Introduction
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the jaw. Since there is not enough space in the jaw to accommodate them, most people with wisdom teeth almost never have them erupt. They usually go about erupting diagonally or horizontally and become impacted.
Without treatment, they can injure adjacent teeth, cause infection, and lead to numerous other issues. If you visit a dental professional regularly, he or she can inspect your wisdom teeth with routine x-ray examinations and let you know when it’s time for them to remove or not.
3 Reasons to have your wisdom tooth removed
If you are experiencing significant pain from your wisdom tooth, it is time for your wisdom teeth removal. Here are some reasons to remove your wisdom tooth.
1. Inflammation and infection
Because of the combination of limited space and open abscess, wisdom teeth are often the cause of gum inflammation. This has caused many problems, for example. New research suggests that once inflammation sets in, it’s difficult to reduce it. Often, such inflammation spreads to other areas of the mouth. When a tooth is partially impacted, a separation of the gums from a root of a tooth creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which greatly increases your chances of infection.
2. Overcrowding
When wisdom teeth emerge, they tend to crowd your already crowded area. With little room available, neighboring teeth are pulled out of alignment. If a beautiful smile is the result of braces or biology, the alignment of your wisdom teeth can undermine it, leaving you with crooked teeth and a crooked smile.
3. Damage to nearby teeth
Wisdom teeth that need to be removed may hurt their neighbors. Even so, they do a great deal more damage than merely crowding the room. In fact, they can contribute to permanent bone loss and cavities.
What to expect after wisdom tooth removal?
You’ll need to plan for quite a bit of things to happen ahead of time after wisdom tooth removal. Here’s what to expect after the procedure.
1. You may need some recovery time
As soon as your wisdom teeth are removed, you will immediately go into recovery from surgery. Because it is a surgery requiring anesthesia, the dentist must administer it. The drugs used for this procedure can take a while to wear off completely, so you will need someone to take you home and take care of you until they do. It can take up to several hours after waking up or another day before you get back into the normal routine.
2. Make sure you carefully choose your food
When you are on your feet, choose wisely which food to eat. You should eat food that is both cool and soft. The cool temperature will soothe your jaw, making it less likely you’ll need to take more medicine. Eating soft foods makes it easier to chew. When you are eating, try to take small bites so that you can control where the food is in your mouth.
That way, you can keep your gauze separate from the back of your mouth, where you’re most tender. Keep in mind, this will limit access to your molars, so you’re going to want to eat foods that are easier to break apart with your teeth.
3. Don’t brush your teeth.
Right after the surgery, you will not be able to brush your teeth or clean your mouth. Doing so can loosen the blood clots that your body produces to hold the incisions for the procedure closed. This usually should only last for 24 hours, at which time you can brush your teeth normally again. Take your time and use a soft cloth. Avoid brushing your teeth with electric brushes, water flossers, and mouthwash.
Summing It Up!
Wisdom tooth removal is a procedure that can be very traumatic and require a great deal of care. Be sure to consult with your dentist and receive proper guidance before undergoing the process. After all, you don’t want to end up with a mouth full of metal and stitches!