates to you before they complete the extraction.
Step 3: Recovery and the trip home
In general, it’s best to have someone drive you home after wisdom teeth extraction even with a local anesthetic (most dentists will require a driver for a patient who has IV sedation).
Your dentist will make sure the bleeding is showing signs of slowing and you are ready to go before releasing you to go home.
Are there any wisdom teeth removal recovery tips?
Although every patient is different, wisdom teeth extraction recovery does follow some simple guidelines.
How much will it hurt?
Pain levels vary for each patient. This is why it important to follow your dentist’s directions for pain management carefully.
Many patients are prescribed pain medicine for a couple days after their wisdom tooth extraction, with directions on how to use over-the-counter medicines after that. If you follow your dentist’s guidance, your pain should be both minimal and manageable.
How do I care for the extraction site?
Your extraction site is an open wound that needs care. Unlike other wounds in the body, the clot that forms is crucial to safe healing. Directly after your extraction, use gauze to apply pressure for the specified time (between 30 minutes to one hour) until bleeding stops. Again, this time can vary among patients, so let your dentist guide you specifically.
Once the bleeding stops, the real work begins. The best way to help the extraction site heal is to help your body form a clot. Avoid any action that creates a vacuum or a sucking sensation in the mouth.
After this, always make sure not to:
- Spit
- Use a straw
- Smoke for at least seven days (or take this opportunity to quit altogether)
- Swish liquid or saliva in the mouth vigorously for 72 hours
- Brush teeth for 72 hours (rinse gently with salt water instead)
- Chew on the extraction site
If you experience swelling or pain, cold compresses on both the inside and the outside of the mouth can help. Rest and take the day off completely, gradually resuming normal activity as you feel ready over the course of a week.
What can I eat?
Most people are concerned about what they will be able to eat following an extraction. There are so many foods you can eat after wisdom tooth extraction! Consider soft foods (e.g., scrambled eggs, soft pasta, cooked vegetables, and yogurt) that do not require much chewing.
Additionally, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, and definitely chew on the opposite side of the mouth. Pointy foods that might dislodge the clot (like pretzel straws) should be avoided. Likewise, highly acidic foods can irritate the extraction site, as can food or beverages that are hot (temperature) and spicy.
Is there anything I should look out for?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure, but sometimes things don’t quite go as planned. If you develop a fever or the extraction site remains swollen and painful, this could be a sign of infection. A dislodged clot may lead to something called dry sockets, a painful condition that occurs when the bone or nerves are exposed.
If you find yourself feeling unwell or just feeling off, give your dentist a call to check in. They may want to schedule a visit to make sure healing is on track.
Come visit AZ Dentist, your Phoenix area family dentist, for your healthiest and most beautiful smile. Get in touch today!