Wisdom teeth are the last four of your permanent teeth to develop, which are located at the top and bottom corners of your mouth.
They may only partially emerge or not come in at all. Some never develop their wisdom teeth, while others have them grow in smoothly, much like their other molars, without any issues.
Age is commonly the primary factor that triggers wisdom tooth eruption. It may occur between ages 17-25 as that’s the point when the maxillary and mandibular bones have achieved maturity to accommodate the extra molars.
Unfortunately, some patients have impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that don’t have enough room to erupt in the mouth. Consequently, wisdom teeth may also grow at an incorrect angle, leading to crowding and shifting of nearby teeth. Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can result in various painful and potentially serious issues, which is why many dentists advise having them removed.
Types of Impacted Tooth
Properly growing wisdom teeth should emerge straight, without causing pain or disrupting other teeth. However, if your wisdom teeth are growing improperly, it could appear misaligned, thus causing pain, pressure, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth.
An impacted wisdom tooth can grow:
At an Angle Toward the Next Tooth (Second Molar)
The wisdom tooth grows at an angle, pushing against the tooth next to it (second molar).
At a Right Angle to the Other Teeth (“Lying Down” in the Jawbone)
The tooth grows horizontally, lying on its side within the jawbone, often pushing against other tooth roots or the jawbone.
At an Angle Toward the Back of the Mouth
The wisdom tooth points backward, toward the back of the mouth, instead of growing straight up.
Straight Up or Down but Trapped Within the Jawbone
The wisdom tooth grows in the correct vertical direction but doesn’t fully emerge because it’s stuck within the jawbone.
According to a study, wisdom teeth (3rd molars) are the most commonly impacted teeth, accounting for 98% of all impacted teeth, with a prevalence rate between 18.97% and 30.80%.
Based on the same study, the causes of impaction can include:
- Limited jaw growth
- Thick gum tissue
- Large tooth size
- Lack of space
- Retained baby teeth, or conditions like Down syndrome.
How to Know if Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed
The likelihood of wisdom tooth removal, dentists often recommend it based on specific criteria, including impacted teeth, pain, misalignment, or a high risk of infection.
When teeth are impacted, you may feel pain in the back of your jaw, swelling around the gums, or notice your teeth moving out of place. Here’s when it’s crucial to see a dentist in Upland, California, for an evaluation.
Is it better to remove wisdom teeth even before they grow and cause any problems?
Experts remain divided on whether to remove asymptomatic wisdom teeth or impacted teeth that aren’t showing symptoms of misalignment or pain. Those in favor of removal argue that taking out asymptomatic wisdom teeth poses minimal risks, especially when done during the late teens or early 20s.
How is Wisdom Tooth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal can be performed by a general dentist or, in some cases, you may be referred to an oral surgeon at a hospital if the tooth is deeply impacted.
Pain levels from wisdom teeth removal vary but are generally manageable with proper care. Nonetheless, the procedure itself is pain-free due to local or general anesthesia and has a 95 % success rate.
Typically, a local anesthetic is administered by the oral surgeon to numb the area around the wisdom tooth, ensuring a painless extraction.
If the extraction is complex or if you’re particularly anxious, sedation may be offered to help you relax more. Likewise, a general anesthetic might be used, putting you to sleep during the procedure.
The steps of wisdom tooth removal generally involve:
- The dentist or surgeon makes an incision in the gum if the tooth is partially or fully covered. The socket in the gum is widened where the tooth is lodged.
- The tooth being removed as a whole or sectioned into smaller pieces to facilitate extraction.
- If necessary, the gum is closed with dissolvable stitches.
The procedure typically takes just a few minutes but can extend up to 40 minutes for more complicated cases. After the surgery, you may feel discomfort, swelling, and a dull ache that lasts for a few days. Pain is often most intense within the first 48 hours, but it gradually subsides.
Most patients are able to go home the same day, though if a general anesthetic was used, an overnight stay in the hospital may be required.
What Happens After Your Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?
The recovery process after wisdom teeth removal typically involves a few days of rest and self-care. Immediately after surgery, you’ll experience numbness from the anesthesia, followed by mild to moderate pain as it wears off.
Swelling, bruising, and some bleeding are common in the first 24 hours. Healing time varies, but most people start to feel better within a week, with complete recovery taking a few weeks.
Post-extraction Tips
Pain management techniques include taking prescribed painkillers, applying ice packs, and resting with your head elevated. But the key is preparing mentally and physically—knowing the do’s and don’ts—can significantly reduce anxiety and discomfort.
Do’s:
- Eat soft, cool foods like smoothies and mashed potatoes.
- Gently rinse with salt water after the first day to keep the area clean.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities to promote healing.
- Follow all prescribed medications and pain management advice.
Don’ts:
- Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or sticky foods that can irritate the wound.
- Do not smoke or use straws, as sucking can dislodge the blood clot.
- Avoid vigorous rinsing or brushing near the extraction site for the first few days.
- Do not ignore persistent pain or signs of infection; contact your dentist immediately.
Consult an Upland Dentist
The idea of having an impacted tooth and needing it removed can be stressful. At Upland Dental Practice, we understand your concerns, and we’re here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing expert guidance and personalized care to ensure your wisdom tooth removal is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Open communication and collaboration are at the heart of our approach to successful dental treatment.
If you’re starting to experience discomfort from an impacted tooth or feeling anxious about the situation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Book a free consultation today and speak with our experienced dental professionals who are ready to support you every step of the way.
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