• Wisdom Tooth Removal

    What are Wisdom Teeth?

    Referred to as third molars by dentists, the wisdom tooth found at the back of the mouth usually erupts between the ages of 17 and 21.  Most of us normally develop four wisdom teeth on both sides of the upper and lower jaw behind the molars. 

    Sometimes, these teeth don’t appear or erupt in part and are even buried inside the gum tissue. Also unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth begin to grow in the jaw around the age of seven and not before or during the time of birth.

    For some people, the wisdom teeth erupt without any pain or discomfort and hence they don’t require a wisdom tooth extraction. For others, the wisdom teeth may not have enough space to come in normally, if at all.

    Reasons For Wisdom Teeth Removal

    When a wisdom tooth forms, but doesn’t break through the gums, it is referred to as impacted, and one that emerges only partway is called partially impacted. This can then lead to some potential problems, including:

    • Trapped food leading to tooth decay.
    • Damage to the nearby teeth or the jaw bone.
    • Gum disease caused by bacterial growth along the opening of the partially impacted tooth’s gumline.
    • Development of a cyst around the wisdom tooth.

    It’s best to see a dentist when your wisdom tooth gives you pain or discomfort. A dental X-ray and a thorough dental examination will indicate the necessity for a wisdom tooth extraction. Some additional symptoms that may indicate that wisdom teeth removal is necessary, are red and swollen gums, jaw pain or swelling around the jaw, tender or bleeding gums, and difficulty in opening the mouth.

    If you’re nervous about having a wisdom tooth extraction, we, at Designer Smiles are here to help! With our best-in-class equipment and experienced team of dentists both the wisdom teeth removal surgery, and post-surgery period will be a breeze. We are known for providing the most anxiety free and pain free experience during surgeries.

    Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare

    Wisdom teeth removal surgery itself doesn’t cause a lot of pain or discomfort because of the administration of local anesthesia. However, most people experience some swelling or pain for 3-7 days following the surgery.

    • For Swelling and Pain

    Ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication will help alleviate pain and swelling. If you experience some bleeding after a wisdom tooth extraction, you can bite down on some gauze, given by your dentist, to control it.

    • Recommended Diet After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

    After your wisdom tooth extraction, avoid foods that are extremely spicy or hot during the initial recovery period. Many people prefer eating soft, nourishing foods for the first few days, but this depends on your comfort level and specific instructions from your dentist.

    • Dry Socket Wisdom Teeth

    After wisdom tooth extraction, a blood clot will form in the space where the tooth was removed or the socket. This clot protects the exposed bone and nerves after the surgery. If this dislodges in the days following the wisdom tooth extraction surgery, your nerves and bone are left exposed to bacterial infections.

    To prevent dry socket after wisdom teeth removal, avoid the following, for about two weeks following the surgery:

    • Smoking
    • Strenuous exercise
    • Spitting
    • Drinking from a straw.

    But don’t worry, your dentist is your best resource. At Designer Smiles, we guarantee you the best post-op dental care, so that you can face the day with a beaming smile.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Since these teeth are found at the back of your mouth, wisdom tooth extraction does not affect your jawbone or jaw shape; so your face shape or jawline remain unaffected. In fact, your face and mouth will be changed for the better as you will also feel better and smile healthier.

    Before the wisdom tooth extraction surgery, your oral surgeon or dentist will advise you on how long it might take for your mouth to heal, as knowing this beforehand will help your coordinate your daily routine later.

    The surgery can take around 45 minutes but can go up to a few hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.