How Long Should I Wait to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you’re wondering about the right time to get your wisdom teeth removed, it’s typically between the ages of 17 and 25 when these third molars make their appearance. Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to emerge in the mouth, located at the back four corners. While some people experience no dental issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face problems that necessitate their removal.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that lacks the necessary space to grow properly. This can lead to pain, discomfort, infections, and other dental problems requiring extraction. Your dentist or oral surgeon will perform the wisdom tooth removal procedure.
Signs of Wisdom Teeth Growth
Wisdom teeth often erupt without any noticeable symptoms, but some signs may indicate their growth:
- Mild pain
- Feeling of pressure
- Dull throbbing in the gums near your throat or jawbone
- Gum pain during the tooth eruption
- Shifting teeth
- Gum tissue flap over the emerging wisdom tooth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Cold or sore throat sensation for lower wisdom teeth
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Many individuals undergo wisdom teeth removal when their teeth become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there isn’t enough space for them to erupt or when they develop abnormally. The following conditions may signal the need for removal:
- Slanted growth towards the next tooth or back of the mouth
- Horizontal growth at a right angle
- Straight growth but confined inside the jawbone
Extraction Procedure
The procedure for removing your wisdom teeth is very simple and can be comfortably performed by a skilled surgeon under local anesthesia with or without sedation.
Once the area is sufficiently numbed, the gum tissue is opened and moved aside to provide access to the tooth. Occasionally, an impacted wisdom tooth may be cut into sections to facilitate removal through a smaller opening. Once the tooth is removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with irrigation and the wound is sutured closed with a dissolving suture.
Post operative care after wisdom teeth removal consists of ice, elevation, gauze pressure, anti-inflammatory medications as well as antibiotics to prevent infection. The normal healing time from wisdom teeth removal is 3-5 days.
Post-operative care will be early discussed with you following your procedure.
Recovery Process after Wisdom Tooth Extraction
After the procedure, follow these recovery instructions:
- Regularly replace the gauze.
- Avoid strenuous activities and lying flat to prevent prolonged bleeding. Contact your doctor if bleeding persists after 24 hours.
- Use pillows to keep your head elevated when resting.
- Consult your doctor for over the counter or prescription pain medication options.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent dry sockets, which is the loss of blood clots at the surgical site. Stick to soft foods and avoid using straws to prevent dislodging the blood clot.
- Swelling and bruising may persist for several days, but using ice packs can help reduce these symptoms. Bruising might last a few days longer.
At Dental365, we offer world-class and compassionate dental care. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about wisdom teeth removal.