Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge in the back of the mouth, usually around age 17 to 25. While some people never develop wisdom teeth, others do and may need to have them removed. If you’re wondering if you need your wisdom teeth removed, there are several things to consider. In this article, we will discuss how to determine if you need wisdom teeth removal and explain why it might be necessary.Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. They are so-called because they emerge at a time when people have much more life experience. Wisdom teeth often cause problems, such as becoming impacted and causing pain, or crowding other teeth out of alignment. If this happens, a dentist may suggest having them removed.
What Are the Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common problem, especially for people in their late teens and early twenties. These teeth can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and difficulty eating. Impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to occur when there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to grow in properly. Here are some of the signs of impacted wisdom teeth:
1. Pain: Pain is one of the most common signs that a person has impacted wisdom teeth. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that makes it difficult to eat or open your mouth. The pain may be localized to one area or spread throughout the jaw.
2. Swelling: Swelling around the jaw and cheeks is another sign that you may have impacted wisdom teeth. This swelling may be caused by inflammation due to infection or pressure from the impacted tooth pushing against other structures in your mouth.
3. Difficulty Eating: If you are having difficulty opening your mouth wide enough to chew food properly, this could be a sign of impacted wisdom teeth pushing against other structures in your mouth and making it difficult for you to open wide enough for eating comfortably.
4. Bad Breath: Bad breath can often indicate an infection in your mouth, which could be caused by an impacted wisdom tooth trying to break through your gums and causing an infection as it does so.
5. Jaw Stiffness: If you experience stiffness in your jaw when you open and close it, this could also be a sign of impacted wisdom teeth pushing against other structures in your mouth and causing discomfort when you try to move it around normally.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important that you see a dentist as soon as possible so they can diagnose whether or not you have impacted wisdom teeth and develop a treatment plan accordingly.
What Are the Dangers of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are teeth located at the back of your mouth that typically erupt in early adulthood. They often become impacted, meaning they can’t grow into the correct position due to lack of space in the jaw. If they are not removed, they can cause significant problems. The dangers of not removing wisdom teeth can range from pain and infection to more serious issues such as damage to other teeth and jaw structures.
If wisdom teeth are left in the mouth and become impacted, they can cause swelling and pain in the area around them. This is because bacteria can become trapped between the tooth and gum tissue, leading to an infection known as pericoronitis. Pericoronitis causes inflammation and discomfort in the gum surrounding an impacted wisdom tooth. If not treated promptly, it can spread to other areas of your mouth or even other parts of your body.
Impacted wisdom teeth may also cause damage to adjacent molar teeth by pushing them out of alignment. This is known as crowding or malocclusion, which can lead to crooked teeth and bite problems that affect chewing efficiency and overall oral health. In severe cases, bone loss may occur when a wisdom tooth grows into a jawbone or touches a nerve root. This can lead to significant pain and nerve damage that requires medical attention for proper treatment.
Lastly, if an impacted wisdom tooth is not removed it increases your risk for developing cysts or tumors in the area where it is located. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on top of or around a wisdom tooth, damaging nearby bone structures in their growth process. Tumors are much more rare but may occur if infected tissue accumulates near an impacted wisdom tooth over time. Both cysts and tumors must be surgically removed because they cannot resolve on their own without causing serious damage to adjacent tissues and structures in the mouth or jawbone.
In summary, leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to numerous complications including infection, pain, dental crowding, bone loss, cysts and tumors—all of which require medical attention for proper treatment. It’s important to have your wisdom teeth evaluated by a dentist so you know if removal is necessary for your long-term oral health needs.
What Is the Procedure for Removing Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth removal is a relatively common procedure that is usually done by an oral surgeon. The process involves making an incision in the gums to access the teeth and then removing them with special tools. Depending on the size and position of the teeth, it may be necessary to break them up into smaller pieces before they can be removed. Once the teeth have been removed, stitches are usually placed in the gums to help promote healing and reduce discomfort. In some cases, stitches may need to stay in place for a couple of weeks until they dissolve. After the procedure, patients may experience soreness or swelling around the mouth area. In most cases, this subsides after a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications or cold compresses. Patients should follow their dentist’s instructions for proper care after wisdom teeth removal, which may include eating soft foods or taking antibiotics as prescribed.
How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost?
The cost of wisdom tooth removal can vary greatly depending on your location, the experience of the dentist performing the procedure, and the type of insurance you have. The average cost for a single wisdom tooth extraction typically ranges from $75 to $200 per tooth without insurance. For complex extractions that require more time or advanced techniques, the cost can range from $225 to $600 per tooth.
If you have dental insurance, your policy may cover some or all of the cost of wisdom tooth extraction. Most dental plans cover between 50% and 80% of the cost, although some plans may cover more or less. It’s important to check with your insurer to find out what coverage is available and what will be covered under your plan.
In some cases, you may be able to have your wisdom teeth removed at a lower cost if you opt for an in-network dentist with whom your insurer has a negotiated rate. This is especially true if you have a high-deductible health plan or no insurance at all. In these situations, it’s best to shop around for quotes from different dentists before making a decision.
In addition to the price of the procedure itself, there may be additional costs associated with wisdom tooth removal such as anesthesia fees and any necessary follow-up visits. It’s important to ask your dentist about all associated fees before agreeing to undergo treatment so that there are no surprises when it comes time to pay for services rendered.
Overall, it’s important to consider both the immediate and long-term costs when deciding whether or not to get your wisdom teeth removed. While it may seem like a costly expense upfront, opting for extraction now can help save money down the road by preventing issues such as gum disease and cavities caused by impacted teeth that can occur if you wait too long.
What Can I Expect After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
After wisdom tooth removal, you may experience some bleeding and swelling in the area around your mouth. This is normal and should subside within a few days. You may also feel some pain or discomfort in the area where the tooth was removed, which can be managed with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It is important to keep your head elevated while sleeping for the first few days to help reduce swelling. To promote healing, it is also important to eat soft foods and avoid vigorous activities such as exercise and sports for a few days after surgery. It is common to have some numbness in the lips, gums, or chin after surgery, due to nerve irritation from the procedure; however, this should resolve within a few weeks. If you experience any excessive bleeding or pain that persists beyond a few days, it is important to contact your dentist for further evaluation.
What Is Recovery Time After Having Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The recovery time after having wisdom teeth removed can vary depending on the individual. Generally, it takes about 5-7 days for the swelling and pain to subside. For the first few days after surgery, you may experience some bleeding and swelling in your mouth and face. You will also need to take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor.
During this recovery time, it is important to keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water every few hours, and using gauze or a wet washcloth to wipe away any blood or food particles that may be present. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods during this time is also recommended as it can irritate the healing area.
Your doctor may also recommend that you use an ice pack on your face intermittently for the first few days after surgery to reduce swelling and discomfort. It is also important to get plenty of rest during this time as it can help speed up healing and reduce inflammation.
In most cases, patients feel significantly better within a week of surgery, but it may take up to two weeks before all symptoms are gone completely. Depending on the severity of your case, you may need more than one visit in order for your doctor to fully assess the area and make sure that everything looks normal before releasing you from their care.
During the recovery time following wisdom teeth removal, it is important to follow all instructions given by your doctor in order to ensure proper healing and prevent any complications from occurring.
Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, but it can still be stressful for many patients. Knowing what to expect and preparing for the procedure can help make the experience easier and reduce some of the anxiety. Here are some tips on how to prepare for having your wisdom teeth removed.
The first step in preparing for wisdom teeth removal is to talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about the procedure. Ask questions about what will happen during the surgery, how long it will take, what type of anesthesia will be used, and what type of aftercare will be required. It’s also important to discuss any medications you’re taking and any allergies you may have so that your dentist or surgeon can take them into consideration when making a treatment plan.
Your dentist or surgeon may also recommend pre-operative tests or x-rays to determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary. It’s important to get these tests done before your appointment so that your dentist has all the information they need to make an informed decision.
Once you’ve scheduled your appointment, there are some steps you can take to prepare. Your dentist or surgeon may provide specific instructions for things like eating and drinking before the surgery, but in general it’s best to avoid food and drinks after midnight on the day of your appointment. You should also plan on wearing comfortable clothing that won’t impede movement when you arrive at the office.
It’s also important to arrange transportation ahead of time since you won’t be able to drive yourself home after having your wisdom teeth removed. Make sure someone is available who can drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery.
Finally, be sure to get plenty of rest before your appointment and try to remain as calm as possible. This will help ensure that you are in good health when going into surgery and that you have a successful recovery afterwards. Taking these steps can help make wisdom teeth removal a more comfortable experience.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that many people experience. If you are experiencing pain in the area of your wisdom teeth, or if your dentist has recommended it, it may be time to consider having them removed. Wisdom teeth removal is usually an outpatient procedure and can be done with local or general anesthesia. Depending on your situation, you may need to have all four wisdom teeth removed or just one or two. Your dentist can help you determine the best course of action for you.
If you are considering having your wisdom teeth removed, talk to your dentist and make sure that you understand what the procedure entails and any risks involved. Your dentist will also help guide you on the best recovery options for you so that you can get back to normal activities as soon as possible.