When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed, Why, and What to Expect

More than half of the population has at least one wisdom tooth. And though it’s pretty common, whether you have one or four wisdom teeth, it’s often not something to smile about. Wisdom teeth appear right behind your second molars in all four quadrants of your mouth. But as you can imagine, or perhaps you know, since you’re reeling with wisdom tooth pain now, there’s not much room for these teeth once they erupt through the gum’s surface. So what’s the solution? In most cases, your Virginia Beach dental office will suggest wisdom tooth removal.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Though about 5 million people have their wisdom teeth extracted or removed each year, it’s a misconception that if you have wisdom teeth, they must be removed. Typically speaking, tooth extraction should only occur if you have problems such as pain from overcrowding.
More specifically, here are some indicators that wisdom tooth removal is on your horizon.
- Pain or discomfort: Persistent pain at the back of your mouth can be a sign that your wisdom teeth are causing issues due to lack of space.
- Crowding of other teeth: If your wisdom teeth push against neighboring teeth, this may lead to misalignment, making removal a good option to prevent further shifting.
- Infections or gum inflammation: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, often leading to infections or inflammation in the surrounding gums.
- Cysts or abnormal growths: Occasionally, wisdom teeth can form cysts around them, which may damage nearby teeth or jawbone.
- Difficulty opening your mouth: Swelling or discomfort while opening your mouth wide may indicate that wisdom teeth are affecting the alignment of your jaw.
- Impaction: If a wisdom tooth is trapped below the gum or bone surface, it may not erupt properly, potentially causing discomfort or infections.
Why removal of wisdom teeth is important.
So, if wisdom teeth removal isn’t always required, why is it so important? The answer starts with pain and discomfort, but that’s not where it ends. If there isn’t enough room for your wisdom teeth to erupt and grow into their position, it can be painful to say the least. But that crowding can lead to other problems, too.
Here’s what can happen.
- Tooth damage and misalignment: Crowded wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing shifts in alignment and potentially undoing previous orthodontic work.
- Increased risk of decay: Wisdom teeth are far back in the mouth, making them harder to clean. This often leads to cavities, which can spread to surrounding teeth if not treated.
- Gum infections: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, leading to painful infections or inflammation in the gums, a condition called pericoronitis.
- Jaw pain and stiffness: When wisdom teeth push against the jawbone or other teeth, they can create pressure that leads to chronic discomfort and even difficulty in moving the jaw.
- Cyst or tumor formation: In some cases, a fluid-filled sac called a cyst can form around an impacted wisdom tooth, potentially leading to jaw damage and even tumors, which may require more extensive treatment.
- Increased risk of sinus issues: Wisdom teeth in the upper jaw can press against the sinuses, sometimes leading to pressure, pain, or sinus congestion.
What to Expect During the Procedure
It’s not unusual to feel anxious about the wisdom tooth removal procedure. But we’re here to tell you that the process is quick and easy, and we do everything we can to make it as comfortable for you as possible.
That said, there are two ways we approach the removal of these pesky teeth. And it all depends on whether they are impacted. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, it means they are trapped beneath the gum or even within the jawbone. When this happens, the dentist or oral surgeon will need to make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. In some cases, they may also need to remove a small amount of bone around the tooth to allow for extraction. Impacted teeth are typically removed in sections to make the process smoother and minimize any strain on the surrounding area.
For teeth that are not impacted and have fully erupted through the gums, the removal process is often simpler. We can gently loosen the tooth and lift it out without incisions or bone removal. Since these teeth are more accessible, the procedure often takes less time and can involve a faster recovery.
In both cases, your comfort is a priority, and options like local anesthesia, sedation, or both are available to help you feel at ease throughout the procedure.
Recovery and Aftercare Tips
Most people will need to rest of the balance of the day after their wisdom teeth are removed, especially if the teeth were impacted. This might mean taking the day off of work, and if you need to undergo sedation, you will need someone to drive you to and from the procedure and stay with you for the next several hours.
Here’s what else you can expect.
- Rest and relax: Plan to take it easy for at least 24 hours after the procedure to allow your body to heal. Avoid physical activities and get plenty of rest.
- Control bleeding with gauze: Gently bite down on gauze placed over the extraction site to help stop bleeding and promote clot formation. Change the gauze as needed until the bleeding slows.
- Eat soft foods: Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup for the first few days. Avoid hot or crunchy foods that might irritate the area.
- Manage pain and swelling: Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed by your dentist, and apply an ice pack to your cheek in 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
- Avoid using straws and spitting: Suction from straws and spitting can dislodge blood clots, which protect your nerves and jaw bone from exposure, so it’s best to avoid both to promote healthy healing.
- Keep the area clean: After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid brushing directly over the extraction site for the first few days.
Are your wisdom teeth causing pain and discomfort?
In most cases, your team at your Virginia Beach dentist office will notice your wisdom teeth and suggest treatment options before you even know there might be a problem. But, sometimes that pain and discomfort from crowding can creep up on you. If that’s the case, then it’s time to request an appointment with King Dental. We’ll take a look, assess the situation, and provide the recommended course of action.
Ready to get started? Request an appointment today.