CAN I KEEP MY WISDOM TOOTH?
Whether or not you can keep your wisdom tooth: depends on various factors, including the condition of the tooth and the recommendation of your dentist.
Here are a few scenarios that can help you understand the possibilities:
- Healthy and properly aligned: If your wisdom tooth is healthy, fully erupted, and properly aligned with the rest of your teeth, your dentist may allow you to keep it. In such cases, it can function like any other tooth in your mouth and doesn’t pose any immediate risks or problems.
- Partially erupted or impacted: Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to fully emerge from the gums, causing them to become partially erupted or impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to various complications, such as infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or cyst formation. In such cases, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend extracting the wisdom tooth to prevent future issues.
- Decayed or damaged: If your wisdom tooth is decayed, damaged, or causing problems such as pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth, extraction may be necessary. In such cases, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to keep the tooth.
- Dental issues or symptoms: If your wisdom tooth is causing pain, infection, cysts, gum disease, damage to nearby teeth, or other dental issues, it is likely that your dentist will recommend extraction.
- Orthodontic treatment: In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted as part of orthodontic treatment, especially if they are causing crowding or misalignment of the other teeth.
Ultimately, the decision to keep or remove a 3rd molar also known as wisdom tooth is made by a dental professional based on a thorough examination, including dental X-rays and a discussion of your specific situation. It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine the best course of action for your oral health; to determine whether extraction is necessary or if it’s safe to keep your third molar tooth.
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or any other symptoms related to your third molar teeth, it’s essential to consult with a dental professional promptly. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and suggest the most appropriate treatment plan for you. Regular dental check-ups are also essential to monitor the health and position of your wisdom teeth and make informed decisions about their management.
What is Wisdom Tooth
A wisdom tooth, also known as a third molar, is one of the four permanent molars found in the human adult dentition. These teeth are located at the back of the mouth, one on each side of the upper and lower jaws. Most people have a total of four third molar teeth, with two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw.
Third molar typically start to emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25, which is why they are often associated with becoming wiser during this period of life. However, the name “wisdom tooth” is more of a colloquial term and has no direct connection to a person’s intelligence or wisdom.
An impacted third molar tooth may:
- Grow at an angle toward the next tooth (second molar)
- Grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth
- Grow at a right angle to the other teeth, as if the wisdom tooth is “lying down” within the jawbone
- Grow straight up or down like other teeth but stay trapped within the jawbone
The problem with third molar teeth is that they often don’t have enough space to come in properly, leading to various dental issues.
Preventing future dental problems
- Dental specialists disagree about the value of extracting impacted third molar teeth that aren’t causing problems (asymptomatic).
- It’s difficult to predict future problems with impacted wisdom teeth. However, here’s the rationale for preventive extraction:
- Symptom-free third molar could still harbor disease.
- If there isn’t enough space for the tooth to erupt, it’s often hard to get to it and clean it properly.
- Serious complications with third molar teeth happen less often in younger adults.
- Older adults may experience difficulty with surgery and complications after surgery
The removal of a wisdom tooth, also known as wisdom tooth extraction, is a common dental procedure. The procedure can vary based on factors such as the position and condition of the tooth, the number of teeth being extracted, and the patient’s specific dental needs. Here are the main procedures for removing wisdom teeth:
Simple Extraction:
This procedure is used when the wisdom tooth has fully erupted and is visible in the mouth.
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth.
The dentist or oral surgeon uses dental instruments to loosen the tooth and then gently extract it from the socket.
Surgical Extraction:
Surgical extraction is required when the wisdom tooth is impacted (not fully erupted) or when it is partially covered by gum tissue or bone.
Local or general anesthesia may be used, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s preference.
An incision is made in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth and, if necessary, a small portion of bone may be removed to fully extract the tooth.
In some cases, the tooth may be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal.
Soft Tissue Impaction:
This procedure is performed when the wisdom tooth is partially covered by gum tissue but has not erupted through the gum line.
The dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and then removes the tissue covering the tooth before extracting it.
Partial Bony Impaction:
Partial bony impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is partially impacted and partially covered by bone.
A more extensive incision is made to access the tooth and some bone may need to be removed to extract the tooth fully.
Full Bony Impaction:
Full bony impaction happens when the wisdom tooth is completely encased in the jawbone.
A significant amount of bone may need to be removed to access and extract the tooth.
After the procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon will provide post-operative instructions to promote healing and prevent complications. This may include information on caring for the extraction site, managing pain, avoiding certain foods, and maintaining oral hygiene during the recovery period.
It’s essential to follow the dentist’s or oral surgeon’s advice carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Wisdom tooth extraction is generally a safe and routine procedure when performed by an experienced dental professional.
Contraindications For Third Molar Extraction
Some contraindications for wisdom tooth removal may include:
- Medical Conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or heart conditions, may be at a higher risk of complications during or after the procedure.
- Pregnancy: Wisdom tooth removal is usually avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks to both the mother and the baby.
- Uncontrolled Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can affect the healing process and increase the risk of infection after the surgery.
- Immune System Disorders: Conditions that weaken the immune system may impair the body’s ability to heal properly after the extraction.
- Recent Surgery: If you’ve had recent surgery or are still recovering from a major surgical procedure, wisdom tooth removal may not be recommended until you have fully healed.
- Medications: Some medications, like anticoagulants (blood thinners), may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the procedure to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
- Allergic Reactions: Known allergies to certain medications or anesthetics used during the procedure should be taken into consideration.
- Jawbone Issues: Certain jawbone conditions may complicate the extraction process and require special care.
- Severe Gum Disease: If you have advanced gum disease, it may affect the ability to safely remove the wisdom teeth.
Always consult with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon who can assess your specific situation and medical history to determine if wisdom tooth removal is appropriate for you. They will consider any potential contraindications and provide guidance on the best course of action for your oral health needs.
Precautions To Take After 3rd Molar Extraction
After wisdom tooth extraction, it’s essential to follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. Here are some general precautions to take after wisdom tooth removal:
- Bite on Gauze: Bite down on the gauze pads provided by your dentist to control bleeding. Replace the gauze pads as directed.
- Avoid Spicy Food: Avoid spicy food items as it will create irritation and burning sensation in gums and hinder in the healing process.
- Avoid Hot Tea/Coffee: Avoid hot tea /coffee as it would also cause problems in healing.
- Apply Ice: Apply an ice pack to the cheek over the extraction site to reduce swelling. Use it intermittently for the first 24 hours.
- Take Prescribed Medication: Take any prescribed pain medications, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory drugs as directed by your dentist.
- Pain Management: If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken as directed.
- Rest and Limit Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous physical activity and rest for the first 24 hours after the extraction to minimize bleeding and promote healing.
- Soft Diet: Stick to a soft or liquid diet for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate the surgical site.
- No Straws or Sucking: Avoid using straws and refrain from sucking on anything, as it can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket.
- Avoid Smoking: Do not smoke or use any tobacco products, as they can delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Keep the Mouth Clean: After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to keep the extraction site clean.
- Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical area, and continue to floss regularly while being gentle near the extraction site.
- Elevate Your Head: When lying down, use an extra pillow to elevate your head slightly to reduce swelling.
- Avoid Alcohol and Mouthwash: Do not consume alcoholic beverages or use mouthwash containing alcohol, as it can interfere with the healing process.
- Follow Up: Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled with your dentist to monitor your healing progress.
Remember, everyone’s healing process is different, so if you experience any unusual or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or other concerns, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. They will be able to address your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance.
