All You Need To Know About Your Wisdom Tooth
What is Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom tooth, Credits: pixabay
Adults develop their third set of molars called wisdom teeth extraction between the ages of 17 and 21. Wisdom teeth are the flatter kind of teeth; toughest and widest teeth that help grind food. They are the last ones to emerge and they develop probably when you really become “wiser”.
What is Special About Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom tooth, Credits: pixabay
The first set of molars becomes visible at the age of 6, the second set around 12, and the final set of molars called wisdom teeth extraction around 17 to 21 years of age.
The interesting thing about wisdom teeth extraction is it may not develop in some people and it may not be visible in others. If aligned properly, they are an asset to the mouth and if misaligned create removal. Misaligned wisdom teeth always create dental problems.
What are The Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
A man experiencing tooth pain, Credits: pexels
The impacted wisdom teeth can create several problems and you may experience the following symptoms.
Red, swollen or bleeding gums
Jaw pain and swelling around the jaw
Bad breath
An unpleasant taste in your mouth
Difficulty opening your mouth
Why Remove Wisdom Tooth?
Tooth extraction, Credits: pexels
It is said that during the process of evolution, humans, and jaws have become smaller. Scientists speculate that as the human brain grew bigger, the jaw got smaller to accommodate for space. Smaller jaws make no space for the wisdom tooth (2 in top and 2 in the bottom) or they don’t get fit at the right place.
It is estimated that 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted in a year in the United States.
Poor alignment of wisdom teeth causes the following problems:
Crooked teeth
Crowded teeth
Damages to other teeth
Increased tooth deacy
Gum disease
Jaw Pain
Cysts under the gums and possibly tumors
Your dentist may take an X-ray to confirm the positioning and alignment of your wisdom tooth. It is better that teenagers are evaluated for any potential problems at an early age so that surgery for removal can be performed at an early stage to avoid any serious health problems.
How to Remove Wisdom Tooth?
Tooth extraction, Credits: pexels
The wisdom teeth extraction depends on the position and stage of development. A wisdom tooth that is fully erupted can be removed easily like any other tooth.
A wisdom that is beneath the gum and embedded in the jaw bone takes a little longer procedure. It requires an incision and removal of a portion of your bone that lies over the tooth. The extraction will be performed in stages so that the amount of bone that is removed can be minimized.
The Post Extraction
Discuss what’s next, Credits: pexels
The speed of recovery depends on the type of extraction procedure involved. You can expect the following to happen in the first 24 hours.
Bleeding
Bleeding, Credits: pixabay
Bleeding may occur several hours after the extraction. To control bleeding the following can be done.
A piece of clean moist gauze can be placed over the empty tooth socket and bite it firmly.
Apply gentle pressure for 45 minutes
A moistened tea bag can also be an alternative as the tannic acid in tea helps heal blood clots.
If you notice you have heavy bleeding, contact your physician.
It is ideal to avoid rinsing, hot liquids for 24 hours after the extraction.
Facial Swelling
Facial swelling, Credits: pexels
This can happen in the area where the extraction was performed. Place ice wrapped in a cloth on your face for nearly 10 minutes and repeat this frequently for the next few days.
Medicines to Manage the Pain
Medicines for pain, Credits: pexels
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be taken for minor pain. If needed, your dentist may provide more potent painkillers.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics, Credits: pexels
To minimize the risk of infection, antibiotics should be taken for the prescribed point of time.
Foods
Foods, Credits: pexels
Only soft foods and liquid diet should be followed for the next few days.
Brushing
Soft brushing, Credits: pexels
Only soft brushing is allowed from day 2 Commercial mouth rinses should be avoided as they can irritate the extraction site. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
Though rare, some people may experience the following complications, post-extraction.
The blood clot may fail to form in the affected area, making the healing problems difficult. This condition is called a dry socket and is usually followed by pain.
Infection in the socket from bacteria or trapped food particles
Sometimes damage to nearby teeth, nerves, jawbone, or sinuses can happen.
Take-Home Message
Wisdom teeth are the third set of vestigial molars and its poor alignment created problems.