Wisdom teeth are the largest teeth in our mouth, and most of us don’t have the jaw that is big enough to allow them to erupt properly. As a result, the wisdom teeth become impacted, and when this situation occurs, your dentist will suggest you undergo wisdom teeth removal.
Most dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal during the early stage; since when patients get older, the root of their wisdom teeth grows longer and gets solidified inside their jaw. This situation makes it more difficult to remove the wisdom teeth. Also, older patients need more recovery time after the extraction process compared to the younger patients. Thus, the general recommendation for wisdom teeth removal is between the ages of 20 and 25.
Situations may differ
Usually, the growth of wisdom teeth takes place between the ages of 17 and 25. However, the situation may differ depending on people and their teeth. So monitoring the growth of your wisdom teeth by a dentist is vital to determine when the wisdom teeth should be removed.
Problem with Waiting
Before your wisdom teeth begin to cause problems, it is better to undergo wisdom teeth removal surgery. Certain complications that may occur if you delay the process due to the cost of wisdom teeth removal include:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: Your wisdom teeth become impacted when it lacks enough room for its growth. This may cause damage and severe pain to the nearby teeth.
- Tooth decay: While brushing, you may feel hard to reach wisdom teeth with a toothbrush, therefore they are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum diseases.
- Infection: When your wisdom teeth partially erupt through the gums, it may serve as a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause painful infection.
- Cysts or tumors: When wisdom teeth become impacted, large cyst may form around the teeth and this can damage large section of jawbones that may need major reconstruction on the jaw.
What should be done?
Most dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal before symptoms begin. You need to undergo examine and x-ray at your young age i.e. between the ages of 11 and 13 to see how the wisdom teeth buds are developing. Often wisdom teeth extraction will be recommend only between the ages of 20 and 25.
Care after wisdom teeth extraction
Once the wisdom teeth extraction is done, the patient will be made to bite on sterile gauze for over 30 minutes to control bleeding. Some of the aftercare instruction includes:
- Take rest after the extraction.
- Reduce swelling and bruising by icing the jaw.
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat soft foods like applesauce, mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc.
- Avoid hot and cold liquids for 2 days after the extraction.
- The day after the extractions, gently brush and floss your teeth excluding the surgical site.
After reaching home, the patients should follow the instructions that are given by the dentist regarding activity level, diet, hygiene, and pain control.