Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt in the mouth. Although they usually start to appear between the ages of 17 and 25, it may not appear at the same time or in the same way in every person. When there is not enough space in the jaw, the wisdom tooth may not erupt completely, may remain partially under the gum, or may be buried within the jawbone.
Not every wisdom tooth needs to be extracted. However, if the position of the tooth causes pain, recurrent infection, problems in the surrounding gum tissues or problems in neighboring teeth, extraction may be considered. In cases where the tooth is embedded in the bone or gum, surgical extraction, in other words wisdom tooth surgery, may be required.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars located in the rearmost part of the lower and upper jaw. It is also known as the "wisdom tooth" among the public.
In some people, it can erupt completely in the mouth and function like a normal tooth. In some people, the tooth cannot erupt fully due to the structure of the jaw, the direction of eruption of the tooth, or the insufficient space available.
Situations where only a part of the tooth is visible in the mouth half buried wisdom toothIn cases where it remains inside the gum or bone, buried wisdom tooth It is evaluated as .
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
The presence of wisdom teeth alone is not a reason for extraction. Wisdom teeth that are in the correct position in the mouth, do not harm the surrounding tissues, and can be cleaned can be monitored by the physician.
However, extraction may be considered in the following cases:
- Recurrent pain and tenderness
- Recurrent gum infection around wisdom teeth
- Partially or completely impacted tooth
- Caries formation due to food accumulation and difficulty in cleaning
- Causing decay or periodontal problems in the adjacent tooth
- Observation of cystic formations around the teeth
- Negative effects on surrounding tissues due to the position of the tooth
The decision for extraction is made not only based on the patient's complaint, but also as a result of clinical examination and radiological evaluation.
How to Understand an Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
An impacted wisdom tooth may not always cause symptoms. In some patients, it can remain in the mouth for a long time without any complaints.
When symptoms occur, complaints such as pain in the area where the wisdom tooth is located, redness or swelling in the gums, difficulty in opening the mouth, sensitivity during chewing, bad breath or bad taste may be observed.
In addition to clinical examination, radiological imaging is performed to determine whether the tooth is impacted and its position in the jaw.
What kind of evaluation is made before wisdom tooth surgery?
Before the surgical procedure is planned, the position of the wisdom tooth, its root structure and its relationship with the surrounding anatomical structures are evaluated.
Panoramic x-ray can be used in this evaluation. In cases deemed necessary, three-dimensional imaging methods can be used to examine the tooth's relationship with nerves and other anatomical structures in more detail.
The medications the patient uses, existing systemic diseases, allergies and previous operations are also part of the treatment planning.
How is Wisdom Teeth Surgery Performed?
The way wisdom tooth surgery is performed varies depending on the location of the tooth.
Before the procedure, the surgical area is usually anesthetized with local anesthesia. Thus, the patient does not feel pain during the procedure; but can feel pressure or movement.
If it is necessary to reach the impacted tooth, the gum is opened in a controlled manner. If there is bone tissue covering the tooth, the amount of bone deemed necessary by the physician can be removed.
Depending on the location of the tooth, the wisdom tooth can be removed in one piece, or it can be divided into several pieces to facilitate the protection of surrounding tissues.
After the tooth is removed, the operation area is cleaned. If necessary, the surgical area is closed with stitches and the procedure is completed.
Since not all wisdom teeth are in the same position, the scope and duration of the surgery may vary from patient to patient.
Is Wisdom Teeth Surgery Painful?
When wisdom tooth surgery is performed under local anesthesia, the treated area is anesthetized. Therefore, it is not expected to feel pain during the operation. The patient may feel pressure, pulling, or movement during the procedure.
After the anesthesia wears off, pain, tenderness and swelling may occur, depending on the extent of the surgical procedure. The level of these complaints may vary depending on the location of the tooth, the scope of the operation and the person's recovery process.
Applying the medications and postoperative care recommendations recommended by the physician is important in managing the recovery period.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Surgery Take?
The operation time is not the same for every patient.
While the extraction of a wisdom tooth that has fully erupted and is in a suitable position may take less time; Surgical removal of a tooth that is embedded in the bone, horizontally positioned or close to anatomical structures may take longer.
Therefore, the operation time can be predicted on a case-by-case basis after radiological and clinical evaluation.
Is Swelling After Wisdom Teeth Extraction Normal?
Especially after impacted wisdom tooth surgery, swelling, tenderness, temporary limitation in mouth opening, and bruising may occur in some patients in the cheek area.
Swelling is usually more noticeable in the first days following surgery and begins to decrease as healing progresses.
If the physician deems it appropriate, external cold application may be recommended in the first period.
What Should Be Considered After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
The blood clot that forms in the operation area after extraction is an important part of wound healing. For this reason, the extraction area must be protected, especially for the first 24 hours.
In the first period;
- The tampon placed by the physician should be kept for the recommended time.
- The extraction area should not be controlled with the tongue or finger.
- Vigorous mouth rinsing and spitting should be avoided.
- Pipettes should not be used.
- Very hot foods and drinks should not be consumed.
- Smoking and alcohol use should be avoided.
- The oral care and medication use plan recommended by the physician should be followed.
Since patient-specific recommendations may vary depending on the scope of the procedure, the instructions of the physician performing the operation have priority.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
After the operation, especially in the first period, soft, easily chewable and not too hot foods can be preferred.
It may be appropriate to avoid hard, small-grain or crunchy foods that may escape into the extraction area. It should not be forgotten that the lips, tongue or cheek tissue may be bitten without realizing it while chewing before the effect of anesthesia wears off completely.
The time it takes to return to a normal diet may vary depending on the scope of the operation and the speed of recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Heal After Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
Healing time varies depending on the degree of impaction of the tooth, the extent of the surgical procedure performed and the general health condition of the patient.
Pain and swelling are usually more noticeable in the first few days and then tend to decrease. While soft tissue healing continues in the surgical area, healing of bone tissue is a longer process.
If stitches are used, a check-up or stitch removal appointment can be scheduled depending on whether the stitches dissolve on their own.
When Should Pain After Wisdom Teeth Extraction Be Considered?
A certain level of pain and sensitivity can be expected after surgery. However, if symptoms such as pain worsens rather than decreases, uncontrollable bleeding, increased swelling, fever, bad taste or bad smell occur, a dentist should be consulted.
In case of loss of blood clot in the extraction area alveolitis (dry socket) A painful condition called diarrhea may develop. In this case, a physician's evaluation and the necessary local treatment should be applied.
Should Every Impacted Wisdom Teeth Be Operated?
No. Just because it is impacted does not mean that a wisdom tooth must be extracted.
Wisdom teeth that do not cause any disease or problems in the surrounding tissues can be followed up with clinical and radiological controls if the physician deems it appropriate.
Decision to shoot or follow up; It is given by evaluating the location of the tooth, the age of the patient, existing complaints, the condition of the surrounding teeth and tissues, and radiological findings.
Which Department Should You Apply for Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
Evaluation of wisdom teeth that are impacted or require surgical extraction Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is carried out in the field.
At Istanbul Galata University Dental Hospital, the condition of wisdom teeth is evaluated through clinical examination and necessary radiological imaging. In patients whose need for treatment is determined, the procedure is planned taking into account the position of the tooth and the individual needs of the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do wisdom teeth appear?
Wisdom teeth usually begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. However, it is possible for it to last earlier, later, or not at all.
Do wisdom teeth have to be extracted?
No. It is not always necessary to extract healthy, correctly positioned wisdom teeth that can be cleaned and do not harm the surrounding tissues.
Are stitches required in impacted wisdom tooth surgery?
Stitches are not required in all cases. The decision is made by the physician according to the scope of the surgical procedure and the condition of the tissues.
Does the face swell after wisdom teeth surgery?
Especially after surgical extractions, swelling may occur that may last for a few days. The degree of swelling varies depending on the extent of the procedure performed.
Is pain felt during wisdom tooth surgery?
Since the procedure area is anesthetized with local anesthesia, no pain is expected during the operation. Pressure or movement may be felt.
When can you eat normal food after wisdom teeth extraction?
Soft and warm foods are preferred in the first period. The time it takes to return to normal nutrition varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the person's recovery.
Can I smoke after wisdom teeth extraction?
Smoking can negatively affect healing at the extraction site and increase the risk of complications. For this reason, it is important not to smoke for the period recommended by the doctor.
When should a physician be consulted after wisdom tooth surgery?
A physician should be consulted when symptoms such as pain that increases in intensity or does not respond to painkillers, bleeding that does not stop, gradually increasing swelling, fever, or bad taste and odor in the mouth develop.
Medical Information: This content has been prepared for general information purposes. It is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment plan. A dentist examination and necessary radiological evaluations should be performed to determine whether the wisdom tooth will be extracted or not and the method to be applied.