Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure typically performed by a dental surgeon. But does everyone need their wisdom teeth extracted? Please read our article to learn about the signs of your wisdom teeth needing to be removed.
Does Everyone Need Their Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
The answer to this question is only some people need their wisdom teeth extracted. If a patient is not experiencing any issues with their wisdom teeth and the teeth are healthy, they can remain in the mouth. In fact, there are no proven health benefits to extracting healthy wisdom teeth that are not likely to cause problems in the future.
Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted
There are several situations in which wisdom teeth extraction will be recommended:
- You have impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain and inflammation. Impacted wisdom teeth is a condition where the teeth can not fully erupt to the surface and remain entirely or partially covered by the gum tissue. This condition can also lead to cavities and decay of wisdom teeth because they can not be adequately cleaned.
- Due to their position, fully erupted wisdom teeth cannot be cleaned adequately on a regular basis, leading to recurring cavities and decay, which can jeopardize oral health.
- If your wisdom teeth cause orthodontic issues, such as overcrowding or improper bite, they can be removed in preparation for orthodontic treatments to free up room for the other teeth to move. Your dentist may also predict that erupting wisdom teeth will cause your teeth to become overcrowded in the future and recommend removing them before the problem occurs.
The Process of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
The procedure of wisdom teeth extraction can take as little as 10 minutes in some cases or up to an hour in others. The exact time of the procedure depends on the complexity of the case. Typically, patients do not experience any pain during the surgery as it is performed using an anesthetic. Your dentist can choose a local anesthetic or sedation dentistry. In some cases, your dentist will apply stitches or cover the site with gauze to stop the bleeding.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Typically, the recovery process after wisdom teeth extraction does not take more than several days. Right after the extraction, when the anesthetic wears out, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Swelling in the jaw area
- Minor bleeding depending
- Soreness and throbbing at the site of extraction
Bleeding should stop in the first couple of hours after the procedure when the blood clot has formed in the socket. Pain and swelling usually go away in a couple of days.
Recovery Tips
To ensure a fast and smooth recovery after wisdom teeth extraction, follow these rules:
- If you experience swelling, try applying an ice compress several times a day on the side of the extraction. Hold the compress to your face for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, with at least 30-minute breaks.
- Keep your head alleviated when lying down by using an additional pillow to reduce the swelling.
- If you experience pain, you may take over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen, or the medication recommended by your doctor. Remember to never exceed the recommended dose and follow the prescription.
- If your dentist prescribes any medication, such as antibiotics, take the entire recommended course, according to the schedule, to avoid infections.
- Adhere to a liquid diet in the first 24 hours after the extraction to avoid damaging the surgery site. Such a diet might include cream soups, broths, yogurt, milk, smoothies, etc.
- Do not use a straw for drinking, as the suction in the mouth can disturb the blood clot in the socket. The clot is necessary for proper healing. If disturbed, it can lead to pain and a longer healing time.
- After the first 24 hours, observe a soft diet for several days. Examples of soft diet foods include soups, soft cutlets, cheese and cottage cheese, soft bread without seeds, mashed potatoes, and pate.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly twice a day to prevent bacterial growth in the mouth. Be careful when brushing around the extraction site to prevent disturbing the blood clot in the socket. Do not gargle your mouth with mouthwash, as this may disturb the blood clot.
- If you experience bleeding for longer than 24 hours after the extraction or if the pain and swelling intensify significantly, contact your dentist immediately.
Make an Appointment Today
If you need a wisdom teeth extraction, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a dentist in La Mirada today. In our dental office, we use modern equipment and methods to ensure the safe removal of wisdom teeth. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to the La Mirada Dental One office.