When your dentist recommends wisdom teeth removal, you might feel nervous. But this procedure is safe and common, with a quick recovery.

You’ll get local anesthesia or sedation to make you sleepy and pain-free during the surgery. Ask your oral surgeon about the anesthesia that’s right for you.

You might experience some bleeding or swelling afterwards. Bring a responsible adult to drive you home.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If you’ve noticed pain or discomfort in the back of your oral cavity or a bad taste, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted. This can create painful, pus-filled cysts and push against other teeth, causing crowding.

Our mouths house 700 kinds of bacteria, and impacted wisdom teeth have direct access to these harmful organisms. As a result, these third molars are prone to infection and can cause inflammation in the gum tissue.

Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause a change in the way your jaw moves when chewing or biting, which might lead to TMJ pain and other problems. Extraction reduces your risk of future dental problems and saves you money on potential long-term treatments. The surgery is minimally invasive and typically pain-free when performed by an oral surgeon. It also helps reduce pressure on your jawbone and surrounding tissues. This can prevent the onset of future problems like gum disease and crooked teeth.

Pain

When the wisdom teeth (or third molars) are impacted, they can cause painful and serious oral health problems. Most dental professionals recommend their removal to prevent future oral complications and pain.

The removal procedure is a common one and usually only takes 45 minutes or less. You are given sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia if necessary. The surgeon widens the socket, removes the tooth, and stitches up the opening. After the surgery, the site should be wiped gently with a clean cloth or gauze to stop any bleeding. Some oozing is normal, but make sure not to spit, which can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket.

Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to relieve any discomfort after the procedure. It is also a good idea to get plenty of rest and use an ice pack for swelling reduction. Contact your dentist if pain, bleeding, or swollen gums worsen. This may be a sign of infection, which can spread to the bloodstream and become fatal.

Gum Disease

Gum disease – which eats away at gum tissue and the bones that support teeth – is associated with serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases and more. When it’s left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems like severe tooth loss and a breakdown of the jawbone.

Bacteria that cause gum disease adhere to teeth through a sticky substance called plaque, which irritates gum tissue and causes inflammation. This leads to gum recession, pockets forming in the gum line and bone deterioration.

Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth and, due to their crooked position or partial eruption, can be difficult to keep clean. Studies have shown that removing impacted third molars significantly reduces the risk of gum disease in other parts of the mouth. That’s why it’s important to have these teeth removed if they’re causing pain, swelling or any other symptoms. Preventative wisdom teeth removal can also help avoid more complex and costly issues down the road.

Crowding

Many dentists and orthodontists recommend wisdom teeth removal as a preventive measure to avoid future oral health complications like impaction, infection and crowding. Crowding is a major concern because it can interfere with eating, speaking and cleaning your teeth, and lead to gum disease, tooth decay and TMJ disorders.

Wisdom teeth extraction also helps alleviate existing dental crowding by eliminating the need for adjacent teeth to move in order to accommodate erupting third molars. As a result, the bite force is evenly spread among all of your teeth, preventing overcrowding and improving overall dental alignment.

While the primary reason for wisdom tooth removal is to prevent and address oral health issues, such as crowding, wisdom teeth removal may also unlock the potential for a more confident smile. Schedule an oral exam and consultation with your local dentist, orthodontist or oral surgeon to determine if the benefits of wisdom teeth removal are right for you.