Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that emerge in the back of the mouth. They typically emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood and can cause problems if there is not enough room in the mouth for them to come in properly.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth procedures refer to any surgical treatment involving the removal of wisdom teeth, which are the third and final set of molars that emerge in the back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth typically emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood and can cause problems if there is not enough room in the mouth for them to come in properly.
Wisdom teeth procedures can include:
- Wisdom teeth extraction: This is the most common type of wisdom teeth procedure and involves the removal of one or more wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth extraction can be performed by a general dentist or an oral surgeon.
- Impacted wisdom teeth extraction: If a wisdom tooth is unable to emerge fully due to a lack of space or other obstructions, it is considered impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth may require a more complex extraction procedure to remove them.
- Wisdom teeth surgery: In some cases, wisdom teeth may be difficult to remove and may require more extensive surgery to extract them. This may include the removal of bone or the cutting of the gum tissue to access the tooth.
What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth, which are the third and final set of molars that emerge in the back of the mouth. These teeth generally appear in the late teenage years or early adulthood and may cause problems if there is not sufficient space in the mouth for them to come in properly. The procedure is typically performed by a general dentist or oral surgeon in an outpatient setting, meaning the patient can go home on the same day as the surgery.
Local anesthesia is usually used to numb the area around the tooth, while intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia may also be employed in some cases to help the patient relax or sleep during the procedure. The gum tissue covering the wisdom tooth is opened and the tooth is removed before the gum tissue is closed with sutures. Pain and swelling are common after the procedure, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Pain?
Wisdom teeth can cause pain for a variety of reasons. Some common causes of wisdom teeth pain include:
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Infection
- Decay
- Cysts
- Tumors
Wisdom teeth pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, ice packs, and warm saltwater rinses.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After wisdom teeth removal, it is important to eat soft, nourishing foods that are easy to chew and swallow. This will help to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. Some examples of good foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal include:
- Soft fruits: Cooked or mashed fruits, such as bananas, applesauce, and pears, can provide nutrients and help to keep the bowels regular.
- Soups and broths: Soup and broth-based dishes can provide hydration and nutrients and can be easy to swallow.
- Mashed vegetables: Cooked and mashed vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas, can provide nutrients and fiber and can be easy to chew and swallow.
- Cooked grains: Cooked grains, such as rice, pasta, and quinoa, can provide energy and nutrients and can be easy to chew and swallow.
- Pudding and Jell-O: Pudding and Jell-O can provide hydration and nutrition and can be easy to swallow.
It is important to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods after wisdom teeth removal, as these can irritate the surgical site and increase the risk of complications.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood. The exact age at which wisdom teeth come in can vary, but they generally emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth may emerge all at once or may come in gradually over a period of several months.
It is important to monitor the emergence of wisdom teeth and to see a dental professional for regular check-ups to ensure that the teeth are coming in properly.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Timeline
The recovery timeline after wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on the individual and the specifics of the procedure. Here is a general timeline of what you can expect during the recovery process:
- Day of surgery: After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, pain, and numbness in the area around the surgical site. These symptoms can be managed with pain medication and ice packs as needed. It is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities to allow the surgical site to heal.
- Day 1-3: Swelling and pain will typically peak on the first or second day after the procedure and may gradually subside over the next few days. You may also experience some bleeding and discharge from the surgical site, which is normal. It is important to keep the surgical site clean by rinsing with warm saltwater several times a day and following your healthcare provider’s instructions for care.
- Day 4-7: By the fourth or fifth day after the procedure, you should be able to eat a soft diet and resume most normal activities. You may still experience some swelling and discomfort, but this should gradually improve over the next few days.
- Week 2: By the second week after the procedure, most of the swelling and pain should have subsided. You should be able to eat a normal diet and resume most normal activities.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
The duration of wisdom teeth removal may differ based on the specific circumstances of the patient and the procedure. Typically, wisdom teeth removal is a relatively short procedure that is performed in a way that allows the patient to go home on the same day as the surgery. The extraction of the wisdom teeth usually takes between half an hour and an hour, depending on the number of teeth being removed and the complexity of the case.
The whole procedure, including preparation and recovery, may take a few hours. In certain situations, the removal of wisdom teeth may need to be done in stages, requiring multiple appointments to complete the treatment. If this is the case, the overall duration of the treatment may be longer.
Things to Consider Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftermath
There are several things to consider after wisdom teeth removal to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of complications. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Pain management
- Oral hygiene
- Diet
- Activity
- Follow-up care
- Signs of infection
- Dry socket
How Long Does It Take for Wisdom Teeth to Heal?
Most people experience full healing from wisdom teeth removal within a few weeks to a few months. The surgical site will heal and swelling and discomfort will subside in the first few days, and most people can eat a soft diet and resume normal activities by the fourth or fifth day. Full healing occurs over the next few weeks as the surgical site continues to heal and swelling and discomfort gradually resolve.
Main Problems About Wisdom Teeth
Some common problems related to wisdom teeth include:
- Crowding: If there is not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to emerge, they may become trapped or impacted, leading to crowding of the teeth and misalignment of the bite.
- Infection: Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted or trapped in the gums can be prone to infection, which can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing or speaking.
- Decay: Wisdom teeth that are difficult to clean due to their location in the back of the mouth may be more prone to decay and gum disease.
- Cysts: Cysts (fluid-filled sacs) may form around impacted wisdom teeth, leading to the destruction of surrounding teeth, bone, and other structures.
- Tumors: Rarely, tumors may develop in the area of the wisdom teeth, which may require the removal of the tooth and possibly additional treatment.
In many cases, these problems can be prevented or resolved through the removal of the wisdom teeth.
How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can I Eat?
After wisdom teeth removal, it is important to start with a soft, nourishing diet and gradually progress to a normal diet as tolerated. You may be able to eat a soft diet within a day or two after the procedure, but it is important to listen to your body and allow yourself time to heal. Here are some general guidelines for eating after wisdom teeth removal:
Immediately after the procedure: After the procedure, you may be given a prescription for pain medication and may be advised to avoid solid foods for the first few hours to allow the surgical site to begin healing. You can drink liquids and eat soft, non-chewable foods, such as broth, Jell-O, and smoothies, as tolerated.
Day 1-3: As the surgical site begins to heal, you can gradually progress to a soft diet, including cooked or mashed fruits and vegetables, soups, cooked grains, and soft meats. It is important to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, as these can irritate the surgical site and increase the risk of complications.
Day 4-7: By the fourth or fifth day after the procedure, you should be able to eat a soft diet and gradually progress to a normal diet as tolerated. It is important to pay attention to your body and listen to your appetite, as your body may need more time to heal if you are experiencing a lot of swelling or discomfort.
It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, and sports drinks, after wisdom teeth removal. If you have difficulty eating or drinking after the procedure, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Not everyone has wisdom teeth. It is estimated that about 70% of people have at least one wisdom tooth, but some people may have more or none at all. The presence and number of wisdom teeth can vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as genetics and the size and shape of the jaw.
What are Wisdom Teeth Symptoms?
Some common symptoms of wisdom teeth include:
- Pain: Wisdom teeth can cause pain as they try to emerge, or if they become impacted or infected. The pain may be constant or intermittent and may be felt in the back of the mouth or in the jaw, ear, or head.
- Swelling: Wisdom teeth can cause swelling in the gums or the cheek, especially if they become impacted or infected.
- Difficulty opening the mouth: Wisdom teeth can cause difficulty opening the mouth if they become impacted and cause pressure on the surrounding teeth or tissues.
- Redness or tenderness in the gums: Wisdom teeth can cause redness or tenderness in the gums, especially if they become impacted or infected.
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking: Wisdom teeth can cause difficulty swallowing or speaking if they become impacted or infected and cause pressure on the surrounding tissues.
- Bad breath: Wisdom teeth can cause bad breath if they become infected or if food becomes trapped around them.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dental professional for an evaluation.
Do You Have to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
In some cases, wisdom teeth may not cause any problems and may be able to emerge fully and function normally. In these cases, wisdom teeth removal may not be necessary. However, if wisdom teeth are causing problems or are at risk of causing problems, they may need to be removed to prevent or resolve these issues.
The need for wisdom teeth removal and the specific treatment plan will depend on the individual’s specific needs and the condition of their wisdom teeth. It is important to see a dental professional for regular check-ups to monitor the emergence of wisdom teeth and to identify any potential problems early on.
Benefits of Keeping Wisdom Teeth
- Improved oral function: If wisdom teeth are able to emerge fully and function normally, they can help to improve oral function by increasing the available biting surface and helping to distribute the forces of biting and chewing more evenly.
- Preserved oral anatomy: Removing wisdom teeth can alter the anatomy of the mouth, including the position of the teeth and the shape of the jaw. Keeping wisdom teeth can help to preserve the natural anatomy of the mouth.
- Reduced risk of tooth loss: If wisdom teeth are able to emerge fully and function normally, they can help to reduce the risk of tooth loss by filling in gaps in the dental arch and providing additional support for the surrounding teeth.
Do They Break Your Jaw to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
No, it is not necessary to break the jaw to remove wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure that is typically performed by an oral surgeon or a dental specialist. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the individual’s specific needs and preferences.
During the procedure, the oral surgeon or dental specialist will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom teeth and remove them. In some cases, the wisdom teeth may be broken into smaller pieces to make them easier to remove. However, this is not the same as breaking the jaw, which is a separate bone that is not involved in the wisdom teeth removal process.
After the wisdom teeth are removed, the incision is closed with sutures and a dressing is placed over the surgical site to protect it during the healing process. The specific details of the procedure will depend on the individual’s specific needs and the condition of their wisdom teeth.
Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Hurt?
The majority of patients report that the pain and discomfort experienced after wisdom teeth removal can be effectively managed through the use of prescribed pain medication and self-care. Adhering to the recommendations of the healthcare provider and properly caring for oneself post-surgery can mitigate discomfort and facilitate an expeditious recovery.
How to Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Swelling after wisdom teeth removal is a common and normal part of the healing process. However, there are several things that you can do to help reduce swelling and manage discomfort after the procedure.
Here are a few tips for reducing swelling after wisdom teeth removal:
- Apply ice: Applying ice to the surgical site can help to reduce swelling and manage discomfort. Ice should be applied in 20-minute intervals, with at least 40 minutes in between, for the first 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. After that, you can switch to warm compresses to help with swelling and discomfort.
- Use prescribed medications: Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help manage pain and swelling after the procedure. It is important to take these medications as directed and to contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
- Avoid strenuous activity: Strenuous activity can increase blood flow and swelling, so it is important to avoid strenuous activities for a few days after the procedure. This includes activities that increase your heart rate or blood pressure, such as exercise and sports.
- Sleep with your head elevated: Sleeping with your head elevated can help to reduce swelling by keeping your head above the level of your heart. This can be achieved by using extra pillows or sleeping in a reclining position.
Is There an Infection After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Infection after wisdom teeth removal is a possible complication, but it is not common. Infection after any type of surgery is a risk, and wisdom teeth removal is no exception.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Turkey
The wisdom teeth extraction operation is quite common in Turkey. You can contact Estenuvo if you want to receive Wisdom Teeth treatment at Estenuvo clinic and access one of the best quality health services in Turkey.
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?
In general, the cost of wisdom teeth removal can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the specific circumstances. For example, the cost of wisdom teeth removal can be higher if:
- Multiple teeth are being removed
- The teeth are impacted (stuck in the gums or jawbone)
- The procedure is being performed by an oral surgeon rather than a general dentist
- The procedure requires general anesthesia rather than local anesthesia