08 Oct The Truth About Wisdom Teeth: When to Remove Them and Why
Wisdom teeth refer to the last molar set in the oral cavity, specifically in the posterior section. They are normally present in their late teens and early twenties but are not meant to be kept for everybody. Some people have to undergo wisdom teeth removal to avoid pain and complicated situations.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth refer to your final molars in the farthest reaches of your upper and lower jaws. While some people never experienced complications involving these teeth, for others, this usually resulted in toothaches because of overcrowding or other dental problems. It happens because our jaws are mostly too small to contain more molars.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Grow In?
Most people grow their wisdom teeth between 17 and 25 years. In some people, the wisdom teeth grow straight and properly aligned to other teeth in the jaw. However, many others may experience problems due to the growth of wisdom teeth. Sometimes, the gum will cover a part of the emerging wisdom tooth. All these may present with pain, swelling, and even an infection.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Hurt?
Many people ask, “Why are my wisdom teeth painful?” Usually, it’s because those teeth sometimes become impacted or rub against the surrounding teeth. Sometimes, they even damage other teeth or cause infections. Pockets developed by impacted teeth collect food and microbes that can result in further problems.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
No, not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Some people never develop them, while others might develop one or two. In any case, however, most adults will have four wisdom teeth, one located in each of the four corners of the mouth.
When To Remove the Wisdom Teeth?
Whenever you feel the presence of wisdom teeth symptoms like pain, swelling, and chewing difficulty, seek an extraction for it. Your dentist may recommend that they be removed even if you are not in pain; this is often the case if the complication is probable down the road, whether it be an infection, another tooth being loosened, or a cyst forming. Occasionally the teeth remain impacted. This means they are stuck beneath the gums and can’t grow forward to come into your mouth correctly. This often requires their removal.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Post-surgery, you’ll feel sore and swollen. In the absence of proper care during the recovery period following wisdom teeth extraction, the risk of infection or a condition known as dry socket wisdom teeth develops. A dry socket is established when the blood clot formed after extraction is disturbed, thus exposing the bone and nerves. That can be very painful, so take heed to your dentist’s suggestions closely.
Food You Can Take After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Soft food is what you should consume in the first few days after surgery. If you are asking “What can be eaten after the removal of wisdom teeth, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.” Do not, of course, consume hot, spicy, and crunchy foods as this would irritate the surgical site. And most of you ask, “What can I eat after having my wisdom teeth extracted?” That would be soft, easy-to-chew foods.
Tips for Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
- Rest and calm down for the first 24-48 hours.
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
- Avoid the use of straws because it might lead to dry sockets, a common condition following wisdom teeth
- Take soft foods and liquids
- Follow your dentist’s prescriptions on stitches for wisdom teeth, medication, and other requirements.
Conclusion
Not everyone in this world needs the removal of wisdom teeth, but for those who experience pain with their wisdom teeth or suffer from complications, extraction is inevitable. Understanding the process and knowing how to care for oneself during wisdom teeth recovery will make all the difference. Whether you are dealing with wisdom teeth growing in or worried about the aftermath of wisdom teeth removal, it is important to stay informed. Proper care and attention will help recover quickly and avoid all long-term issues.
No Comments