Wisdom Teeth Facts - All About Your Late-Blooming Molars
Your wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can be healthy, viable teeth. Unfortunately, for many people, these teeth are more of a problem than an asset. Wisdom teeth typically arrive in your late teens or early twenties. They may be positioned normally, but many grow horizontally or at an awkward angle that causes them to crowd other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are misaligned and can’t erupt through the gums, so they stay trapped inside soft tissues. Impaction is a common cause of wisdom teeth pain. Because of their potential to cause problems, wisdom teeth removal is often recommended.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Your dentist can take an X-ray to determine the position and health of your wisdom teeth. If extraction of a fully erupted wisdom tooth is indicated, it can be removed like any other tooth. If the tooth is impacted, you may be referred to an oral surgeon. Impacted wisdom teeth that are embedded in the jawbone are usually removed in small sections after an incision is made in the gums. Depending on how complex the procedure is, wisdom teeth removal may require oral sedatives, nitrous oxide, or even general anesthesia along with application of a local anesthetic.
What to Expect after Extraction
You may experience pain, swelling, or bleeding after wisdom teeth removal. Biting down on a piece of gauze can help stop bleeding. You may apply ice to reduce facial swelling, and pain can be controlled with medications. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. You'll probably need to adopt a liquid or soft food diet for several days while you recover. Follow all your dentist's instructions carefully to get the best results.
Recovery Time
It may take several weeks or even months for complete healing to occur, but your mouth should be relatively comfortable within a week or two. Report any unusual, continuing, or worsening symptoms to your dentist or oral surgeon promptly.
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