Impacted wisdom teeth almost always need to be removed, as they’ll cause issues with your smile if left intact. As our jaws get smaller through evolution, we have less room for our wisdom teeth, and the majority of people will need to have them taken out.

What should you expect following a wisdom tooth extraction?

After Your Procedure

Generally, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your procedure. Some discomfort and swelling in the hours following your extraction are normal, and you may also taste some blood in your mouth [1].

You can use an ice pack for the swelling as directed by your dentist, and your dentist or oral surgeon will also let you know how often you can take pain medication or over-the-counter medication.

Following your procedure, you should plan to return home and rest. You should be able to return to your normal activities within two to three days, but in the meantime, give your body the rest it needs to heal!

Activities to Avoid

You should avoid eating hard foods or foods that are difficult to chew and only stick to soft foods for a few days following your procedure. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine, as these can all inhibit the healing process.

Light exercise is acceptable, but intense exercise should wait a few days. Spitting or using a straw should also be avoided, as these actions require suction in the mouth, which can dislodge the blood clots that are vital to the healing of your extraction site.

Brushing your teeth should also be avoided that first day and up to 24 hours following the procedure [2]. Follow your dentist’s specific instructions for healing!

Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

Complete healing of your extraction sites can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, as the bone in your jaw will modify to compensate for the loss of the teeth. In the meantime, take care of your smile and be aware of the signs of a potential infection, which can occur even weeks after your procedure.

If you have a fever, pain that doesn’t go away with the recommended medication, or numbness, contact your dentist as soon as possible. An infection could also show signs such as white discharge in your oral cavity or additional swelling [3].

Have You Gotten Your Wisdom Teeth Evaluated?

The only way to know if your wisdom teeth are impacted is by getting an x-ray with your experienced dentist. He or she can let you know if your wisdom teeth are on track to come in properly or if they could require removal. Your dentist can let you know more about what to expect prior to your wisdom tooth extraction!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/complications/

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For the majority of people today, wisdom teeth cause some type of problem and so need to be removed. It’s not uncommon for people to require emergency care from problems associated with their wisdom teeth coming in.

Here’s how wisdom tooth removal can become an emergency for some patients!

When There’s the Possibility of or an Existing Infection

Wisdom teeth that don’t have enough room to come through the gumline are called impacted wisdom teeth. These teeth can essentially get “trapped” in the jaw or will only partially emerge through the gums, which can lead to difficulty cleaning.

The result could be an infection called pericoronitis, which is the term for an infection caused by impacted wisdom teeth [1]. Signs of an infection could include a high body temperature, pain and swelling around the affected area, or a bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away after brushing.

It’s rare, but tooth infections can be life-threatening as bacteria can get into the bloodstream, so if you suspect you have an infection in your mouth, don’t hesitate to seek emergency treatment [2].

When There’s Pain or Complications from Impacted Wisdom Teeth

We’ve seen how impacted wisdom teeth can cause an infection, but if not extracted or otherwise treated, they can cause other problems as well, some of which may require emergency treatment.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause headaches, jaw soreness, and pain [3]. People who visit their dentist regularly are usually aware of when their wisdom teeth are about to erupt. Your dentist can take x-rays to determine if the position of the wisdom teeth will be problematic or if everything looks good.

Wisdom teeth that are coming in at an angle or won’t be able to erupt through the gumline can be removed before they have a chance to cause any problems. Visit your dentist to ensure your wisdom tooth removal doesn’t become an emergency!

What to Do if You Think Your Wisdom Teeth Require Urgent Care

If you suspect you have an infection in your oral cavity or your wisdom teeth are causing you excruciating pain, it’s time to call your dentist.

Many dentists offer emergency hours and appointments to accommodate their patients and can talk with you more about scheduling a surgery on short notice. However, if you can’t see a dentist, go to the emergency room. While seeing a dentist is preferable, an infection shouldn’t wait to be seen, especially if it’s causing symptoms that could indicate a severe case.

Have your wisdom teeth come in yet? If not, schedule an appointment with your local dentist to determine if your wisdom teeth could need an extraction. By taking care of your smile and consulting your oral healthcare professional, you can avoid an emergency wisdom tooth removal!

Sources:
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320552.php
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1890536/
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808

The post Can Wisdom Tooth Removal Be an Emergency? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What age is the most common to get wisdom teeth removed? From age ranges to the best age
you can consider wisdom tooth removal, here’s why you shouldn’t wait to get your wisdom
teeth removed if you need to.

Age 16-20 Is the Most Common Age Range

Age 16-20 is a fairly broad age range, but it’s the most common for wisdom tooth extractions.
Some patients are older or younger when they have their wisdom teeth removed, it all depends
on when your wisdom teeth are developing. Dentists typically like to wait until the teeth are
almost completely developed to extract them.

If you’re outside of this age range and need to have your wisdom teeth removed, don’t worry.
Wisdom teeth extractions are very successful in patients of all ages. This procedure is considered very safe and effective when performed by your oral healthcare professional.

Optimal Time Based on Tooth Formation

For the majority of patients, the best time for wisdom tooth extractions is right around the age
of 18. Again, this will depend on how far along your teeth are in developing. Your dentist will
want to wait until two-thirds of the tooth is formed.

Waiting until the wisdom teeth are mostly formed makes it easier for your dentist to extract
them. Your dentist can tell from x-rays how developed your wisdom teeth are and when the
best time to remove them is, if they need to be removed. Generally, this happens around 18
years of age.

Getting the Procedure Sooner Rather than Later

In general, older patients experience more problems with their wisdom tooth removal. Their
body may take longer to heal itself, or they may be more at risk to experience dry socket or
nerve damage. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, the longer wait can increase the
likelihood of complications after the procedure.

However, don’t let this prevent you from getting your wisdom teeth removed. Experienced
dentists can remove wisdom teeth if necessary at any age. Generally, the sooner you have your
wisdom teeth extracted, the easier the procedure will be and the faster the healing time!

Has your dentist evaluated your smile for wisdom tooth removal? When you need your wisdom
teeth removed, don’t delay in setting up an appointment. Getting your wisdom teeth removed
is a common procedure that can alleviate the many problems wisdom teeth can cause.
Schedule a consultation with your dentist today if you haven’t already for a wisdom tooth
evaluation for you or your child!

The post At What Age Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Most Common? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.