Everything You Need to Know About Getting Your 4 Wisdom Teeth Removed
Introduction:
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that erupt in a person’s mouth. They usually appear in late teens or early twenties. While some people don’t have any issues with their wisdom teeth, others face severe pain, infections, and other complications. This is why many dentists recommend removing these four teeth. However, getting your wisdom teeth removed can be a daunting experience, especially if you don’t know what to expect. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about getting your 4 wisdom teeth removed.
Why Do You Need to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The main reason for getting your wisdom teeth removed is that they commonly cause problems. The teeth may not emerge properly, grow at an angle, or get stuck under the gum. All of these can lead to discomfort, pain, and infections. Moreover, impacted wisdom teeth may also cause damage to surrounding teeth, nerves, and jawbone. To prevent these issues, extraction is often recommended.
The Different Types of Wisdom Teeth Extractions:
There are two types of wisdom teeth extractions- simple and surgical. The simple extraction is done under local anesthesia, and the dentist will use specialized tools to remove the tooth. This procedure is quite quick, and most people can resume their normal activities the following day. However, surgical extraction is needed when the tooth is impacted, which means it is still under the gum or the bone. This type of extraction requires cutting the gum and removing the tooth in pieces. It can take a bit longer than simple extraction, and the patient may need a few days to recover.
The Recovery Process:
Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction depends on the type of extraction and your individual recovery process. Simple extractions usually take a few days to heal, while surgical extraction can take up to a week. It’s normal to experience pain, swelling, and bleeding after the procedure. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to manage these symptoms, such as taking painkillers or applying ice packs to the affected area. You should also avoid strenuous activities and stick to a soft food diet until you fully recover.
The Risks Involved:
As with any medical procedure, wisdom teeth extraction does have a few risks. The most common include bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding teeth or nerves, and dry socket. Dry socket is when a blood clot that forms after the extraction becomes dislodged, exposing the underlying bone. It’s very painful and can delay the healing process. To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s instructions, avoid smoking, and keep your mouth clean to prevent infections.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, getting your 4 wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure that can help prevent pain, infections, and other related issues. It’s vital to understand why you need to get them removed, the different types of extractions, and the recovery process. Moreover, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s advice to reduce the risk of complications. By doing so, you’ll be on your way to a speedy recovery and a healthier mouth.
