"Are you experiencing wisdom teeth problems?"
Are you wondering “Should I get my wisdom teeth removed?”
Wisdom teeth usually come in between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one. Ultimately your dentist can offer the best guidance as far as professional advice on wisdom teeth extraction.
If you or your teen have an upcoming appointment for wisdom teeth removal, you may be curious about what to expect. Continue reading to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction in adults and teens.
Wisdom Teeth Problems
Jaw pain, bleeding gums, and bad breath may plague you daily if you have dental problems related to your wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums
- Jaw pain
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste
Wisdom teeth or third molars become impacted when they run out of room, unable to develop normally. Food entrapment can also occur, causing painful gum swelling. Over time this could lead to an infection, an abscess, or even wisdom tooth decay.
Wisdom teeth problems if not removed could be detrimental to your health if the infection spreads to other parts of your body.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Consultation
If you wish to have your wisdom teeth extracted, your dentist or oral surgeon will meet with you to discuss the entire process.
To allow your consultation to go smoothly, consider bringing the following items, photo identification, dental and medical insurance cards, a referral for surgery if you have one. Any recent X-rays taken within the last twelve months are helpful.
If you have any specific questions before your consultation, consider writing them down.
Extraction Surgery
Before your wisdom teeth extraction takes place, you will receive a form of anesthesia. Anesthesia ensures that you are comfortable and feel no pain during surgery. Anesthesia is given as local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia.
The length of your surgery will depend on several factors including the curvature of your root(s), the position of your tooth, and the thickness of bone surrounding the tooth. Sutures may be used to aid in the healing process.
Once your wisdom teeth removal is complete, you can begin the recovery process.
Recovery
You must follow your doctor's specific instructions after wisdom teeth extraction surgery.
After surgery, blood clots form in the bone where your wisdom tooth or teeth were. To ensure that these blood clots do not dissolve or dislodge, you will use gauze pads. You will be sent home with a generous amount to stop the bleeding.
As soon as you arrive home, be sure to replace the initial gauze pads. If you are still bleeding, try biting down gently for thirty minutes with fresh gauze pads. Doing this will help stop the bleeding.
To avoid looking like a chipmunk, apply ice packs to your cheeks for the first thirty-six hours after surgery.
Plan to have a diet of soft foods for the first three to five days after surgery. Smoothies are an excellent way to obtain nutrients. Applesauce and pudding are also safe options following surgery.
You should avoid hard foods that could potentially disrupt your stitches. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated or hot beverages during this time.
Absolutely do not drink from a straw! Drinking from straw could dislodge the blood clots needed for the healing site. A painful condition called "dry socket" can happen if these blood clots are displaced.
During the first two weeks of recovery, drink from a glass instead. Once your first
twenty-four-hour period following surgery has passed, start using a saltwater rinse periodically several times a day. Don't worry about brushing or flossing your teeth, as this could irritate the incision site.
Pain relievers can help you get a good night's sleep. If you are experiencing considerable pain after a few days, follow up with your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. If you enjoy going to the gym or your teen is a star athlete, make sure to wait a few days before resuming regular physical activities.
Plan Ahead
If you are an adult or a teenager who needs wisdom teeth removal, be sure to plan accordingly. The summer months can be the ideal time for surgery for students and teens.
Scheduling wisdom teeth extraction during the summer months gives you or your child time to rest and recuperate properly.
Ask a friend or relative to accompany you on the day of your appointment. Having an extra pair of hands to help you during the recovery process can make a world of difference.
If you are working full-time, plan on taking a few days off.
If you have small children at home, make plans to line up child care. Don't forget your furry friends. You may not feel up to dog walking and the responsibilities of being a pet parent following surgery.
Take a trip to the grocery store before the day of your appointment, stock up on soups, applesauce, and soft foods. Shopping ahead of time will make your recovery a little easier.
When to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed
Once wisdom teeth have erupted, a general rule of thumb is to consider scheduling extraction sooner rather than later.
In younger patients, the jaw bone and teeth are still developing. This youthfulness creates an advantage as these patients typically heal faster.
If your teen is a candidate for braces, you may want to consider having those pesky wisdom teeth removed first. Leaving wisdom teeth in place could lead to crowding issues later
A beautiful smile is something to be treasured for a lifetime, don't let third molars jeopardize your investment. Talk with your dentist or oral surgeon to begin the process.
Arkansas Family Dental
At Arkansas Family Dental, you are like family. Wisdom teeth problems and the subsequent extraction don’t have to be a scary experience.
We will discuss the process with you and answer any questions you may have. If you are considering wisdom teeth extraction for yourself or your teen, schedule a consultation today by calling 501-381-0471.
Download our FREE infographic guide on proper teeth cleaning. The color graphics can be a delight when helping step your little ones through the teeth cleaning process!
Contact us for more information. Keeping your smile healthy is our number one goal.
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