Why do some people need their wisdom teeth removed but others don’t? Essentially, people who don’t have enough room in their jaw to accommodate all four wisdom teeth will need to have these teeth removed. For people who have larger jaws to accommodate all their teeth, they may not need to have them extracted.

Here’s what else you need to know about who needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted.

When Removal Is Necessary: Impacted Wisdom Teeth

People whose wisdom teeth never fully erupt—also called impacted wisdom teeth—will need to have these molars removed.

Impacted wisdom teeth may partially come in through the gums, or they may come in at an angle that will disrupt the neighboring teeth. These impacted molars can result in infections and an increased risk for tooth decay, as they’re difficult to clean due to their status of being trapped in the gum tissue [1].

Wisdom teeth that are impacted will push against nearby teeth and can cause crowding, which could affect any orthodontic work you’ve previously had done, or make it harder to properly clean your teeth.

When Wisdom Teeth Can Stay: Plenty of Room in the Jaw

Some people will have their wisdom teeth come in completely without any issues. In cases such as these—provided there are no adverse symptoms—wisdom teeth may be fine to leave alone [2].

However, some patients who have plenty of room in their jaw for their wisdom teeth to erupt still experience symptoms that could necessitate removal. For example, wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth and be difficult to clean, increasing the chances that these teeth would experience tooth decay.

Have Questions? Schedule an Exam

The only way to know if your wisdom teeth are impacted or require removal is with a professional exam and x-rays from your dentist [3]. X-rays can reveal if these third molars are present and whether they’re coming in crooked. Some patients don’t even have wisdom teeth, or some people may only have two instead of four!

Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common procedure that can be done by an experienced dentist or an oral surgeon. Recovery time typically only takes a few days, and the discomfort is minimal. Whether or not your wisdom teeth have already come in, your dentist can let you know if they’re healthy or if they could require an extraction in the future!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/expert-
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth
3. https://www.livescience.com/34755-impacted-wisdom-teeth-removal-oral-surgery.html

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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

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Today, five million people in the United States have their wisdom teeth removed every year [1]. With so many people having their third molars removed, it’s natural to wonder why we have wisdom teeth and why they’re no longer necessary to us as a species.

Ancient Roots

Our ancestors’ diets were much different than what ours are today. They ate food that was often much tougher and so needed to have big, strong teeth and jaws to properly chew this food. Their diet consisted of a lot of raw food that would have needed to be chewed a lot.

Today, our diet is much softer and we don’t have as much need for these big third molars as they aren’t typically used for chewing anymore [2]. As a result, our bodies have evolved and so today, our jaws are much smaller than they were in our ancestors who needed all thirty-two teeth to survive.

Modern Wisdom Teeth

Although our bodies have changed over time, not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed today. There are people who have enough room in their jaws for these teeth to come in properly, although they may have trouble cleaning them [3].

While many people do end up having their wisdom teeth removed (anywhere from 60-80
percent of people), not everyone will, so it’s vital to get your dentist’s input. Some people don’t have a choice; their wisdom teeth will come in crooked or won’t have enough room to erupt comfortably in the jaw and so they’ll need to be removed.

Some people today are even born without wisdom teeth or may only have two out of the
standard four wisdom teeth, showing that evolution is slowly phasing wisdom teeth out of our bodies.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth are more likely to be impacted in people today. Impacted wisdom teeth will come in crooked, not have enough room to erupt, or may only partially erupt through the gumline.

When wisdom teeth become trapped in the jaw, they can cause crowding of neighboring teeth, pain, gum infection, swelling, and overgrowth of bacteria [4]. These are all signs that you’ll need your wisdom teeth removed.

Wisdom tooth removal is a very common surgery that millions of Americans have done every year. If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, getting the procedure done sooner rather than later can help prevent pain and infection from occurring.

Do You Have Wisdom Teeth?

If you have wisdom teeth, getting a professional evaluation from your dentist can help you determine whether or not they’ll need to be removed. While wisdom teeth are no longer vital to our survival, most people still have to deal with these teeth as they come in, so schedule a visit with your dentist to check on your third molars!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1963310/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/415290
3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/qa-is-it-always-best-to-have-your-wisdom-teeth-removed/
4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/qa-is-it-always-best-to-have-your-wisdom-teeth-removed/

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However, no procedure is without its risks, and wisdom tooth removal is no exception. While
the majority of procedures go according to plan, you should be aware of the potential
complications of wisdom tooth removal before your procedure.

Dry Socket

Dry socket is one of the more common complications of wisdom tooth removal and happens
when the blood clot that forms over your surgical site is either dislodged or never properly
formed in the first place. Dry socket only causes pain, but delays healing as well.

Most people develop dry socket approximately three days following the procedure. Patients
most at risk to experience this complication include smokers, patients over 25 years of age, or
people who fail to follow their dentist’s instructions for healing.

How do you know if you have dry socket? You may have pain that ranges from moderate to
severe with a bad taste in your mouth. Dry socket will need to be treated by your dentist so
don’t hesitate to make an appointment if you’re experiencing symptoms of this complication.

Infection

There is a chance you may develop an infection in one of the areas where your wisdom teeth were removed. Less than 5% of cases experience infection following the procedure, making this a rarer complication of wisdom tooth removal.

If your swelling hasn’t gone down in approximately three days after the procedure, you may
have an infection. Other symptoms include a foul taste in your mouth, worsening pain, or a
fever. You’ll need to be treated by your dentist for an infection; an antibiotic will usually suffice if the infection is caught early enough.

Significant Bleeding

Of course, bleeding during and after the procedure is normal and can usually be stopped with
gauze. However, some patients experience excessive bleeding either during their wisdom tooth
removal or after.

If you experience significant bleeding during the procedure, your dentist will be present to
handle the problem. If you experience persistent bleeding following the procedure, you can use
gauze and apply firm but even pressure on the area for 30 minutes, and be sure to keep your
head elevated.

Should you have any concerns about your amount of bleeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to
your dentist. Oral bleeding has a tendency to look worse than it actually is, as blood mixes with
saliva, but you should always call your dentist with any concerns.

Nerve Damage (Paresthesia)

The wisdom teeth are located close to a major nerve that runs through the jaw. During the
majority of procedures, this nerve is unaffected. However, in some cases, a difficult extraction
can cause the nerve to be damaged.

You may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the soft tissues of your mouth as a
result of this damage, although in most cases, the numbness will subside and your nerve
function will return to normal.

It’s important to remember that while wisdom tooth removal isn’t without its risks, the
procedure is considered safe and most people return home to heal without issue. Should you
have more questions or concerns about potential complications of your wisdom tooth removal,
always ask your dentist!

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Wisdom tooth removal is usually done by an oral surgeon and will take a few days for you to
begin feeling better. In those first hours and days after your wisdom tooth removal, how can
you reduce swelling?

Keep Your Head Elevated

Keeping your head elevated can help reduce swelling to your mouth by promoting proper blood
flow and drainage away from the affected area. Even when resting, be sure your head is
appropriately and comfortably propped up on pillows to help minimize the swelling you’ll
experience after your wisdom tooth removal.

Ice and Heat Therapy

Some patients find relief with hot and cold therapy to reduce swelling. If you choose to try this
method, it’s best not to keep the therapy on constantly. Rather, most oral healthcare
professionals recommend keeping a cold compress on for 20 minutes and then leaving it off for
20 minutes.

The same is true for heat therapy. You can use a hot compress on the area for 20 minutes and
then remove for 20 minutes. The removal is important as it will help improve circulation and
keep the swelling to a minimum.

Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse provides many benefits after getting your wisdom teeth removed. Not only
can it help dislodge any food particles stuck in your surgical sites, but it can also work to soothe
your wounds and help your mouth feel better.

A good guide is to use one quarter to one half teaspoon of salt in one cup of water; it’s always
best to use filtered or distilled water for this purpose. You may do a salt rinse up to three times
per day for best results.

Chamomile Teabags

Another remedy you may decide to try for reducing swelling after your wisdom tooth removal
is chamomile teabags. Chamomile is a very soothing herb that’s free of caffeine and tends to
have a calming effect on tissues.

You can utilize chamomile by brewing chamomile tea with hot water to activate and soften the
tea bag, then after cooling somewhat, put them in your mouth and bite down gently. You may
leave them in for approximately 15 minutes before discarding.

When getting your wisdom teeth removed, it’s essential to follow your oral surgeon’s
instructions both before and after the procedure. Swelling is normal after such a procedure, but if you ever feel extreme pain or believe something you’re experiencing is not normal, never hesitate to call your dentist or oral surgeon to follow up.

For many patients, the swelling will begin to decrease after the first few days—in the meantime, try these remedies to decrease swelling and feel better faster!

The post How to Decrease Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Removal appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Effective tooth extraction aftercare can alleviate the pain, reduce the risk of complications, and ensure speedy recovery.
If you have been advised tooth extraction, the following four effective aftercare tips will help reduce the discomfort and the risk of the complications associated with it.

Always Keep Your Dentist in the Loop

Pain is fairly common after tooth extraction and lasts nearly a week to ten days. Keep your dentist informed about your post-extraction experience and unusual occurrences that are getting in the way of your normal life.
Though most symptoms following a tooth extraction subside within a week, it is important to watch out for unusual signs such as prolonged bleeding, fever, abnormal sense of touch, difficulty in chewing, allergies, bad taste in the mouth, or any sharp tooth fragments poking through the surgery site.

Take Care of the Blood Clot

Dry socket is one of the most painful complications of tooth extraction, which occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site fails to develop, dissolves, or dislodges. This blood clot serves as a protective layer for the underlying bone tissue and the adjoining nerves, thereby protecting the area from bacteria and food debris. Moreover, this clot is the foundation for the development of new tissue and bone at the site of extraction. Use the following tips to take good care of the blood clot, prevent dry socket, and accelerate the healing process.

Avoid Drinking Straws

The sucking movement caused by the cheek muscles when using a straw to have a drink may dislodge the clot, thereby leading to a dry socket. Hence, avoid using straws for nearly one week after the tooth extraction.

Maintain Pressure on the Gauze Pad

After the tooth extraction procedure is completed, the dentist will place a damp gauze pad at the site to protect the wound and encourage clotting. Lightly bite on this gauze pad at regular intervals until the bleeding reduces. This simple action can encourage clot formation.

Do Not Rinse Your Mouth for 48 hours

Though rinsing helps clean the mouth, this is not a good time to engage in forceful rinsing as it may dislodge the blood clot. Avoid rinsing or spitting vigorously for 24 hours after the tooth extraction procedure. After 24 hours, gentle rinsing with a saline solution or an anti-bacterial mouthwash prescribed by your dentist is advisable.

Stay Away from Cigarettes and Alcohol

Avoid smoking as it is a form of sucking, thereby increasing the risk of a dry socket and delayed recovery. Moreover, research has proven that the carcinogenic chemicals in the fumes hinder the healing process and increase the risk of infections. If quitting cigarettes is a challenge for you, talk to your dentist about when you can resume smoking or switch to nicotine patches.

Avoid mixing alcohol with medicines as it can dislodge or dissolve the blood clot and cause complex problems beyond your oral cavity, thereby retarding the healing process.

Take It Easy

Strenuous activities like bending, lifting, and exercising can result in increased bleeding, impeding the process of clot formation. Avoid rigorous activities for four to five days following the surgery.

Manage Pain Effectively

Once the anesthetic effect wears off, it is normal to feel some pain and uneasiness around the extraction site. The trick is to avoid waiting for the pain to worsen. In order to get the best pain relief possible, take the pain medications as prescribed by your dentist and don’t wait until the discomfort starts. If your prescription says that the pain medication is to be taken every four hours for the first 48 hours, adhere to it even if the pain hasn’t started or is bearable. Placing ice packs or cold towels on the outside of your face can help alleviate the pain and swelling immediately after the extraction.

Avoid taking pain medications on an empty stomach as it increases the risk of acidity, indigestion, and nausea. Though you may not feel like eating after a post a tooth extraction, make sure you consume some semi-solid food, such as applesauce, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and fruit yogurt to avoid drug-induced nausea.

Reduce the Risk of Infections

Any surgical procedure is accompanied by an increased risk of infection. Infection in the extraction site can lead to pain, bad taste in the mouth, and foul breath. Use the following tips to ensure quick and infection-free healing.

Complete the Antibiotics Dose

Your dentist will recommend an antibiotic regimen before or after the surgery in order to combat infections, if any. Make sure to follow the recommended dosage and complete the antibiotics course to prevent infection relapse.

Depending on the severity of the wound and your susceptibility to infections, the dentist may prescribe a seven-to-ten-day antibiotic course. Make sure you stock the antibiotics as per the prescriptions and adhere to the prescription at all times.

Also, the medications prescribed by your dentist may or may not be available in another state. Therefore, it is wise to carry your medications with you when traveling to work or out of town.

Pay Attention to Oral Hygiene

Proper hygiene is critical to prevent oral infections post tooth extraction. Check with your dentist on how you can maintain oral hygiene without causing damage to the surgery site.

Tooth extraction is, by no means, a pleasant experience; yet, by working with your dentist and following the aftercare instructions, you can alleviate the pain, reduce the risk of the associated complications, and promote rapid healing. Use the tips shared in this article to make your post-extraction healing process as comfortable as possible.

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An Infection from a Partially Erupted Wisdom Tooth

If your wisdom teeth haven’t fully erupted, this means they’re stuck halfway between your gums and your jaw. This is a dangerous position to be in, as this area is difficult to keep clean. Debris from food and plaque can accumulate and cause an infection. This condition is called perisoronitis.

Some of the symptoms of perisoronitis may include swelling around the area, problems moving your jaw, even a fever and bleeding from your mouth can be indicative of a problem. If you have a bad taste in your mouth, this could mean an infection is present. Fortunately, your dentist can remove the debris, properly clean the area, and talk with you about what your options are moving forward. You should never ignore perisoronitis or any infection as it could get worse and affect your entire body via the bloodstream.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there’s essentially no room for these third molars to come in. They rest below your gumline and usually aren’t visible. These impacted molars can cause pain and overcrowding in your mouth. If impacted wisdom teeth are left to push your other teeth together and crowd them, this can make it much more difficult to clean your teeth and could lead to tooth decay or an infection. Impacted wisdom teeth don’t always have symptoms. This is why getting regular checkups with your dentist is so important. If you haven’t had your wisdom teeth out but are seeing your teeth shift or have jaw pain or swelling, see your dentist. Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to perisoronitis!

Surgical Site Complications from Extracted Wisdom Teeth

If you’re one of the many people that’s had their wisdom teeth extracted, caring for your mouth after the surgery is essential. Most people heal from these surgeries as expected, but a small percentage of people will experience what’s called “dry socket”, where the blood clots that protects your surgical sites are no longer there.

If you experience worsening pain after your wisdom tooth extraction, call your dentist immediately. Reactions or infections after removal are rare but still seek help if something doesn’t feel right or you have any questions. Never put treatment off!

Wisdom teeth can cause problems so be aware of the symptoms. If you suspect you have an infection, are having symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, or are experiencing pain after your extraction surgery, it’s imperative that you contact your dentist. He or she can evaluate your wisdom teeth and treat your smile!

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Never start the day without breakfast! For this meal, you’ve got several options. You can enjoy warm oatmeal with apples, cinnamon, and honey to wake up your taste buds. You may also choose to eat yogurt with some soft fruit such as oranges or banana in it. If you’re more of a hearty breakfast person, fried, scrambled, or hard-boiled eggs back a protein punch! You can also opt for pancakes—just be sure they’re soft enough for you to chew.

For Lunch: Soft Breads, Soup, Smoothies

As lunchtime approaches, reach for things like soft breads or soup. A tuna fish sandwich or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich should be easy enough to chew, but do your best to avoid meats, as they can be difficult to chew with your stitches. An exception here would be chicken soup—the meat should be soft enough to eat with minimal chewing. Smoothies are also an excellent option and can pack vital nutrients for healing! Try spinach, banana, and frozen berries blended with milk or yogurt to soothe your sore mouth.

For Snack: Avocado, Banana, Applesauce

There are plenty of fruits to eat for a snack in the afternoon or really anytime throughout the day. Avocados are full of healthy fats and are soft and perfect for easy consumption. Ripened bananas are an easy to-go snack and are mushy enough to require almost no chewing at all! Applesauce can feel cool and soothing on your mouth and is easy to eat after you’ve gotten your wisdom teeth out.

For Dinner: Pasta, Fish, Mashed Potatoes

Pasta such as macaroni and cheese is perfect when well-cooked for your post wisdom teeth removal diet. You may also choose to eat fish, as it’s usually soft enough to eat. Be sure to stay away from any fresh fish that may still contain bones, as these can poke and injure your surgical site. Mashed potatoes are also a great choice. For more plant-based options, try beans, steamed spinach, and tofu with your dinner!

For Dessert: Ice Cream and Pudding

Don’t forget about dessert! These cool foods can help stop swelling in your mouth and be a treat for after your surgery. Grab your favorite ice cream at the store and put pudding in the fridge or freezer to cool before eating. Your mouth will thank you!

Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be uncomfortable, but the procedure is simple and your mouth will easily heal within a few days. By having these soft foods at home, you can ensure that you relax, heal, and have plenty of food choices so you don’t have to go hungry. Choose these soft foods after wisdom tooth removal!

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Luckily, dry socket after wisdom tooth removal is very rare and only happens in about 5% of people who have their wisdom teeth removed. Symptoms include facial pain near the extraction site, sensitivity to temperature, and increased pain about two or three days after the surgery. Dry socket needs to be treated by your oral surgeon or dentist, as it will lead to a longer and more painful healing experience. Here are some tips to effectively avoid dry socket and have your mouth heal up quickly after wisdom tooth removal!

Take It Easy

Vigorous exercise or strenuous activity can dislodge the blood clots protecting your extraction sites. It’s crucial that you rest following your wisdom tooth removal. Dry socket can happen to just one extraction site, or it can happen to all four, so you need to be careful. Experts recommend avoiding exercise or strenuous activity for at least one day following the procedure, but it’s important to listen to your body and rest for as long as you feel you need to.

Rinse Gently

It’s inevitable that you’ll need to rinse your mouth after the procedure from brushing and perhaps doing salt water rinses. When you do rinse, do it very gently. Swishing forcefully can cause the blood clots to abandon the site and you’ll be left with exposed bones. Gentle brushing and oral care is vital, and take care to rinse gently after brushing or with your salt water rinses.

Avoid Straws and Smoking

Sucking actions by the mouth can remove blood clots as well. For this reason, you’ll want to avoid straws and smoking. If you’re a daily smoker, do your best to avoid smoking for at least 24 hours following the procedure, and talk with your dentist about resources for quitting. Forceful spitting can also create a sucking action in the mouth and is best avoided.

Do Not Touch or Brush the Affected Area

There’s no reason to touch your extraction sites following the procedure. Your oral surgeon will have packed the area with gauze to help a blood clot form and protect your bone. It’s best to avoid contact with the area until your wounds are healed. Also, avoid brushing the area. Salt water rinses can help to remove bacteria, but follow your oral surgeon’s instructions for healing.

Eat the Right Foods

There are certain foods that are best avoided post wisdom tooth surgery. These involve foods that can leave small particles in your mouth, including popcorn or peanuts. You’ll also want to avoid sticky foods such as candy. Soft foods that are easy to eat such as soups, yogurt, and smoothies can be soothing as well as protect your extraction site.

You can effectively avoid dry socket after wisdom tooth removal by following these tips! Always contact your oral surgeon if your pain increases rather than subsides after a few days. By being gentle with your mouth, eating soft foods, and resting, your wisdom teeth extraction sites will heal up quickly and you can avoid dry socket!

Image courtesy of Artur84 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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