The journey of dental development is truly fascinating and lasts from childhood to adulthood. As we grow, our teeth undergo various changes and milestones, one of which is the arrival of wisdom teeth, also known as third molars. Unlike other teeth, these molars emerge much later and cause a range of dental problems, which makes people wonder if they need to get them removed. However, the decision to extract these teeth is only sometimes straightforward and depends on various factors. In this article, we’ll explore whether everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed and discuss the factors that should be considered before making a decision.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. They are called “wisdom teeth” because they emerge at a time when people are becoming wiser. Some people may have all four wisdom teeth, while others may only have one, two, or three. Although some people may not experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others may develop problems such as infection, pain, and even damage to nearby teeth. If you have ever experienced that discomfort or pain in your mouth, keep reading to know more.

What Problems Does a Wisdom Teeth Cause?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, can present problems when they emerge or attempt to emerge in the back of the mouth. Here are some common issues associated with wisdom teeth:

Impaction

Impaction is one of the most common problems associated with wisdom teeth. This occurs when the jaw has insufficient space for the molars to emerge or only partially erupt fully. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling and increase the risk of infection.

Crowding and Misalignment

The arrival of wisdom teeth can disrupt the existing alignment of teeth. Due to the limited space in the jaw, the growth of wisdom teeth can push the other teeth, causing them to shift from their original position. This can cause discomfort, pain, and misalignment of teeth.

Infections and Gum Disease

When wisdom teeth start to emerge, they usually only partially erupt from the gums, leaving a flap of gum tissue partially covering the tooth. This flap can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to infection and inflammation of the gums. This condition is known as pericoronitis and can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty eating.

Tooth Decay

Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they can be challenging to clean properly, accumulating plaque and bacteria. Over time, this can cause tooth decay and cavities, which can be painful and require dental treatment.

Pain and Discomfort

Many individuals experience pain and discomfort when their wisdom teeth start to emerge. This can be due to the pressure exerted during eruption or complications such as impaction.

Sinus Issues

The upper wisdom teeth roots are close to the sinuses. Sometimes, the emergence or extraction of upper wisdom teeth can lead to sinus-related issues, including sinus pain, congestion, or sinus infections.

Jaw Stiffness and Swelling

The eruption of wisdom teeth can cause inflammation and swelling in the surrounding tissues, leading to jaw stiffness and discomfort. This can impact the individual’s ability to open their mouth fully and may be accompanied by difficulty in eating.

Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Infection

Let’s go through the symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection. It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity, and not all of them may be present in every case of a wisdom tooth infection:

• Pain in the area of the affected tooth: This is a common symptom of an infected wisdom tooth and is typically caused by inflammation and irritation of the gum tissue around the tooth. The pain can range from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent.
• Swelling and tenderness in the gum tissue surrounding the tooth: Inflammation and infection can cause the gum tissue around the tooth to become swollen, red, and tender to the touch. This can make chewing, speaking, or even brushing your teeth difficult.
• Difficulty opening your mouth: As the infection and inflammation worsen, you may find it increasingly difficult to open your mouth entirely. This can be particularly concerning if you’re experiencing pain or other discomfort while eating or speaking.
• Bad breath: In many cases, a wisdom tooth infection can cause a foul odour in your mouth, even if you’re brushing and flossing regularly. This may indicate an underlying dental issue that needs to be addressed.
• Foul taste in your mouth: Similarly, you may notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away with brushing or rinsing. This can be a sign of an infection or other dental problem.
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck: In some cases, a wisdom tooth infection can cause swelling and tenderness in the lymph nodes in your neck. This is your body’s way of responding to the infection and trying to fight it off.
• Fever: In more severe cases, you may develop a fever as your body attempts to fight off the wisdom tooth pain and infection. If you’re experiencing a fever along with other symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away.

What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Understanding the wisdom tooth extraction procedure can help alleviate concerns and prepare you for a smoother experience. Let’s look into the step-by-step wisdom tooth removal process, shedding light on what to expect during this common dental procedure.

Initial Assessment

The process begins with a thorough examination, often including X-rays, to get a clear picture of the wisdom teeth’s positions, angles, and potential impact on neighbouring teeth and structures. This assessment helps the dentist plan the extraction procedure.

Anaesthesia

Before the extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. In some cases, conscious sedation or general anaesthesia might be used, especially if multiple extractions are planned, or the tooth’s positioning requires a more complex procedure.

Incision

With the area numbed, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue overlying the wisdom tooth. This incision provides access to the tooth and its surrounding structures.

Bone Removal

When the tooth is partially or fully covered by bone, the dentist may need to remove a portion of the bone to access the tooth. This step is more common when dealing with impacted wisdom teeth.

Tooth Extraction

Using special instruments, the dentist carefully loosens and removes the wisdom tooth. Sometimes, the tooth may need to be divided into smaller sections for easier extraction, particularly if it’s impacted or not fully erupted.

Cleaning and Stitches

Once the tooth is removed, the dentist cleans any debris or infection from the extraction site. In some cases, stitches may be needed to close the incision. The type of stitches used can be absorbable or non-absorbable, and they may require removal in a follow-up appointment.

Gauze Placement

A gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding. Applying gentle pressure by biting the gauze helps a blood clot form, crucial for proper healing and preventing complications like dry socket.

Post-Operative Care

The dentist provides detailed post-operative care instructions. This may include guidelines on managing pain (prescribing pain medications if necessary), swelling (using ice packs), and oral hygiene (carefully cleaning the area while avoiding the surgical site). Patients are often advised to avoid certain foods and activities during the initial recovery period.

Follow-Up

A follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor the healing process. During this visit, the dentist may remove any non-absorbable stitches, check for signs of infection or other complications, and ensure the extraction site is healing properly.

Weighing the Pros and Cons Of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Deciding whether to keep or remove wisdom teeth is a careful process that involves considering the potential benefits and risks.

Pros of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

• Prevention of Future Oral Health Problems: One of the primary benefits of wisdom tooth extraction is that it can prevent future oral health problems. Wisdom teeth can sometimes become impacted, leading to gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. By removing your wisdom teeth, you can prevent these problems from occurring.
• Relief from Discomfort: Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause discomfort or pain, particularly if impacted or infected. Removing your wisdom teeth can relieve this discomfort and improve your quality of life.
• Improved Oral Hygiene: Wisdom teeth can be challenging to clean correctly, mainly if they are partially erupted or impacted. Removing your wisdom teeth can improve your oral hygiene and reduce your risk of gum disease or tooth decay.
• Better Overall Oral Health: By preventing future oral health problems, relieving discomfort, and improving oral hygiene, wisdom tooth removal can improve oral health. This can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your lifetime.

Cons of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

• Potential Complications: There are several possible complications associated with wisdom tooth extraction, including dry socket (a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket where the tooth was removed becomes dislodged), nerve damage, and infection.
• Cost: Wisdom tooth extraction can be expensive, mainly if it requires sedation or anaesthesia. You should consider the financial implications of the procedure before making a decision.
• Recovery Time: Recovering from wisdom tooth removal can take several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your healing process. You may need to take time off work or school to recover, which can be inconvenient.

Guide to Navigating the Decision-Making Process for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

If you’re feeling uncertain about whether or not to extract your wisdom teeth, it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when navigating this process with empathy and care:

Open Communication

Feeling nervous or scared about getting your wisdom teeth extracted is okay. Your dentist will help you to make an informed decision that is right for you, and it’s essential to communicate openly about your concerns, preferences, and fears.

Comprehensive Examination

To make an informed decision about whether or not to extract your wisdom teeth, it’s essential to get a comprehensive examination that includes X-rays. This will allow your dentist to evaluate the positioning, health, and potential risks associated with your wisdom teeth and provide a clear picture of your oral health status.

Balancing Risks and Benefits

It’s essential to take the time to balance the potential risks and benefits of wisdom teeth extraction. Your dentist will give you a clear picture of the potential risks and benefits and help you understand how these factors may impact your oral health.

Individualised Treatment Plans

Everyone is unique, and developing an individualised treatment plan that considers your specific needs and circumstances is important. Your dentist will tailor the treatment plan to your individual needs, preferences, and potential risks associated with extraction.

Gentle Wisdom Tooth Extraction at Blue Gum Dental Clinic

If you’re experiencing the pain of an impacted wisdom tooth, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to our team of trained dentists without delay for gentle wisdom tooth extraction procedure. We’re here to help you at every stage of your dental journey. Our mission is to promote your overall wellness and well-being with bespoke treatment tailored to your oral, aesthetic, and lifestyle needs. So why wait? Book a consultation at Blue Gum Dental Clinic today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.