What You Should Know About Wisdom Tooth Removal

When one of your third molars is causing you so much pain, you’ll want to learn more about wisdom teeth removal in Las Vegas. Most people have four wisdom teeth, which are the last set of molars to emerge in the mouth. We’re here to make your life a little easier by giving you the information you need about this treatment.

Wisdom Teeth Facts You Should Know

What Exactly Are Wisdom Teeth?

The third set of molars in the back of your mouth, next to your second molars near the entrance to your throat, is called wisdom teeth. Although some people don’t have them, these final adult teeth usually grow and break through the gums between the ages of 17 and 25. However, wisdom teeth can also come in later in life.

Wisdom teeth can sometimes push against other teeth, neighboring teeth, or nearby teeth, which may lead to crowding or misalignment.

If you’re lucky enough to have enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth, they’ll grow straight, and you may not experience any pain as they emerge. However, if they don’t have the space they need, they’ll likely cause irritation, inflammation, and intense pain. In such cases, your dentist may recommend extraction.

What Purpose Do They Serve?

According to anthropologists and paleontologists, the early human’s jaw was larger in size and provided more room for the infamous third molar to emerge naturally. Moreover, our ancestors used their wisdom teeth to chew coarse, rough, and hard food such as meats, nuts, leaves, and meats.

However, somewhere down the line, humans evolved, their jaws became smaller, and the first molars became the largest in the set. Additionally, humans learned to cook to soften it and cut it with knives, forks, and spoons. For this reason, wisdom teeth have outlived their purpose and lost their significance. As a result of these evolutionary changes, wisdom teeth are now more likely to cause dental problems such as crowding, decay, or gum disease.

When Is Extraction Necessary?

Impaction

Impaction can occur as a partial or a full impaction. Since a partially erupted wisdom tooth is one that has partially broken through the gum tissue, only the top of the tooth emerges. Alternatively, a fully impacted wisdom tooth is unable to erupt and stays underneath the gums.

Impacted wisdom teeth often lead to a host of dental issues, including pain and damage to other existing teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can also harm the surrounding teeth by causing crowding, decay, or resorption. Additionally, a fluid filled sac, known as a dentigerous cyst, may form around the crown of an unerupted tooth, potentially leading to further dental complications if left untreated. Even when impaction doesn’t cause immediate or apparent problems, impacted wisdom teeth are usually vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease because they’re difficult to clean. Some dental professionals recommend wisdom teeth extraction to prevent future problems and complications.

Damage to Existing Teeth

The eruption of an extra set of molars can force your existing teeth to shift out of their correct positions, causing overcrowding, bite issues, and pain. To prevent these problems, dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth. Since misaligned teeth are more difficult to brush and floss effectively, they’re likely to develop tooth decay and cavities. Moreover, delaying treatment may require you to undergo additional dental procedures to straighten the rest of your teeth.

Damage to the Jawbone

A problematic wisdom tooth can cause jaw stiffness or pain. If left untreated, this oral health issue can cause considerable damage to your jawbones and impact your mouth’s function and motion. When wisdom teeth grow impacted within your jaw, they’ll shift your jawline, limit your ability to open your mouth, and cause pain each time you attempt to do so.

Additionally, the newly erupted third molars can also cause cysts to form around the areas. Unless your dentist removes your wisdom teeth, the cysts will eventually damage the nerves of your other healthy teeth and hollow out your jawbone. Such damage can result in long-term complications, including nerve injury, if not addressed promptly.

Sinus Issues

While most people know that the nose and mouth are intricately connected, only a few are aware of how impacted wisdom teeth affect the sinuses. Your dentist may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction when your third molar’s growth triggers sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.

Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Preparing for wisdom teeth removal is an important step to ensure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible. Taking the time to get ready can help reduce anxiety, minimize complications, and set you up for a faster recovery. Whether you’re having one or all of your wisdom teeth removed, knowing what to expect and how to prepare will make your experience much more comfortable.

What to Expect Before Your Appointment

Before your wisdom teeth removal, your dentist or oral surgeon will give you specific instructions to help you prepare for the procedure. You may be asked to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, and to stop using tobacco products at least 24 hours before your appointment, as these can affect healing and increase the risk of complications. It’s also important to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home, especially if you’ll be receiving sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia.

Your dental team will discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used during your wisdom teeth removal—this could be local anesthesia to numb the area, sedation anesthesia to help you relax, or general anesthesia if you need to be fully asleep. Make sure to ask about what you can expect during the procedure and the recovery process, so you feel confident and prepared on the day of your teeth removal.

Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Before your wisdom teeth removal, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your dentist or oral surgeon to address any concerns you may have. Here are some helpful questions to consider:

• How many wisdom teeth will be removed during this procedure?
• What are the risks and possible complications of wisdom teeth removal?
• What type of anesthesia will be used, and what are the potential side effects?
• How long will the teeth removal procedure take, and what should I expect during recovery?
• What pain management options are available, and how long will I need to take pain medication?
• Are there specific instructions for oral hygiene and caring for the extraction sites after surgery?
• How long should I avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, or doing strenuous activities after my wisdom teeth removal?
• What signs of complications, such as dry socket or infection, should I watch for during the healing process?

Asking these questions will help you feel more informed and comfortable about your upcoming wisdom teeth extraction.

How to Get Ready for the Procedure

To ensure your wisdom teeth removal goes as smoothly as possible, follow these preparation tips:

• Stop eating and drinking at least six hours before your procedure, or as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon, to reduce the risk of complications with anesthesia.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment, and avoid wearing makeup, contact lenses, or jewelry.
• Remove any dentures, retainers, or orthodontic appliances before the procedure.
• Bring a list of any medications you are taking and let your dental team know about any allergies.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after your wisdom teeth removal, especially if you’ve had sedation or general anesthesia.
• Plan to rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least a day after your teeth removal.
• Stock up on soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and soup, as you’ll need to follow a soft food diet for at least 24 hours to protect the blood clot and promote wound healing.
• Use an ice pack on your cheek to help reduce swelling and discomfort after the procedure, and take pain medication as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
• Avoid using straws, smoking, or drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after your wisdom teeth extraction, as these can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
• Keep the extraction site clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water, but avoid brushing the area for the first 24 hours.
• Follow all post-operative instructions from your dentist or oral surgeon, including taking any prescribed antibiotics, to prevent infection and support the healing process.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for your wisdom teeth removal and set up for a smooth recovery.

What Should I Do When My Wisdom Teeth Hurt?

The first thing you should do is make an appointment with your dentist. Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause a painful condition, and experiencing severe pain may indicate the need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. Your dentist will examine your X-rays and perform a comprehensive oral exam to determine the need for a wisdom tooth removal. After calling the dentist’s office, you may do several things to ease the pain.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

You can temporarily minimize pain by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen. These pain relievers can help reduce pain and swelling, relieving the throbbing sensation. If discomfort persists after using over-the-counter options, your dentist may prescribe stronger pain medication to better manage your symptoms. Besides reading and following packaging instructions, it’s best to consult a pharmacist or your primary care physician before taking the medication.

Apply an Ice Pack

Applying a towel-wrapped, store-bought ice pack to the jaw for 15 to 20-minute intervals every few hours effectively reduces pain and inflammation. Using an ice pack can be especially helpful in reducing throbbing pain after wisdom tooth issues.

Warm Saltwater Rinse

Bacteria can quickly grow around wisdom tooth eruptions. Since saltwater helps kill the harmful germs, you’ll want to swish it in your mouth for a minute before spitting it out. Besides gently rinsing away food particles stuck between your teeth, the mixture also reduces inflammation and promotes faster wound healing. Regular saltwater rinses can support healing gums after wisdom tooth discomfort or extraction.