Wisdom teeth or third molars usually appear in the age bracket of 17 to 25. For some individuals, wisdom teeth may cause pain and inconvenience, necessitating their removal. If you have pain and want to find a dentist near you, you can learn why wisdom teeth cause pain and what are the advantages of wisdom teeth removal to assist you in deciding on your dental care.
Causes of Wisdom Teeth Pain
When experiencing pain in wisdom teeth, it may arise due to different contributing factors:
- Impaction: If there is not enough room for complete eruption of the wisdom teeth, they become impactive and can produce pain, swelling, and consequently infection.
- Decay and Gum Disease: When the wisdom teeth erupt partially, they create spaces for the accumulation of food particles and bacteria, thus increasing the possibility of dental caries and infections.
- The Wrong Way: The wisdom teeth grow at an angle that pushes the adjacent teeth and the alignment thereof.
- Inflammation: The eruption of wisdom teeth may cause swelling and tenderness of the surrounding tissue, with pain during chewing or talking.”
Symptoms You Might Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
It is not that every individual needs their wisdom teeth removed, but they can also develop certain symptoms that indicate extraction is necessary:
- Persistent pain or swelling at the back of the mouth
- Recurrent infection or gum irritation near molars
- Pain while chewing
- Jaw stiffness or pain
- Bad breath as food is trapped
- Movement or overcrowding of other teeth
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Wisdom teeth removal is a routine procedure that is commonly done in an outpatient visit:
- Examination: Your dentist will check to see how your wisdom teeth are positioned and decide how best to remove them by taking X-rays.
- Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity, the surgery can be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.
- The dentist creates a small cut in the gum to reach the tooth. If the tooth is impacted, it will have to be broken into pieces so that it can be removed more easily.
- Closure: The site is cleansed after tooth removal, and sutures could be put to assist with the healing. The entire procedure would generally be speedy, and the patient is sent home the same day.
Recovery and Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery after wisdom teeth extraction:
- Expect mild swelling, discomfort, and slight bleeding for a few days.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling and take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
- Follow a soft food diet, including yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup, to avoid irritating the surgical site.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, as well as straws and smoking, to prevent complications like dry sockets.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean, but avoid vigorous rinsing or brushing too close to the extraction site.
- Most patients recover within one to two weeks, with follow-up appointments ensuring proper healing.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Extraction of wisdom teeth has numerous benefits:
- Prevents Overcrowding: Extraction prevents overcrowding of teeth and avoids the possibility of crooked or shifting teeth.
- Reduces Oral Infections: Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth provide a breeding ground for bacteria, which causes infections and inflammation.
- Relieves Pain in the Jaw: Relief from long-term weariness in the jaw is common after extracting wisdom teeth.
- Enhances General Oral Health: Removing troublesome wisdom teeth prevents future dental problems and improves overall oral health in the long run.
Visit Heritage Family Dental for Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you are facing wisdom teeth pain causes or you think you need an extraction, the best next step is to consult a professional. Heritage Family Dental has experienced professionals who can safely and efficiently remove wisdom teeth. If you are searching for a dentist in Red Deer or a dentist in your area, we are here for you. Reach out to us today to make an appointment and keep your oral health in optimal shape.