Ever heard of wisdom teeth? Maybe you’ve felt a bit of a niggle at the back of your mouth, or perhaps a mate has told you a horror story about getting theirs out. Don’t stress too much! Getting your wisdom teeth extracted (that’s dentist-speak for “taken out”) is a very common procedure, and with a bit of know-how, you can be well-prepared.
In this blog, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about wisdom teeth extraction in super easy language. We’ll cover what they are, why they sometimes need to go, what happens during the procedure, and most importantly, how to look after yourself afterwards.
So, let’s dig in!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Alright, let’s start with the basics. Imagine your mouth as a house, and your teeth are the furniture. You’ve got your front teeth for biting, your pointy teeth (canines) for tearing, and your back teeth (molars) for grinding food. Now, way, way at the very back, behind all your other molars, are your wisdom teeth.
These are the very last teeth to come through, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Think of them as the “late bloomers” of your mouth. They’re called “wisdom teeth” because they typically appear when you’re a bit older and supposedly wiser – though having them doesn’t magically make you a genius, unfortunately!
Most people have four wisdom teeth – one at the back of each corner of their mouth, top and bottom. But sometimes, people might have fewer, or even none at all. Everyone’s a bit different, just like some people have more freckles than others.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
So, if they’re just normal teeth, why do so many people need them taken out? Good question! The main reason is often a lack of space. Our jaws have gotten smaller over thousands of years, and sometimes there just isn’t enough room for these late arrivals to come through properly.
When there’s not enough space, wisdom teeth can cause a whole heap of problems. Here are the main culprits:
- Impacted Teeth (The Trapped Ones): This is super common. “Impacted” means the wisdom tooth is stuck and can’t fully erupt (come through the gum). It might be growing sideways, at an angle, or even completely horizontally, pushing against the tooth next to it. This can be pretty painful and lead to serious issues.
- Pain and Swelling: An impacted wisdom tooth can put pressure on nearby teeth, nerves, and your jawbone, causing a throbbing ache. The gum around a partially erupted wisdom tooth can also get inflamed and swollen, a condition called “pericoronitis.”
- Infection: When a wisdom tooth is only partially through, a flap of gum can cover part of it. This creates a perfect little trap for food bits and bacteria. Before you know it, you can develop a nasty infection, which can lead to pain, swelling, and a really bad taste in your mouth.
- Damage to Neighbouring Teeth: An impacted wisdom tooth pushing against the molar in front of it can actually damage that healthy tooth, leading to cavities (holes) or even root damage. Imagine someone constantly leaning against your wall – eventually, your wall might crack!
- Cysts and Tumours (Less Common but Serious): In rare cases, a fluid-filled sac (cyst) or a tumour can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. These can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth, making extraction necessary.
So, while some lucky folks never have an issue with their wisdom teeth, for many, removing them is the best way to prevent future pain and problems.
When Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Our dentist or oral surgeon (a specialist dentist who does surgery) will be the best person to tell you if and when your wisdom teeth need to come out. We will usually take X-rays to see exactly what’s going on under your gums.
Here are some signs that your wisdom teeth might need attention:
- Persistent pain or tenderness at the back of your jaw.
- Swelling or redness around the back of your gums.
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide or chewing.
- Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth could signal an infection.
- Signs on an X-ray that show impaction or potential future problems, even if you don’t have pain yet.
Sometimes, a dentist might recommend removing wisdom teeth even if they’re not causing problems yet, especially if they’re impacted and likely to cause issues down the track. This is often done when you’re younger, as recovery tends to be easier. Think of it like preventative maintenance for your mouth!
The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
Okay, so you’ve seen the dentist, and it’s been decided: your wisdom teeth need to go. What actually happens during the procedure? Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds!
The type of extraction depends on how difficult your wisdom tooth is to remove.
- Simple Extraction: If your wisdom tooth has fully come through the gum and is easy to see, it might be a simple extraction. Your dentist will numb the area with a local anaesthetic (a needle that makes your mouth go sleepy), and then gently loosen and remove the tooth using special tools. It’s a bit like wiggling a loose tooth out.
- Surgical Extraction (for Impacted Teeth): This is more common for impacted wisdom teeth. This procedure is usually performed by an oral surgeon, though some general dentists are also trained for it. You’ll definitely get local anaesthetic, and sometimes you might also get “sleepy gas” (sedation) or even a general anaesthetic (where you’re completely asleep).
During a surgical extraction:- Numbing: The area around your wisdom tooth will be thoroughly numbed.
- Incision: The surgeon might make a small cut in your gum to get to the tooth and jawbone.
- Bone Removal (if needed): If bone is covering the tooth, a small amount might be carefully removed.
- Tooth Sectioning (if needed): If the tooth is too big or awkwardly positioned, the surgeon might cut it into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
- Removal: The tooth (or pieces of it) is gently removed.
- Stitches: The gum will be stitched up afterwards. These stitches might dissolve on their own or need to be removed by your dentist a week or so later.
- Gauze: A piece of gauze will be placed over the extraction site to help stop the bleeding.
The whole procedure can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on how complicated the extractions are. Your dentist or surgeon will explain everything beforehand, so you know exactly what to expect.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Alright, the teeth are out! Now what? The recovery period is super important for healing properly. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Bleeding: It’s normal to have some slight bleeding or oozing for the first 24 hours. Change the gauze pads as instructed.
- Swelling: Your face might swell up, especially around your jaw. This usually peaks 2-3 days after the surgery. Applying ice packs to your cheek can help reduce swelling.
- Pain: You’ll definitely feel some discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off. Your dentist or surgeon will prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Take them as directed!
- Bruising: Some people might develop bruising on their face or neck. This is normal and will fade in a few days.
- Difficulty Opening Mouth: Your jaw muscles might feel stiff and sore, making it hard to open your mouth wide. This will improve with time.
- Numbness: The anaesthetic can linger for a few hours. In rare cases, temporary or even permanent numbness of the lip, tongue, or chin can occur, but this is uncommon.
Most people start feeling much better within a few days, and a full recovery usually takes about a week to 10 days.
How to Care for Your Mouth After Extraction
Looking after your mouth properly after wisdom teeth extraction is crucial for a smooth and quick recovery. Follow these tips closely:
- Bite on the Gauze: Keep firm, gentle pressure on the gauze pads for the first hour or so to help stop the bleeding and encourage a blood clot to form. This blood clot is super important for healing!
- Pain Management: Take your pain medication as prescribed. Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable.
- Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to your face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling.
- Soft Food Diet: For the first few days, stick to soft, cool foods. Think mashed potatoes, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, smoothies (without a straw!), and soup (not too hot!). Avoid anything crunchy, chewy, or spicy that could irritate the extraction site.
- No Straws! No Spitting! No Smoking! This is a big one! Sucking on a straw, forceful spitting, or smoking creates suction in your mouth that can dislodge the blood clot, leading to a very painful condition called “dry socket.” Avoid these for at least a week.
- Gentle Rinsing: After 24 hours, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) after meals and before bed. Don’t swish too vigorously – just let it flow around the area.
- Rest Up: Give your body time to heal. Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24-48 hours.
- Oral Hygiene: Be very gentle when brushing near the extraction site. You can brush your other teeth normally.
- Keep Your Head Elevated: When sleeping, use an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated. This can help reduce swelling.
Following these instructions will significantly reduce your risk of complications and help you heal faster.
When to Call Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon
While some discomfort is normal after wisdom teeth extraction, there are times when you should definitely give your dentist, like dentist Sunbury (or wherever your dentist is located), a call straight away. Don’t hesitate if you experience:
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop after an hour of firm pressure with gauze.
- Severe, throbbing pain that doesn’t get better with pain medication. This could be a sign of a dry socket.
- Fever or chills.
- Pus or a foul smell coming from the extraction site.
- Increased swelling or pain after the first few days.
- Numbness that persists for more than 24 hours.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
These could be signs of an infection or another complication that needs immediate attention.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to wisdom teeth extraction! While the thought of getting teeth pulled out might seem a bit daunting, it’s a very common and safe procedure when performed by experienced professionals. By understanding what to expect and following your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions, you’ll be well on your way to a speedy and smooth recovery.
Remember, your oral health is super important for your overall well-being. If you’re experiencing any issues with your wisdom teeth or just want to get them checked out, don’t put it off.
Concerned About Your Wisdom Teeth?
Don’t wait until they become a painful problem! Get in touch with a trusted dental professional today.
If you’re in the area, search for a dentist at Vineyard Dental Sunbury or dentists Gisborne VIC to schedule a consultation. We can assess your situation, take X-rays, and provide you with the best advice for your individual needs.
Take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile!
Dr Mahmoud Metwally, a second-generation dentist in Sunbury, moved to Australia in 2015 after clearing the Australian Dental Board exam. With over nine years of experience, Dr Mahmoud Metwally focuses on root canal treatments and cosmetic dentistry. As a dentist in Sunbury, he advocates for preventative care, minimally invasive dentistry, and prioritises patient comfort.
