Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to erupt in a person’s mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, for others they can cause pain and discomfort. In these cases, the wisdom teeth may need to be removed. So, what do they give you for wisdom teeth?Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are located at the very back of your mouth, behind your other teeth. Wisdom teeth often cause problems because there is not enough room in the mouth for them to come in properly. This can cause pain, swelling, or infection. In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be removed by a dentist or oral surgeon.
What Happens if Wisdom Teeth Are Left Untreated?
If wisdom teeth are left untreated, it can cause a number of complications. The most common problem is impaction, which is when the wisdom tooth is unable to erupt through the gum line. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection in the area. In severe cases, it can lead to cysts and tumors in the jawbone. If left untreated, these can cause permanent damage to the surrounding teeth and tissues.
Other issues that could occur if wisdom teeth are left untreated are gum disease and tooth decay. As wisdom teeth are difficult to clean due to their location and shape, they can accumulate plaque and bacteria which can lead to cavities or gum disease.
In some cases, leaving wisdom teeth untreated can also lead to overcrowding of other teeth. As the mouth is already full of teeth, the addition of new ones could push them out of alignment leading to crooked or overcrowded teeth.
Finally, leaving wisdom teeth untreated for a long period of time can also increase a person’s risk for developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This condition is caused by displaced jaw joints that cause pain and discomfort when speaking or eating.
Overall, it is important that wisdom teeth are treated in a timely manner in order to avoid any potential complications or dental issues down the road. If you suspect that you may have impacted wisdom teeth, it’s important that you visit your dentist as soon as possible so they can assess your situation and provide treatment options accordingly.
How Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Performed?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively simple procedure that is performed under local anaesthesia. The procedure begins with the patient being given a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the wisdom tooth. Once the patient is sufficiently numbed, the dentist will then use an instrument to loosen the wisdom tooth from its surrounding tissue and bone. This will allow for easier removal of the wisdom tooth. The dentist may also use special instruments such as forceps, elevators, and curettes to assist in removal of the wisdom tooth.
After loosening and removing the wisdom tooth, the dentist will clean and inspect the area to make sure that no pieces of bone or tissue remain in place. The dentist may then suture up any wounds that were created during extraction if necessary. Patients should expect some bleeding after extraction, which can be controlled by applying a gauze pack and biting down on it for 10-15 minutes.
Post-operative care is important for successful healing after wisdom tooth extraction. Patients should follow their dentist’s instructions on how to care for their mouth after surgery, such as avoiding certain foods or beverages and not brushing too vigorously near the extraction site. Patients should also take any prescribed medications as directed by their dentist in order to reduce discomfort and help promote healing.
What Are the Risks Associated with Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, but it is important to understand the risks associated with this procedure. While most wisdom tooth extractions are successful, there is always the potential for complications. The most common risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, and jaw fractures.
Infection is one of the primary risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction. Infection can occur if bacteria enter the wound during or after surgery. This can lead to swelling and pain in the affected area. To reduce your risk of infection, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for care after the procedure.
Dry socket is another risk associated with wisdom tooth extraction. Dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth was removed. This can cause severe pain and an increased risk of infection.
Nerve damage is another possible complication of wisdom tooth extraction. Nerve damage can occur if nerves near the extraction site are damaged or irritated during or after surgery. This can result in numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected area.
Finally, jaw fractures are a rare but serious complication of wisdom tooth extraction. Jaw fractures occur when too much pressure is placed on the jawbone during surgery, which can cause it to break or crack. If you experience any signs of a fractured jaw after your procedure, seek medical attention immediately.
While these risks are relatively rare, they should still be taken into consideration before undergoing wisdom tooth extraction. It is important to discuss all possible risks and complications with your dentist before having this procedure done so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The amount of time it takes to recover depends on a few factors, such as the number of teeth removed, the complexity of the extraction, and how well you follow your dentist’s instructions.
Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some pain and swelling. This is normal and should subside after the first day or two. Swelling may last for three to five days and can be managed with ice packs or a cold compress. To reduce pain, take over-the-counter medications as instructed by your dentist.
Your dentist will give you instructions for caring for your mouth following the procedure. These instructions may include taking antibiotics or other medications as prescribed, using an antiseptic mouthwash twice daily, avoiding hot foods or drinks, and not smoking. Following these instructions closely will help reduce healing time and prevent infection.
It is important to rest for the first 24 hours following wisdom tooth extraction in order to allow your body time to heal properly. During this time, avoid strenuous activities such as exercising or sports that could disrupt clotting and increase bleeding.
You should be able to return to work and resume normal activities within two or three days of having your wisdom teeth removed. However, if you experience any unusual pain or swelling during recovery, contact your dentist immediately for further instructions on how best to proceed with healing.
Although recovery times vary from person to person, most people are able to return to their normal routine within a week after having their wisdom teeth extracted. With proper care and following all of the instructions given by your dentist, you should be able to recover quickly and without any complications from wisdom tooth extraction.
What Pain Relief Can I Expect After Receiving a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
After receiving a wisdom tooth extraction, you may experience some pain and discomfort. Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may feel after the procedure. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken to help reduce pain and swelling. You should also apply an ice pack to your face for 15 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling.
Additionally, it is important to avoid eating foods that are hard or crunchy, as these can irritate the wound site and slow down the healing process. You should also avoid drinking from a straw, as the suction created by using a straw can cause additional pain and disruption of the healing process.
It is important to remember that each patient’s experience with wisdom tooth extraction will be different, so it is best to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon about what type of pain relief would be best for you. Depending on your individual situation, they may recommend taking prescription strength medication or using an over-the-counter alternative. In any case, it is important to follow their instructions for proper healing and recovery.
By following your dentist’s instructions and taking proper care of your mouth after a wisdom tooth extraction, you should start feeling better within a few days after the procedure.
What Does the Aftercare Involve Following a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Following a wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon to ensure proper healing. Aftercare will involve several steps, including proper care of the surgical site, eating the right foods, taking medications as prescribed, and avoiding certain activities. It is important to follow all instructions carefully to help prevent infection and ensure optimal healing.
Immediately following your wisdom tooth extraction, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Your dentist or oral surgeon may provide you with ice packs or medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. You should also take any antibiotics that are prescribed to help prevent infection.
It is important to keep the surgical site clean for proper healing. You should gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day for at least 3-4 days after surgery. This will help remove any debris that can cause infection and promote healing. You should avoid drinking through a straw for at least 3-4 days after surgery as this can cause dry socket, which can delay healing and cause more discomfort.
Eating soft foods such as soups, smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs is recommended for at least 24 hours after surgery. Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that could irritate the surgical site during this time. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol for at least one week after surgery as these activities can delay healing and increase your risk of infection.
If you experience severe pain or swelling after your wisdom tooth extraction that does not improve with time or if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, redness of the area near the extraction site or pus draining from the area, contact your dentist right away for further evaluation and treatment if necessary.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the complexity of the individual case. The cost of wisdom teeth removal will vary depending on whether you have insurance, your location, and the type of procedure you need.
If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for wisdom teeth removal will depend on your coverage. Most insurance plans cover at least part of the cost, but there may be a deductible or co-payment that you are responsible for. Also, some plans may require pre-authorization before they will cover any portion of the procedure.
If you do not have insurance, or if your plan does not cover wisdom teeth removal, then you can expect to pay the full price out-of-pocket. This can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on how complex your individual case is.
The complexity of each case can vary greatly from person to person and will affect the overall cost of wisdom teeth removal. For example, if your tooth is impacted or has grown in at an angle, then it may require more time and work in order to properly extract it. Additionally, if there is any extensive tissue damage surrounding the tooth then this could add extra costs as well.
Finally, where you live can also affect how much you pay for wisdom teeth removal. Prices tend to be higher in larger cities due to higher overhead costs associated with running a practice in those areas. Conversely, smaller towns may offer lower prices since they typically have lower overhead costs associated with running a practice in those areas.
Overall, wisdom teeth removal can be expensive but there are ways to minimize the cost such as taking advantage of insurance coverage and finding a dentist who specializes in this procedure at a reasonable price point. Doing some research ahead of time can help make sure that you get the best deal possible for your individual situation.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that can help alleviate pain and other complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth. In some cases, wisdom teeth extractions can even reduce the risk of developing more serious issues like infection and oral cysts. While there may be some discomfort associated with the procedure, it is generally considered safe and effective. It is important to discuss any potential risks with your dentist before having your wisdom teeth extracted.
Due to the potential risks associated with leaving wisdom teeth in, it is often recommended that they be removed if they become impacted or cause pain or other symptoms. Removing the wisdom teeth can help prevent further complications and make it easier for you to keep your mouth healthy. Ultimately, whether or not you opt for wisdom tooth removal should be discussed with your dentist and based on their professional advice.
In conclusion, wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that typically has only minor side effects and can help reduce pain and other symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth. If you are experiencing any issues related to your wisdom teeth, talk to your dentist so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not extraction is right for you.