If your wisdom teeth are coming in, it can be a painful experience. You might wonder why this is happening, especially since it causes so much discomfort. Here’s everything you need to know about wisdom teeth and why they can be such a literal pain.
Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing pain because they are the last set of molars to come in, usually between the ages of 17 and 21. By the time they arrive, your mouth is often already crowded with other teeth, leaving little room for these new ones to grow. This lack of space can lead to a buildup of bacteria around the gums where the wisdom teeth are trying to emerge, causing pain and problems for the other molars.
These teeth grow at the very back of your mouth on both the upper and lower jaws. Historically, our ancestors needed these extra teeth to grind nuts and grains in their diet. However, in today’s world, we no longer require this extra set, so dentists often remove them to prevent future issues.
You might be curious why they are called “wisdom teeth.” The name comes from the fact that they grow in later in life, at an age when people are considered to be “wiser” than when their other teeth came in. By this time, we are also more likely to be aware of the importance of dental hygiene and avoiding sugary foods that damage our teeth.
Dentists remove wisdom teeth for various reasons. Sometimes, there isn’t enough space in your mouth, causing the teeth to grow improperly, a condition known as being “impacted.” Impacted wisdom teeth can partially emerge from the gum and then push against other molars, causing pain and potential infection. Plaque can form on these partially emerged teeth, leading to problems that affect the roots and nerves of adjacent teeth.
Luckily, you don’t have to endure this pain. A dental professional can perform a wisdom tooth extraction to relieve you of the discomfort. Removing these teeth prevents plaque buildup and stops gum disease before it starts.
During the procedure, you’ll have several sedation options. For a quick removal, a local anesthetic can numb the area. For more complicated cases, the dentist might use stronger sedation. The dentist will make a small cut at the base of the tooth, remove the pieces, and then let you recover, possibly prescribing pain medication to help with the healing process.
It typically takes about two weeks to fully recover from a wisdom tooth extraction. During this time, you need to be cautious about eating and drinking to avoid aggravating the wound. Most people heal without issues, but there can be complications like infections, especially in smokers who don’t follow their dentist’s care instructions. Smoking can introduce dirt to the wound, leading to infections or a painful condition called a ‘dry socket.’
A dry socket usually occurs within three to five days after the extraction and causes severe pain. Though it is more common with general tooth extractions, wisdom teeth can still be affected. Your dentist can provide pain relief medications if you experience this.
Opting out of surgery can lead to future complications. Impacted wisdom teeth often develop a hard-to-reach biofilm that can cause decay, which could remain hidden beneath the gums.
Maintaining a healthy mouth is essential for overall well-being. Trust your dentist to safely remove your wisdom teeth, helping you stay pain-free and healthy.
