Wisdom teeth usually emerge from your gums between the ages of 17 and 24. They are the last of the large grinding teeth at the back of your mouth (molars). Some people never develop wisdom teeth but you could have up to four – one in each corner of your mouth.
For most people, wisdom teeth don’t cause any problems so don’t need to be removed. However, if there isn’t enough space for them to grow at the back of your mouth, they become what is known as impacted wisdom teeth, and can cause pain, swelling and/or infection.
Having your impacted wisdom teeth surgically removed (extracted) can relieve your symptoms. During a wisdom teeth extraction, the dentist begins by making a small incision in the gums to better access the tooth, its root, and jaw bone. The wisdom tooth is then split into sections for easier removal. Once the tooth is removed piece by piece, the dentist cleans the surgical site and removes all traces of tooth or bone debris. The wound is subsequently stitched closed to promote healing. Finally, the dentist places gauze on the surgical site to help control bleeding.
The level of discomfort will largely depend on how easy it was to remove it. Generally, there will be some swelling and discomfort for a few days afterwards. Using mouthwashes will assist with this and painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will help as well. In some cases, you may need some stitches to help the gum heal and in these instances, it is usual for your dentist to see you again about a week later to check the progress of your healing and remove any stitches.
When a person has no problems with their wisdom teeth, they are considered asymptomatic. It’s often assumed that once a person hits the age of 20, they are in the clear from wisdom tooth problems. However, dentists recommend continuing the monitoring of these major molars through the age of 25 to make sure they won’t cause any problems. A major bonus is that you’ll also get regular dental exams and cleanings in the process, and keep your smile healthy and bright.
For more advice about wisdom teeth extraction or for a consultation in Dubai at our LCAS Dubai Healthcare City Clinic, please contact 04-375 2393, WhatsApp +971 52 915 1461or email gulf@LCAS.com