Did you know that there are 5 million Americans who get their wisdom teeth removed each year?
Also known as third molars, these teeth usually start to grow when you’re around 13 to 17 years old, which is why it’s unusual for people in the United States to have them when they’re older than 30.
To avoid overcrowding your mouth, you might need to have a wisdom tooth extraction so that your mouth can return to its normal state.
If you’re one of the many people in the United States with wisdom teeth and you feel that, it’s time for them to be removed, pay attention to the signs that you need a tooth extraction.
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What Is A Wisdom Tooth?
A wisdom tooth is a term used to describe the final set of molars that erupt in the back of the mouth, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Although their name is wisdom teeth, they are not necessarily a sign of wisdom or maturity.
In fact, wisdom teeth can cause a lot of problems if they do not erupt properly or become impacted. Many people have their wisdom teeth removed to avoid these problems.
What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction is the removal of one or more of your wisdom teeth — the four large molars in the back of your mouth. Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure. In fact, by the time most people are in their early 20s, they’ve had at least one wisdom tooth extracted.
While your wisdom teeth don’t usually erupt until your late teens or early 20s, it’s a good idea to have an oral exam by an oral surgeon or dentist when you’re in your early teens. This way, if it’s determined that wisdom tooth removal is necessary, we can remove the teeth before they cause problems.
Tips to Ease the Pain
There is always pain after you have undergone a wisdom tooth extraction. You may use these helpful tips to ease the pain and avoid dry sockets after the surgery.
Take ibuprofen or any pain relievers before and after the procedure. You may also try to use an ice pack on your face for 20 minutes at a time. This can help to reduce any swelling that may occur.
Another wisdom tooth pain relief is to eat soft foods and drink lots of fluids for the first few days after the procedure. This will help your mouth to heal and will make the pain more bearable.
Frequent Headaches
If you’re frequently getting headaches, it might be a sign that you need to get your wisdom teeth extracted. Wisdom teeth are the teeth at the back of your mouth and are the last to come in.
When they don’t have enough space to come in properly, they can push on your other teeth and crowd your mouth. This can cause frequent headaches.
If you think your wisdom teeth might be the cause of your headaches, talk to your dentist. They can take an x-ray of your mouth to see if your wisdom teeth are the problem.
Swollen Gums
When your gums are swollen, it means that there is inflammation, and they are not able to properly drain. A variety of things can cause this, including infection, gingivitis, or even a foreign body that is caught between the gum and the tooth.
Bad Breath
When wisdom teeth don’t fully erupt, they can trap food and bacteria, which can lead to an infection and bad breath. If you notice a sudden change in your breath, or if it starts to smell foul, you should see your dentist to check if you need your wisdom teeth removed.
Cysts or Tumors
One possible sign that you might need a wisdom tooth extraction is if you have a cyst or tumor around the tooth. This can be diagnosed with an X-ray.
If the cyst or tumor is large, it can cause damage to the surrounding teeth or even the jawbone. In some cases, the only way to treat this is to remove the wisdom tooth.
Difficulty Chewing or Biting
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort when you bite or chew, it is likely due to the position of your wisdom teeth. They may be impacted, meaning they are not growing in correctly, or they may be overcrowding other teeth.
This can make it difficult to clean your wisdom teeth properly, which can lead to decay. Extraction is often the best solution to relieve the pain and pressure of overcrowded wisdom teeth.
Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
There are several benefits to having your wisdom teeth removed, even if they are not causing problems. For one, wisdom tooth removal can prevent future problems with your teeth, including crowding and damage to other teeth.
Wisdom teeth removal can improve your oral health overall, as wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean and are more prone to developing cavities.
Wisdom tooth extraction can ease existing pain and discomfort and can help you avoid potential problems down the road. While the extraction is not always necessary, it can be a very beneficial procedure, both for your oral health and your overall well-being.
Risk of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The risk of wisdom tooth extraction is relatively low. However, as with any surgery, there are potential complications that can occur. These can include infection, bleeding, and damage to the surrounding teeth.
In rare cases, nerve damage can occur, which can lead to numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or chin. As with any surgery, it is important to discuss the risks with your dentist or oral surgeon prior to having the procedure done.
Have Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction Today
If you’re experiencing pain in your back molars, it could be a sign that you need a wisdom tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in and can often cause problems because there’s not enough room in your mouth for them. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or crowding, you should see a dentist to get an evaluation.
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