What are Wisdom teeth?
Last updated: November 23, 2024
Note: Wisdom teeth are similar to a third molar.
When should I get my wisdom teeth removed?
The right time to remove wisdom teeth can vary from person to person, so it’s important to talk with your dentist or oral surgeon. For many people, wisdom teeth start to come in, or erupt, between the ages of 17 and 25. Dentists often recommend having them removed during this time, especially if they’re likely to cause problems. Removing wisdom teeth is usually easier when you’re younger because the roots haven’t fully developed, and the bone is softer, which helps with healing.
Your dentist or oral surgeon might suggest removing wisdom teeth even before they cause noticeable issues. This is because wisdom teeth can sometimes create hidden problems that you may not feel right away. For example, they might grow at an angle, get stuck under the gums (impacted), or crowd other teeth. This can lead to pain, infections, swelling, or damage to nearby teeth.
Sometimes, dentists leave wisdom teeth alone if they’re coming in properly, there’s enough room in your mouth, and they’re not causing trouble. However, this is rare for most people because wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to grow. When they erupt only partially, cleaning them can be difficult, leading to cavities, gum disease, or infections.
Signs that it might be time to remove your wisdom teeth include pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, gum infections, or bad breath that doesn’t go away. Dentists will also take X-rays to see how the teeth are developing. If X-rays show your wisdom teeth might cause problems in the future, your dentist may recommend removing them before complications happen.
It’s generally better to get wisdom teeth removed sooner rather than later. Younger patients tend to heal faster and experience fewer side effects compared to older adults. Waiting until there’s pain or complications can make the removal process more difficult and recovery longer.
If you’re unsure whether your wisdom teeth need to come out, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll examine your teeth, review X-rays, and suggest the best course of action.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are causing problems?
Wisdom teeth can cause various issues, but not everyone experiences problems with them. You may notice signs if your wisdom teeth are causing trouble. One common indicator is pain in the back of your mouth or jaw. This discomfort may feel dull or sharp and can worsen when chewing or opening your mouth wide. Pain often suggests that the wisdom teeth might not have enough room to grow properly.
Another potential sign is swelling or tenderness in the gums around the wisdom teeth. You may also see redness, inflammation, or feel soreness when you touch the area. If your gums become irritated or infected, you might experience difficulty brushing or flossing near the wisdom teeth.
Crowding or shifting teeth could also point toward an issue with your wisdom teeth. When these teeth push against others in your mouth, it can make your teeth feel tight or even misaligned. Over time, this crowding may change the alignment of your other teeth, potentially undoing the benefits of orthodontic treatment like braces.
Persistent headaches or jaw pain could be related to wisdom teeth as well. If your wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck below the gum line or unable to break through), they might put pressure on your jaw or cause tension in the surrounding muscles.
Infections or cysts sometimes develop around impacted wisdom teeth. Signs of an infection might include a bad taste in your mouth, swelling, or fever. Cysts, though less common, can damage nearby teeth and bone and should never be left untreated.
Difficulty opening your mouth, chewing, or biting may also indicate a wisdom tooth problem. You might feel a stiffness in your jaw or sharp pain when applying pressure.
Some people experience no symptoms even if their wisdom teeth are causing problems. That’s why regular dental check-ups and X-rays are crucial. Your dentist can assess the position of your wisdom teeth and identify potential issues before they worsen.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect your wisdom teeth might be causing problems, talk to your dentist. They can evaluate your situation, offer guidance, and recommend the best course of action, including whether you might need to have the teeth removed.
Will I be asleep during wisdom teeth removal?
Whether or not you will be asleep during wisdom teeth removal depends on the type of anesthesia you and your dentist or surgeon decide is best for you. Wisdom tooth extractions can be completed with different levels of sedation or anesthesia, and the option you choose will depend on your comfort level, the complexity of the procedure, and the recommendation of your dental professional.
For minor extractions, local anesthesia is often used. In this case, you will remain awake during the procedure, but the dentist will numb the area with an injection so that you don’t feel any pain. You may feel pressure or movement, but not discomfort. This option works well for people who are comfortable staying awake and have less-complicated wisdom teeth extractions.
If you feel nervous about being awake or your procedure is more complex, you can opt for sedation. Nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas,” is a mild form of sedation that helps you relax while staying awake. You will still have local anesthesia to numb the area, but the sedation keeps you calm and less aware of the dental work happening.
For deeper relaxation, your dentist or oral surgeon might recommend intravenous (IV) sedation. With IV sedation, you are still technically awake, but you’ll feel very groggy and likely won’t remember much about the procedure. This method works for more involved cases or for patients who have significant dental anxiety.
For the most extensive procedures or the highest level of comfort, general anesthesia is an option. Under general anesthesia, you will be completely asleep during the procedure. This is often reserved for very complex extractions or when multiple wisdom teeth are removed at once. General anesthesia is administered in a controlled environment, and the dental professional will closely monitor you the entire time.
You should discuss your medical history, anxiety levels, and personal preferences with your dental professional when deciding between these options. They will help guide you to the best choice for your situation. No matter which type of anesthesia is used, your dentist or oral surgeon will ensure that you are as comfortable and pain-free as possible during your wisdom teeth removal.
Make sure to clarify any concerns you might have about the anesthesia process when discussing your treatment plan. Understanding the procedure and how sedation or anesthesia works can help reduce fear and make the experience less stressful. Always feel free to ask questions to ensure you fully understand the process.
How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal typically takes about one to two weeks for most people, but the exact time can vary depending on factors like the complexity of the extraction, your body's ability to heal, and how well you follow aftercare instructions. Here's what you can expect during the recovery process:
In the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, you may experience swelling, mild bleeding, and discomfort in your mouth. These symptoms are normal and usually improve quickly. During this time, it’s important to rest and avoid any strenuous activities that could disrupt the healing process. Applying an ice pack to your face can help manage swelling, and over-the-counter pain relievers or any medication your dentist prescribes should ease discomfort.
By days three to four, swelling and pain should begin to subside. It’s common to notice some bruising or stiffness in your jaw as well. Stick to soft foods, like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes, to avoid irritating the surgical area. It’s also crucial to follow your dentist’s instructions for cleaning your mouth, which may include rinsing gently with warm salt water. Avoid using a straw, smoking, or spitting forcefully, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot protecting the healing site and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
Around one week after surgery, many people feel much better. Any stitches placed during the procedure might dissolve on their own by this time, or your dentist may need to remove them during a follow-up appointment. Swelling and soreness should continue to improve, and you’ll likely be able to return to your normal routine, though it’s still a good idea to be careful with your diet and oral hygiene.
Full recovery, during which the extraction site fully heals and new tissue forms, can take several weeks to a month. During this time, maintain good oral hygiene and attend any scheduled follow-up visits with your dentist to ensure the area is healing properly. If at any point you experience severe pain, prolonged bleeding, signs of infection like fever or pus, or feel like something isn’t healing as it should, contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away.
Following the aftercare instructions your dentist provides is key to a smooth recovery. Take things slow, listen to your body, and give yourself the time you need to heal. Most people find their recovery goes smoothly with a combination of rest, proper care, and patience.
What are dry sockets, and how can I avoid them?
Dry sockets, also called alveolar osteitis, are a common complication after having a tooth removed, especially wisdom teeth. Normally, when a tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms in the empty socket to protect the area and help it heal. A dry socket happens when that blood clot gets dislodged, dissolves too quickly, or doesn’t form properly. Without the clot, the underlying bone and nerves are exposed, leading to pain, delayed healing, and a higher risk of infection.
You can usually tell it’s a dry socket if you experience intense pain a few days after your tooth extraction. This pain may spread to your ear, eye, or neck on the same side of your face as the extraction. You might also notice that the empty tooth socket looks dry, meaning there’s no visible blood clot, and you may see bone instead. Other symptoms can include a bad taste in your mouth or an unpleasant smell coming from the socket.
Avoiding a dry socket starts with closely following your dentist or oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Here are some tips to help:
Don’t smoke or vape. Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and vaping devices, can slow down healing and increase your risk of dry socket. The sucking motion while inhaling can also disrupt the blood clot.
Avoid using straws. Just like smoking, the suction created when using a straw can cause the blood clot to dislodge. Instead, drink directly from a cup.
Eat soft foods. Stick to foods like soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, or applesauce for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that might disturb the healing site.
Practice gentle oral hygiene. While it’s important to keep your mouth clean, avoid brushing near the extraction site for at least the first day or two. After that, be very gentle to avoid disturbing the area.
Rinse carefully. After 24 hours, you can rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to keep it clean and reduce the risk of infection. Be very gentle and avoid forceful swishing.
If you think you have a dry socket, contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away. They can clean the area and place a medicated dressing to relieve pain and promote healing. Left untreated, dry sockets can be incredibly uncomfortable and delay your recovery, so seeking help quickly is important. Following proper aftercare steps and being cautious after surgery can significantly reduce your chances of developing a dry socket.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of molars to appear, usually emerging in your late teens or early twenties. In some cases, they come in fully, align properly with the rest of your teeth, and don’t cause any trouble. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, positioned correctly, and easy to clean, there may be no reason to remove them.
However, many people face issues with their wisdom teeth because our mouths often don’t have enough space to fit them comfortably. When these teeth don’t grow in properly, they can become impacted, which means they are trapped in the gums or jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, or infection. Even if they don’t immediately cause symptoms, they can push against neighboring teeth, leading to misalignment.
Another common problem is if wisdom teeth only partially erupt. When this happens, a small flap of gum tissue may remain, creating a space that traps food and bacteria. This can lead to infections, gum disease, or decay in both the wisdom teeth and the teeth next to them. In such cases, your dentist will likely recommend their removal to prevent future issues.
A dentist or oral surgeon evaluates whether wisdom teeth should stay or be removed by looking at factors like how they’re positioned in your jaw, the likelihood of complications, and your overall oral health. Regular x-rays and check-ups help determine if they’re causing problems or might do so later. Some dentists may suggest removing wisdom teeth early before they fully develop and their roots grow deep into the jawbone. Extracting them early can simplify the removal process and reduce the risk of pain or complications later.
If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems, your dentist may choose to take a “wait-and-see” approach. This means monitoring them over time to ensure they stay healthy and don’t lead to future issues. Whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed ultimately depends on your unique situation. Always discuss your concerns and options with your dentist so they can make the best recommendation for your oral health.
Are my wisdom teeth causing my jaw or gum pain?
Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause jaw or gum pain, but it’s important to find out the exact reason for your discomfort. Jaw and gum pain may happen if your wisdom teeth are growing in at an angle or if there isn’t enough space in your mouth for them to fit. These issues can put pressure on surrounding teeth, gums, and even your jawbone, leading to soreness or aching.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they’re trapped under the gum or bone and cannot fully emerge, they can cause pain, swelling, and infections. Impacted wisdom teeth often create pressure beneath the gum tissue, making the area feel tender or sore. This can also lead to jaw stiffness or discomfort when chewing or opening your mouth.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth don't fully come in, leaving a flap of gum tissue partially covering the tooth. This area can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to an infection called pericoronitis. Symptoms of pericoronitis include swollen gums, bad breath, and pain that can radiate to your jaw and other areas. Treatment may involve cleaning the area, antibiotics, or wisdom tooth removal, depending on the severity.
Another cause of jaw pain related to wisdom teeth is overcrowding. If your mouth doesn’t have enough room, wisdom teeth can push your other teeth out of alignment as they try to emerge. This can lead to discomfort in your gums, teeth, and jaw as they shift. You may even feel a dull ache or soreness in the back of your mouth.
Some people experience jaw pain if their wisdom teeth are pressing against nerves near the jawbone. This can create a more serious, sharp pain that may radiate to surrounding areas.
To determine if your wisdom teeth are the cause of your jaw or gum pain, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll likely take X-rays to see how your wisdom teeth are positioned and if they’re causing any problems. The dentist may recommend removing the wisdom teeth if they’re impacted, infected, or causing alignment issues.
If your wisdom teeth don’t need to come out, there may be other explanations for your jaw or gum pain, such as gum disease, cavities, or teeth grinding. Your dentist will help diagnose the issue and create a treatment plan to ease your discomfort. Make sure to bring up any symptoms, like swelling, chewing pain, or a persistent ache, during your visit.
What can I eat after having my wisdom teeth removed?
After having your wisdom teeth removed, it’s important to stick to foods that are soft, easy to chew, and won’t irritate the surgical area. Eating the wrong foods too soon can slow down the healing process or even cause complications, like a painful dry socket. Here's what you can eat after the procedure and how to care for your mouth while eating.
In the first 24-48 hours after surgery, limit your diet to liquids and very soft foods. Smoothies, applesauce, yogurt, pudding, and broths or soups are excellent choices. These provide necessary nutrients while being gentle on your healing gums. Make sure that these foods aren’t too hot, as high temperatures can irritate the surgical site.
As you start to feel better, you can begin eating slightly thicker or firmer foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, or soft pasta. These foods are still easy to chew and swallow without putting too much pressure on your mouth. Remember to avoid chewing with the back of your mouth close to the extraction site.
When making smoothies, avoid using a straw during the first week. Sucking on a straw can create suction in your mouth, which might dislodge the blood clot necessary for healing and cause a dry socket—a painful condition that delays recovery. Instead, drink directly from a glass or a spoon.
Foods to avoid are just as important to consider during recovery. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, such as chips, nuts, popcorn, or chewy candy, should be avoided. These can get stuck in the surgical areas and increase the risk of infection or discomfort. Spicy foods can irritate your gums, and acidic foods, like oranges or tomatoes, can cause stinging near the extraction site. Similarly, alcohol and carbonated drinks should be avoided, especially if you were prescribed pain medication.
Take small bites and chew slowly on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid irritating the healing areas. Rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water after eating can help keep the area clean and prevent food particles from getting stuck near the extraction site.
Remember, everyone’s recovery is different. While soft foods are recommended for the first week, listen to your body. If you feel pain while eating, stick to softer options for a bit longer. Gradually ease back into your regular diet as your gums heal and as advised by your dentist or oral surgeon. If you’re ever unsure, always ask your dental office for guidance.