photo smiling dentist standing with arms crossed with her colleague showing okay sign

Wisdom Teeth: All You Need To Know

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Wise teeth, or third molars, normally come in somewhere during the teen and adult years. It is common to also have fewer or even more than four wisdom teeth.

    Wisdom teeth can be helpful, but they can also cause problems.

    How to take care of your wisdom teeth and the potential issues they present are covered in detail in this piece. If you want to learn more about your third molars, read on!

    What Does A Name Mean?

    Removal of the third molars won't improve your IQ. Because they typically appear between the ages of 17 and 21, they are given this name. You may find the back teeth in the rear of your mouth. There are 32 total teeth in an adult's mouth, with two on each side.

    Missing Molars

    Wisdom teeth are your molars, the back teeth that chew and crush food into smaller pieces. But not everyone has all of their wisdom teeth. Teeth of this type are the most typically absent in adults. Changes in our food may have contributed to the evolution of our jaws, as has been suggested by some.

    What Are Wisdom Teeth That Have Been Impacted?

    Wisdom teeth can become impacted if they are unable to erupt into the mouth fully. This may happen if the wisdom teeth are unable to erupt normally because another tooth is in the way. On the other side, they might be unable to ascend due of a lack of clearance. If the impacted tooth is blocking the growth of adjacent teeth or jawbone, it will need to be removed.

    These sorts of wisdom teeth require surgical removal by the dentist, who will make incisions in the gums around the tooth and then sew the gums back together. If the teeth is extremely large, the dentist may need to break it into many pieces to extract it. A tooth may also be slightly impacted. The need for surgical intervention remains.

    Signs That You Should Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

    Most people get their third molars, often known as wisdom teeth, at the back of the mouths somewhere between the teen and adult years.

    Wisdom teeth have evolved as tooth replacement for times when our ancestors consumed tough, raw vegetables that would quickly wear down their ordinary teeth. Regardless of their origin, molars that pose a hazard to dental health must be extracted from the majority of the population.

    Wisdom teeth extractions

    are routine, although not all patients require them. True wisdom teeth don't always come in. Therefore, unless wisdom teeth are preventing the proper development of the jaws or gums, they can be left alone.

    Your local dentist is the only person who can advise you with certainty on whether or not you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. However, there are times when you absolutely must schedule an emergency visit to the dentist to have your wisdom teeth extracted. Among these are:

    • Sharp discomfort in the gums and teeth
    • symptoms including gum inflammation, redness, pain, bleeding, or swelling
    • Out-of-alignment teeth often caused by wisdom teeth.
    • Issues with one's breath or wisdom teeth cavities

    See a dentist immediately if you experience any of these problems. A lack of space prevents the wisdom teeth from crowding adjacent teeth, cracking them, or even pressing on nearby nerves and bones. If left untreated, this can cause permanent damage to the gums and tissues of the mouth, leaving it open to the development of infections and cysts. Look no further, Bayside Dentists offers the best dental services. 

    Other Concerns

    If a wisdom tooth is causing pain or swelling, it probably has to be extracted. Several of the following come to mind as possible causes:

    • Infections and tooth decay
    • Lesions (abnormal-looking tissue) (abnormal-looking tissue)
    • Tooth decay in the vicinity
    • Deterioration of Root Bone
    • Inadequate space for brushing and flossing around the tooth

    Potential Issues Later

    Because they may cause issues in the future, some dentists advise having them removed.

    • Loss of jawbone structure can occur if a cyst develops in the sack or tissue that surrounds a tooth before it erupts.
    • Tooth decay can spread to neighbouring teeth if indeed the tooth is crooked under the gum.
    • The area around with a tooth that is only partially extracted can become infected due to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.

    However, many academics and public-health specialists disagree and say it's not necessary to pull teeth that are otherwise healthy. You can always obtain a second opinion if your dentist recommends anything and you're not sure whether you should do it or not.

    What Is The Treatment For Impacted Teeth?

    Warm seawater (1/2 teaspoon of sodium in 8 ounces of water) can occasionally helpful for soothing mild irritations. Pain medications you can buy without a prescription may also help. Nevertheless, if the tooth is painful, infected, or causing problems for the neighbouring teeth, extraction is the standard therapy.

    Tooth extraction might take anything from five to thirty minutes. When an infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary. In addition, if a patient has an impacted tooth, they may need to see a maxillofacial and oral surgeon for surgery.

    Before removing the tooth, Before any surgery or dental work is done, you and your dentist and surgeon will have a conversation about pain management and sedation options. Six hours before to operation, patients will not be able to consume or drink anything. If you are prescribed any medications, it is important to take them as prescribed. You need to have someone drive you to and from the scheduled appointment.

    Face and jaw swelling are possible post-op side effects. Furthermore, some meals may be particularly challenging to eat. For the fastest healing, strictly adhere to the directions of your dentist or surgeon. Rare as they may be, surgery can occasionally result in complications.

    There's a chance that an impacted tooth won't cause any discomfort or damage to the adjacent teeth. It's not critical that you get medical attention right now. On the other hand, your dentist would likely advise you to have the tooth extracted to prevent further complications.

    Many people opt to have all 4 wisdom teeth out at the same time. Sometimes this procedure is done even before teeth have broken through the gums to stave off potential complications.

    Typically, this is performed under sedation and local anaesthetic in the office of a maxillofacial and oral surgeon. Wisdom teeth removal is typically advised before the age of 21. Surgery performed before this age is usually less risky, because tissue and bone mend more quickly.

    Can My Dentist Extract My Wisdom Teeth?

    dentist examining female patient teeth

    The wisdom teeth can be extracted by most basic or family dentists. X-rays allow dentists to view below the gum line, so they can determine if an extraction is necessary. The dentist can get an idea about how far the wisdom teeth grow and how much work will be involved in removing them thanks to X-rays.

    Wisdom Teeth Extraction

    Extreme cases of tooth decay, injury, or crowding can necessitate tooth extraction. All other options, like as root canals and tooth fillings, will be exhausted before extraction is considered by our highly trained dentists.

    Tooth extractions at our dental clinic can be done in a single visit, and with the help of a local anaesthetic, they aren't even that painful.

    Your dentist will provide you instructions on how to best care for yourself following surgery in order to minimise any discomfort or swelling. The majority of patients have a speedy and complete recovery. However, if you encounter significant bleeding at home, you should call your dentist immediately.

    Since wisdom teeth often erupt in one's late teens or early twenties, extractions of these molars are a regular surgery for young adults in these age ranges. These teeth are typically extracted because they are impacted in the bone, posing an overcrowded risk, or both. Nonetheless, people of any age can have all of their wisdom teeth extracted in a dental office.

    Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Required?

    There is some debate about whether or not wisdom teeth need to be extracted if they are healthy, completely erupted, and in the proper location in the mouth.

    Wisdom teeth removal is typically recommended by dentists. If they don't come through the gums fully, if they crowd out adjacent teeth, or if they never come through the gums at all, this could cause problems down the road. However, many young people avoid problems with their wisdom teeth by having them removed early.

    • Removal of the third molar is often recommended if the wisdom teeth are causing any of the following issues:
    • Bone loss due to periodontal disease, which affects the area around your teeth.
    • Inability to properly clean the area, leading to puffy gums and persistent bad breath.
    • Sometimes wisdom teeth emerge at an awkward angle, making them more prone to painful, difficult-to-treat cavities beneath the gums.
    • Wisdom teeth that get impacted might cause complications including cysts and tumours.

    Early diagnosis and removal of a impacted tooth can prevent the need for such drastic measures. But sometimes, when the tooth is lodged or affected under the gumline, a more sophisticated procedure by an oral surgeon is necessary rather than just a simple extraction.

    The following issues can arise for patients if their wisdom teeth really aren't removed:

    • Gum disease and infection are two forms of this condition.
    • Discomfort and enlargement
    • The development of cysts that really can lead to jaw deformity
    • Disruption of the gums, teeth, and bone in the immediate area.

    Consequently, you may need to have your wisdom teeth pulled if there is a strong likelihood that they may cause you discomfort. We have an exclusive list of Melbourne's most modern and affordable dental clinic for your dental needs.

    What To Expect With Wisdom Tooth Extraction

    Having a tooth surgically extracted is something most dentists do on a regular basis. A local anaesthetic will be applied to the region to ensure your comfort.

    Procedure For Wisdom Teeth Extraction

    Procedures for removing wisdom teeth include:

    • First, you'll need to cut into the gum to reveal the underlying bone and tooth.
    • Second, the root of the tooth can't be reached if bone is taken away.
    • Step three, if necessary, section off the tooth.
    • Taking out the tooth.
    • Removing any remnants of bone or teeth from the extraction site.
    • If necessary, the incision is stitched to speed healing.
    • Squeezing blood out by applying gauze to the cut.

    The first step, in the absence of illness (in which case antibiotics will be prescribed before to any surgical work), is to expose the bone and gums that surround the affected tooth.

    The tooth's surrounding bone will be removed if necessary, and after the dentist separates the tissue that holds the tooth in place in the jaw, the procedure should be quite painless and rapid. We will let you know if the stitches we use will dissolve or if you'll need to remove them at a later time if they're applied.

    1. Simple Extraction

    The dentist's extraction method will be determined by how far the tooth has broken through the gum. In the event that it has fully erupted, your dentist should be able to do it.

    A stronger anaesthetic may be injected into your gums with a needle after they have been numbed. After the tooth has been loosened with an elevator instrument, it will be extracted using pliers-like dental forceps. The last step is to clean the wound and apply gauze to halt the bleeding.

    What to Expect After Simple Extraction

    The first day, you may experience some little bleeding. For a couple of days, you could also feel a bit tender and puffy. It may take longer for bruises to heal. For the next 24 hours, you should avoid cleaning or rinsing your teeth. Afterward, for a week, gargle with warm water every two hours.

    2. Surgical Extraction

    It's likely that you'll need to have your tooth extracted if any of its roots are visible below the gum line. Although some dentists might rather refer their patients to an oral surgeon for this, many dentists undertake this operation regularly.

    You may be sedated during the procedure so that you don't feel any pain and don't recall much. The surgeon will then make an incision in the gum and remove some bone to expose the tooth's root. In order to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible, they may need to cut the tooth into sections.

    Recovery From Wisdom Teeth Removal Is Quick And Calming

    Dentists can carry out these procedures in their clinic without the need for numbing agents, and their patients will have minimal discomfort at most. Although most patients only need a few days to fully recover, they will still be given aftercare instructions to follow in order to lessen discomfort and prevent infection.

    Because the drug may make you sleepy, it's smart to arrange for a ride home. It's possible that over-the-counter pain relievers will suffice, but your surgeon may advise stronger medication, particularly if they remove any bone.

    Self-Care

    Next day, you should feel OK to resume your regular routine. However, you could do the following to hasten recovery and lessen any discomfort:

    • Maintain intermittent cold compress application to the jaw to reduce pain and swelling.
    • Make an effort to control your want to spit so that you don't disturb the blood clot preventing further bleeding.
    • If you want to get better fast, consume a lot of water but avoid alcoholic drinks, coffee, and soda for 24 hours.
    • It will take about a week before you can fully open your mouth again. To avoid any discomfort, eat only soft, easily digested foods.

    Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Painful?

    Typically, removing the wisdom tooth must not hurt because the area is numbed. To the contrary, if you feel any discomfort while the tooth is being extracted, tell your actual doctor or dentists so that they can provide more anaesthesia. To ensure that anxious patients experience minimal discomfort throughout the treatment, we also provide IV sedation.

    Potential Issues Following

    x ray teeth

    Rarely, but occasionally, the surgeon extracting lower teeth causes harm to nearby nerves. That could cause persistent numbness in your mouth. Sinuses and upper tooth air passages can be harmed during the surgical procedure. Finally, a painful condition known as dry socket can develop if your blood clot dissolves too quickly, exposing nerves and bone. This is a possibility with both non-surgical and surgical extractions.

    After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

    Dry socket and other postoperative problems have to be avoided at all costs, as is the case with any surgical surgery. In order to have a speedy and trouble-free recovery from wisdom teeth removal, it is important to adhere to the advice given to you by your dentist and oral surgeon.

    • Bleeding. In the immediate aftermath of surgery, it is usual for patients to have some bleeding. Stopping excessive bleeding requires removing any coagulated blood from the mouth, washing the region well, and placing a gauze pad so over area.
    • Swelling. There will be puffiness in the areas around your mouth, cheeks, sides, and possibly eyes. Applying an ice pack can help reduce swelling.
    • Pain. You should take the painkillers as suggested if your pain level is high enough.
    • Diet. Instead than using a straw, which could cause more bleeding, drink directly from the glass. Avoid hard foods and keep the incisions clean and dry. In order to strengthen your immune response and speed up your recuperation, try eating plenty of high-calorie, high-protein foods on a regular basis.
    • It's important to maintain a sanitary oral environment. For the first 24 hours following surgery, gentle rinsing is encouraged. You can brush your mouth the night before surgery, but be careful when rinsing them. Initiate a routine of rinsing your mouth with warm water and a pinch of salt 5-6 times daily the day after.
    • Discolouration. It may take up to 14 days for any discoloration or bruising to completely disappear.
    • Antibiotics. Antibiotics are effective against a wide variety of bacteria and should be used as prescribed to avoid or treat infection.

    When To Consult A Doctor

    Immediate consultation with a dentist or surgeon is warranted if:

    • You find it difficult to breathe and swallow.
    • Bleeding that persists after two days or pain that has not subsided after a week warrants medical attention.
    • Your cheek or jaw continues to swell after several days have passed.
    • I think you have such a fever.
    • You can experience numbness, detect pus, or smell something unpleasant.

    Conclusion

    Wisdom teeth are your third molars, the back teeth that chew and crush food into smaller pieces. Because they typically appear between the ages of 17 and 21, they are given this name. There are 32 total teeth in an adult's mouth, with two on each side. Wisdom teeth can become impacted if they are unable to erupt into the mouth fully. If a wisdom tooth is causing pain or swelling, it probably has to be extracted.

    A lack of space prevents the wisdom teeth from crowding adjacent teeth, cracking them, or even pressing on nearby nerves and bones. If left untreated, this can cause permanent damage to the gums and tissues of the mouth, leaving it open to the development of infections and cysts. If you have an impacted tooth, you may need to see a dentist for surgery. Wisdom teeth removal is typically advised before the age of 21. Surgery performed before this age is usually less risky, because tissue and bone mend more quickly.

    Sometimes this procedure is done even before teeth have broken through the gums to stave off potential complications. The wisdom teeth can be extracted by most basic or family dentists. X-rays allow dentists to view below the gum line, so they can determine if an extraction is necessary. Extraction of the third molar is often recommended if the wisdom teeth are causing any of the following issues:.  Bone loss due to periodontal disease, which affects the area around your teeth.

    Content Summary:

    • Wise teeth, or third molars, normally come in somewhere during the teen and adult years.
    • It is common to also have fewer or even more than four wisdom teeth.
    • Wisdom teeth can be helpful, but they can also cause problems.
    • How to take care of your wisdom teeth and the potential issues they present are covered in detail in this piece.
    • If you want to learn more about your third molars, read on!
    • What Does A Name Mean?
    • Removal of the third molars won't improve your IQ.
    • Because they typically appear between the ages of 17 and 21, they are given this name.
    • You may find the back teeth in the rear of your mouth.
    • There are 32 total teeth in an adult's mouth, with two on each side.
    • Missing Molars Wisdom teeth are your molars, the back teeth that chew and crush food into smaller pieces.
    • But not everyone has all of their wisdom teeth.
    • Teeth of this type are the most typically absent in adults.
    • Changes in our food may have contributed to the evolution of our jaws, as has been suggested by some.
    • What Are Wisdom Teeth That Have Been Impacted?
    • Wisdom teeth can become impacted if they are unable to erupt into the mouth fully.
    • This may happen if the wisdom teeth are unable to erupt normally because another tooth is in the way.
    • On the other side, they might be unable to ascend due of a lack of clearance.
    • If the impacted tooth is blocking the growth of adjacent teeth or jawbone, it will need to be removed.
    • These sorts of wisdom teeth require surgical removal by the dentist, who will make incisions in the gums around the tooth and then sew the gums back together.
    • If the teeth is extremely large, the dentist may need to break it into many pieces to extract it.
    • A tooth may also be slightly impacted.
    • The need for surgical intervention remains.
    • Signs That You Should Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed Most people get their third molars, often known as wisdom teeth, at the back of the mouths somewhere between the teen and adult years.
    • Therefore, unless wisdom teeth are preventing the proper development of the jaws or gums, they can be left alone.
    • Your local dentist is the only person who can advise you with certainty on whether or not you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted.
    • However, there are times when you absolutely must schedule an emergency visit to the dentist to have your wisdom teeth extracted.
    • Among these are: Sharp discomfort in the gums and teeth symptoms including gum inflammation, redness, pain, bleeding, or swelling Out-of-alignment teeth often caused by wisdom teeth.
    • Issues with one's breath or wisdom teeth cavities See a dentist immediately if you experience any of these problems.
    • A lack of space prevents the wisdom teeth from crowding adjacent teeth, cracking them, or even pressing on nearby nerves and bones.
    • If left untreated, this can cause permanent damage to the gums and tissues of the mouth, leaving it open to the development of infections and cysts.
    • If a wisdom tooth is causing pain or swelling, it probably has to be extracted.
    • Several of the following come to mind as possible causes: Infections and tooth decay Lesions (abnormal-looking tissue) (abnormal-looking tissue)
    • Inadequate space for brushing and flossing around the tooth
    • Because they may cause issues in the future, some dentists advise having them removed.
    • Loss of jawbone structure can occur if a cyst develops in the sack or tissue that surrounds a tooth before it erupts.
    • Tooth decay can spread to neighbouring teeth if indeed the tooth is crooked under the gum.
    • The area around with a tooth that is only partially extracted can become infected due to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.
    • However, many academics and public-health specialists disagree and say it's not necessary to pull teeth that are otherwise healthy.
    • You can always obtain a second opinion if your dentist recommends anything and you're not sure whether you should do it or not.
    • What Is The Treatment For Impacted Teeth?
    • Warm seawater (1/2 teaspoon of sodium in 8 ounces of water) can occasionally helpful for soothing mild irritations.
    • In addition, if a patient has an impacted tooth, they may need to see a maxillofacial and oral surgeon for surgery.
    • Before removing the tooth, Before any surgery or dental work is done, you and your dentist and surgeon will have a conversation about pain management and sedation options.
    • Six hours before to operation, patients will not be able to consume or drink anything.
    • If you are prescribed any medications, it is important to take them as prescribed.
    • You need to have someone drive you to and from the scheduled appointment.
    • Face and jaw swelling are possible post-op side effects.
    • Furthermore, some meals may be particularly challenging to eat.
    • For the fastest healing, strictly adhere to the directions of your dentist or surgeon.
    • Rare as they may be, surgery can occasionally result in complications.
    • There's a chance that an impacted tooth won't cause any discomfort or damage to the adjacent teeth.
    • It's not critical that you get medical attention right now.
    • On the other hand, your dentist would likely advise you to have the tooth extracted to prevent further complications.
    • Many people opt to have all 4 wisdom teeth out at the same time.
    • Sometimes this procedure is done even before teeth have broken through the gums to stave off potential complications.
    • Typically, this is performed under sedation and local anaesthetic in the office of a maxillofacial and oral surgeon.
    • Wisdom teeth removal is typically advised before the age of 21.
    • Surgery performed before this age is usually less risky, because tissue and bone mend more quickly.
    • Can My Dentist Extract My Wisdom Teeth?
    • The wisdom teeth can be extracted by most basic or family dentists.
    • X-rays allow dentists to view below the gum line, so they can determine if an extraction is necessary.
    • The dentist can get an idea about how far the wisdom teeth grow and how much work will be involved in removing them thanks to X-rays.
    • Extreme cases of tooth decay, injury, or crowding can necessitate tooth extraction.
    • All other options, like as root canals and tooth fillings, will be exhausted before extraction is considered by our highly trained dentists.
    • Tooth extractions at our dental clinic can be done in a single visit, and with the help of a local anaesthetic, they aren't even that painful.
    • Your dentist will provide you instructions on how to best care for yourself following surgery in order to minimise any discomfort or swelling.
    • The majority of patients have a speedy and complete recovery.
    • However, if you encounter significant bleeding at home, you should call your dentist immediately.
    • Since wisdom teeth often erupt in one's late teens or early twenties, extractions of these molars are a regular surgery for young adults in these age ranges.
    • These teeth are typically extracted because they are impacted in the bone, posing an overcrowded risk, or both.
    • Nonetheless, people of any age can have all of their wisdom teeth extracted in a dental office.
    • Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Required?
    • There is some debate about whether or not wisdom teeth need to be extracted if they are healthy, completely erupted, and in the proper location in the mouth.
    • Wisdom teeth removal is typically recommended by dentists.
    • If they don't come through the gums fully, if they crowd out adjacent teeth, or if they never come through the gums at all, this could cause problems down the road.
    • However, many young people avoid problems with their wisdom teeth by having them removed early.
    • Removal of the third molar is often recommended if the wisdom teeth are causing any of the following issues: Bone loss due to periodontal disease, which affects the area around your teeth.
    • Inability to properly clean the area, leading to puffy gums and persistent bad breath.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth

    Do not chew gum on the day of surgery. Bathe or shower on the day of surgery.

    How long do wisdom teeth take to come through the gum? Wisdom teeth normally start to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. However, the process does not happen at the same pace for everyone. It can take years for the wisdom teeth to emerge through the gums fully, or they may never erupt at all.

    Some people live with their wisdom teeth for their entire lives. In some cases, removing any teeth may not be recommended because there is a chance of the teeth shifting. If they are not causing you problems and your dental care is sufficient, you should not worry about having them removed.

    Where they are not negatively impacting oral and overall health, it is best to keep wisdom teeth intact. Properly erupted wisdom teeth support the back of the mouth and help maintain bone in the jaw. This support benefits the health of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

    Wisdom teeth typically appear between 17-24 years of age, with some developing them earlier or later. Still, whether they grow earlier or later, there is nothing unusual about it. These teeth grow for a simple reason- to complete your full set of 32 teeth, every adult should have one.

    Scroll to Top