Wisdon Teeth Removal | 6 April 2021
Wisdom teeth are a remnant of our ancestors, who needed them to properly chew and grind plants a primary food source. Wisdom teeth were necessary to ensure the proper breaking up of plant matter, which was crucial for digestion and nourishment. Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars in the back of your mouth. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25, and they’re spotted on X-rays.
Problems such as pericoronitis can occur – this is when the wisdom tooth appears through the gum but some of it still remains covered. This can result in sore and swollen gums and can become painful to clean. This tends to be a temporary problem and can be treated with mouthwashes and antibiotics if it’s particularly painful.
Most people have wisdom teeth extraction for one of these reasons:
THEY’RE IMPACTED
Because they’re so far back in your mouth, wisdom teeth may not come in normally. They can be trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be painful.
THEY COME IN AT THE WRONG ANGLE
They may press against your other teeth.
YOUR MOUTH ISN’T BIG ENOUGH
Your jaw has no room for an extra set of molars.
YOU HAVE CAVITIES OR GUM DISEASE
You may not be able to reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush or dental floss.
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