Tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures performed by dentists. The procedure removes teeth that have come loose, broken, or have gum disease or tooth decay beyond repair. Another typical reason for tooth extraction is to remove the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, from the back of the mouth.
While most people have these additional molars, about half of them never erupt. This is known as impacted wisdom teeth. Some people may not even know they have these teeth until they begin coming in.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth usually come in between the ages 17-21 and are located on either side of your jawbone at the back of your mouth. They are the last set of permanent teeth to come in.
They are not necessary for your mouth and bite to function normally like your other teeth, so if they grow in incorrectly, you will need to have them removed.
But how will you know if they are coming in correctly?
How to Know if Your Wisdom Teeth are Coming In
Most people will have their wisdom teeth come in around age 18. They are part of the permanent set of adult teeth but do not erupt until late adolescence. However, some people have them come in earlier, and many patients do not know what to look for or expect when their wisdom teeth begin growing in.
If you notice any of the following signs, it could mean that your wisdom teeth are coming in.
Swelling
When your wisdom teeth start growing, they can cause mild pain and swelling of the soft tissue behind your cheekbones. This is a normal sign that your wisdom teeth are beginning to erupt. Call your dentist if the swelling lasts.
Aches and Pain
Some people experience wisdom teeth pain, including pressure on the nearby teeth and gums or even minor jaw pain. This is normal and can be treated by taking over-the-counter medication.
Pain in Other Areas of the Face
You might also notice some pain around other areas like your jaw, ears, and neck. This can be caused by pressure on the nerves surrounding the wisdom teeth.
Irritated Gums
Your gums can become red and swollen as your third molars come in due to the pressure of your teeth against the gum tissue when they push through. This is normal and does not mean you should be alarmed. Minor bleeding can also occur during brushing or flossing.
Other Common Signs and Symptoms
There are other common symptoms that you may notice before your wisdom teeth come in. For example, you may notice an increase in bad breath, especially after eating certain foods. You may also notice changes in your bite, such as crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth. It is important to continue with regular oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing to avoid additional issues.
What to Do After Wisdom Teeth Grow In
Once your wisdom teeth have fully erupted, you will want to schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss the next steps. In some cases, they do not need to be removed; however, wisdom teeth removal is necessary for most patients.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
This is done under local anesthesia such as a numbing medicine. It is very common for this procedure to be performed without sedation (sedation is used only if needed.) A small incision is made near the gum line, and the tooth is gently pulled out using forceps.
After the surgery, you will likely be given antibiotics to prevent infection. You may also be instructed to take ibuprofen every 4 hours for several days.
The recovery process varies depending on the type of surgery you had. Some people can return to work within a day or two, while others require up to a week to rest and recover.
When to See a Dentist
If you or your child are experiencing any symptoms related to wisdom tooth eruption, you should schedule a consultation with your dentist today.
Third molars that erupt upright, functional, and do not cause pain usually do not need to be removed. However, if the wisdom teeth are impacted, it can lead to severe pain and other more serious dental problems like gum disease, which is when wisdom tooth extraction is recommended.
These teeth are easier to remove before the age of 20 when there are less developed tooth roots. So, it is important not to wait to contact a dental professional to avoid more serious dental complications if you or your teen are experiencing tooth-related discomfort.
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