The last teeth to develop and erupt into the jaws are called the third molars or the wisdom teeth. They usually appear between the ages of 14 to 24; although they can appear at a later age in some people. The average person's mouth will comfortably hold 28 teeth, so when the remaining four teeth (that we are predisposed to have) start emerging, it can get a bit crowded in there. In many people there is often not adequate space left in the mouth to accommodate them which results in pain, lots and lots of pain! The only solution to that pain is extraction of the tooth. But should you?
Should You Remove Your Wisdom Tooth?
If wisdom teeth are not visible, they are impacted or unable to erupt due to space and size limitations. Impacted teeth don't have enough room to grow and will lie beneath the gums, which may or may not be a problem. Every one does not necessarily get four wisdom teeth, some may get less or none. However if the impacted teeth provide you the following troubles, they need to be removed.
- Pain
- Facial swelling
- Infection in the mouth
- Swelling of the gumline in the back of the mouth.
If Not Removed, What Problems I am Likely to Face?
If the problem tooth is not removed, one is likely to face the following problems:
- Bacteria and plaque build-up
- Cysts development
- Tumor development
- Infection
- Jaw and gum disease.
How will the Surgery Take Place?
Teeth extraction usually is a relatively routine procedure. The operation is usually done under local anesthesia. This completely blocks pain from your gums and you will stay awake during the procedure or be offered a mild sedative.
What are the Complications?
The only complication is something called as the Dry Socket. It delays the normal healing process and results when the newly formed blood clot in the extraction site does not form correctly or is prematurely lost. A dry socket can delay the healing process by 2 to 3 months.
Will I Face Problems After Surgery?
After the tooth has been removed some patients face the following temporary problems:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Minor bleeding
- Minor swelling
- Numbness in your mouth and lips
Do I Need to Take Some Precaution After Surgery?
Here are a few precautions that you can take to make the surgery tolerable:
- Bite gently on the gauze pad periodically, and change pads as they become soaked with blood.
- Do not suck on a straw. This could dislodge the blood clots and potentially cause dry socket.
- Avoid excessive mouth rinsing, which may interfere with blood clotting.
- Take cool liquid and a soft food diet.
- Continue to brush your teeth, but avoid the teeth directly neighboring the extracted tooth during the first 24 hours.
- Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
- Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
- Relax after surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
Although the procedure is painful but once you get your wisdom teeth removed, you will notice a big improvement in your mouth and your health.
