Get Wise About Wisdom Teeth!

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to erupt in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on each side of the upper and lower jaws. They usually come in when a person is in their late teens or early twenties.

Why do people get wisdom teeth removed?

Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted, but since they are the last permanent teeth to come in, there is often not enough room left in your mouth to accommodate them. When there isn’t enough room, wisdom teeth can irreversibly damage the teeth in front of them. Additionally, wisdom teeth can be hard to clean and maintain which also makes them more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Removing wisdom teeth that do not cause an immediate harm to your teeth can be a preventative measure for future problems.

What happens during the procedure?

Removing wisdom teeth can be done in a dentist's or surgeon's office. Before removing a wisdom tooth, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. A general anesthetic may be used, especially if several or all of your wisdom teeth will be removed at the same time. A general anesthetic prevents pain in the whole body and will cause you to sleep through the procedure.

Tips for after the procedure:

• For the first 24 hours. No rinsing, spitting or drinking through a straw. You don’t want to do anything that disturbs the clots that are beginning to form where the wisdom teeth were removed. Use all medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• After 24-48 hours. Brush the surgical area gently and brush everywhere else normally.
• Watch what you eat. Stick to a diet consisting of liquids until the tenderness and soreness in your mouth goes down. For the first 1-2 weeks eat softer foods such as pasta, soups, oatmeal etc. Stay away from spicy and hot foods.You should chew on the opposite side of the surgical area. Do not smoke or use alcohol.
• Rest. Relax as much as you can with your head elevated by pillows. Getting plenty of sleep will help speed up your healing process. Don’t participate in strenuous activities while recovering such as exercising. You should also try not to talk too much in order to let the mouth rest.
• Apply ice. Swelling is normal after wisdom teeth removal. Applying ice to the area will help bring down the swelling and numb the pain a bit.
• Rinse your mouth with salt water. Rinsing with salt water several times a day, especially after eating or drinking, will help reduce swelling and pain.
• Control bleeding. If bleeding persists apply pressure with a moist warm gauze. If bleeding still persists, apply pressure for 15 minutes with a warm teabag directly on the surgical site.

Find out if you need your wisdom teeth removed!

Visit your local Smilist in Wantagh for a consultation with one of our top-rated dentists.