Comprehensive Guide – Why get wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are a common source of discomfort and dental problems for many people. While some individuals never develop these teeth, others may experience crowding, pain, infection, and other issues that require removal. But why do you need to get your wisdom teeth out, and what can you expect from the procedure? This blog will provide a comprehensive overview of the reasons, benefits, and drawbacks of wisdom teeth removal, along with some frequently asked questions. As always, we encourage you to get in touch with our team at Heritage Dental Group on 07 38783384 for more information.
What are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that emerge at the back of your mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth were once necessary for our ancestors, who needed them to grind and crush tough foods. However, as our diet has evolved and our jaws have shrunk over time, wisdom teeth are now more of a liability than an asset.
Here are some of the reasons why you may need to get your wisdom teeth out:
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can cause crowding and shifting of your other teeth, which can lead to bite problems, tooth decay, and gum disease.
- Pain and swelling: Wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection in your gums, jaw, and neck if they do not fully emerge or grow at an angle.
- Decay and infection: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, making them hard to clean and susceptible to decay and infection. If left untreated, these problems can spread to your other teeth and even your bloodstream.
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth can become impacted, which means they are trapped in your gum tissue or bone and cannot fully emerge. Impaction can cause pain, swelling, and infection, as well as damage to your other teeth and jaw.
What Are the Benefits and Risks?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common and relatively safe procedure that can provide several benefits to your oral health and overall well-being. Here are some of the positive outcomes you may experience:
- Relief from pain and swelling: Removing your wisdom teeth can relieve the pressure and pain caused by crowding, infection, or impaction.
- Improved oral hygiene: By eliminating the hard-to-reach wisdom teeth, you can make cleaning your teeth and gums easier and more effective, reducing your risk of decay and gum disease.
- Better oral function: Wisdom teeth removal can improve your bite, chewing ability, and speech, as well as prevent damage to your other teeth and jaw.
- Reduced risk of infection: Removing infected or impacted wisdom teeth can reduce the risk of spreading bacteria and infection to your other teeth and body.
However, like any surgical procedure, wisdom teeth removal also involves some risks and drawbacks, such as:
- Pain and swelling: You can expect some pain and swelling in the days after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs.
- Bleeding and infection: You may experience some bleeding and infection in the surgical area, which can be treated with antibiotics and proper care.
- Dry socket: Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur when the blood clot that normally forms after extraction is dislodged or dissolves. Dry socket can cause severe pain and delay healing, but can be treated with a special dressing placed over the socket by your dentist.
- Numbness or tingling: Wisdom teeth removal may affect the nerves in your jaw and face, causing temporary numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness but are very rare.
- Jaw pain or stiffness: You may experience some jaw pain or stiffness from the surgery, especially if you have multiple teeth extracted.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal typically requires a local or general anesthetic, depending on the number and location of the teeth, as well as your personal preference and medical history. Before the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to prepare, taking pain medication, or avoiding certain medications or supplements.
During the procedure, your dentist at Heritage Dental Group or oral surgeon will numb the area and make an incision in your gum tissue to expose the wisdom teeth. The teeth will then be loosened, extracted, and the area will be cleaned and stitched ( if required) closed. Depending on the complexity of the case, the procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
After the procedure, you can expect some pain, swelling, and bleeding in the surgical area, as well as some stiffness or numbness in your jaw and face. You will need to follow your dentist’s instructions on how to care for the surgical area, such as avoiding solid foods, brushing and flossing gently, and taking pain medication as needed. You will also need to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and check for any complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth removal and their answers:
- How much does wisdom teeth removal cost? The cost of wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on the number and location of the teeth, the type of anesthetic used, and your dental insurance coverage. On average, wisdom teeth removal at Heritage Dental Group can cost anywhere from $310 to $495 per tooth without insurance.
- Can wisdom teeth grow back after removal? No, wisdom teeth cannot grow back after removal, as the entire tooth and root are extracted.
- How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal? The recovery time after wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and your individual healing rate. On average, it can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days to feel comfortable enough to return to your normal activities.
- Can wisdom teeth removal affect your speech or smile? Wisdom teeth removal may temporarily affect your speech or smile, especially if you have swelling or numbness in your jaw or face. However, these effects should resolve within a few days to a few weeks after the procedure.
- Are there any alternatives to wisdom teeth removal? In some cases, you may be able to avoid wisdom teeth removal by using orthodontic treatment or dental appliances to prevent crowding, or by using antibiotics or other treatments to control infection. However, in most cases, wisdom teeth removal is the best and only option to address dental problems and maintain good oral health.
Get in touch with our team at Heritage Dental Group on 07 38783384 to book your dental appointment.
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