If there’s one thing that unites almost everyone’s dental experience, it’s the saga of wisdom teeth. These mysterious molars have long been the subject of jokes, stories, and discomfort. These are known for their late arrival and potential discomfort and have challenged us for ages. Just as the name suggests, these molars arrive when we’re expected to be at our wisest. But what are wisdom teeth, why do they cause issues, and how can we care for them? Let’s explore the world of wisdom teeth to uncover the truths and myths surrounding these elusive dental companions. 

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are a set of four molars located at the back of your mouth. They are referred to as “third molars” because they are the third set of large chewing teeth in each quadrant of the mouth (upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right). They usually emerge later in life, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. 

Understanding The Role of Wisdom Teeth in Oral Health

These molars were more useful to our ancestors, who consumed tougher, raw foods that required extra chewing power. However, due to changes in our diet and jaw size over time, wisdom teeth have become somewhat obsolete and can often lead to dental issues. This change has resulted in many people not having enough space in their mouths to accommodate these extra teeth. In result, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they don’t have enough room to emerge or align with your existing teeth properly.

Why do Wisdom Teeth Require Special Care?

Here are some reasons why wisdom teeth need special attention:                                                 

• Limited Space: The modern human jaw is often too small to accommodate the eruption and proper alignment of wisdom teeth. This can lead to impaction, and misalignment.
• Hard-to-Reach Location: Wisdom teeth are present at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. This can be the reason for cavities, gum disease, and infections.
• Potential for Impaction: Wisdom teeth may not fully come out from the gums due to lack of space, resulting in impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can be a reason for pain, swelling, and infection.
• Gum Inflammation:Wisdom teeth that are hard to clean can contribute to gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
• Tooth Decay: Due to their location and difficulty in cleaning, wisdom teeth are prone to cavities. Additionally, partially erupted teeth can create crevices where food particles can get trapped and cause tooth decay.
• Cyst Formation: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria can accumulate, leading to infections and cyst formation. These conditions can be painful and harmful to surrounding tissues.
• Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Wisdom teeth growing at odd angles or pushing against other teeth can lead to misalignment and potential damage to adjacent teeth.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Wisdom Teeth

Following are valuable tips to help you keep your wisdom teeth in optimal condition, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable smile for years to come.

• Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist timely for check-ups and X-rays to monitor the development and alignment of your wisdom teeth.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. Pay special attention to cleaning around your wisdom teeth, using a toothbrush with a smaller head or specialised tools if necessary.
• Rinsing: Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in hard-to-reach areas around your wisdom teeth.
• Pain Management:If you experience pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth, consult your dentist for appropriate pain management techniques or medications. 
• Early Intervention: If your dentist recommends the removal of your wisdom teeth due to potential problems, consider getting the procedure done sooner rather than later to prevent complications.

How Can You Identify Wisdom Teeth Problems?

Wisdom teeth problems can manifest in various ways. Awareness of the signs can help you identify potential issues early and seek appropriate dental care. Here are some common symptoms of wisdom teeth problems:

Pain and Discomfort

If you have wisdom teeth problems, you might feel pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, especially when chewing or opening your mouth wide. It can be

localised, Intermittent or constant throbbing pain.

Facial Swelling

You may experience swelling in the cheeks or along the jawline, particularly on the sides where the wisdom teeth are located.

Gum Inflammation

There might be redness, swelling, and tenderness present in the gums surrounding the wisdom teeth.

Infections and Abscesses

You may feel swelling around the wisdom tooth that is accompanied by severe pain. If it worsens over time you may experience the development of fever along with other symptoms, indicating an infection. If you notice pus or foul-smelling discharge around a wisdom tooth, it may indicate an abscess.

Bad Breath 

If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with regular oral hygiene practices, it may indicate a wisdom tooth infection.

Tender or Bleeding Gums

Gums that are tender to touch, bleed easily, or sensitive when you brush or floss can be a sign of wisdom teeth problems.

Jaw Stiffness

You might face difficulty in opening your mouth fully due to stiffness in the jaw joint because of the wisdom tooth.

Headaches

Unexplained headaches, particularly around the temples and jaw area can be one of the symptoms of wisdom teeth problems.

Earache

One of the signs of wisdom teeth issue is pain or discomfort radiating to the ears which is often accompanied by jaw discomfort. 

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms related to your wisdom teeth, it’s important to consult a dental professional as soon as possible.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure  

At Boon Dental, we take pride in guiding you through all aspects of wisdom tooth care. We can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment, including pain management, antibiotics, or even wisdom tooth extraction if necessary. 

If wisdom tooth extraction is recommended, your dentist will explain the procedure, discuss any pre-operative instructions, and provide information about what to expect during and after the extraction.

The extraction process typically involves the following steps:

Anaesthesia

On the day of the procedure, you’ll receive local anaesthesia to numb the extraction area. You may also opt for sedation, like nitrous oxide or IV sedation, to relax during the procedure.

Incision (If Needed) 

Sometimes, an incision is made in the gum tissue covering the tooth to access the tooth and bone.

Tooth Removal

Using specialised tools, the dentist or oral surgeon gently loosens the tooth from the bone and surrounding tissue. Sometimes, the tooth must be divided into sections for easier removal.

Cleaning and Stitches 

After removal, the area may be cleaned of any debris. Stitches may be placed to close the wound if needed. Dissolvable stitches may be used.

Post-Extraction Care Instructions

If you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, listen to your dentist’s post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Some instructions for aftercare after wisdom teeth removal include::

Gauze and Pressure: Bite down on the gauze provided by your dentist to control bleeding and promote clot formation. Change the gauze as directed. A small amount of bleeding is normal.

• Rest:  Rest for the first 24 hours after extraction and avoid strenuous activities that can increase bleeding.
• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress in intervals to reduce swelling during the first 24 hours.
• Soft Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods for a few days.
• Oral Hygiene: Gently brush your teeth the day after the extraction, avoiding the extraction sites. Do not rinse forcefully.
• Pain Management: Take pain medications as prescribed or use over-the-counter pain relievers as approved by your dentist.
• Avoid Irritants: Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and spicy foods that further irritate your gums and delay healing.
• Rinse with Warm Salt Water: Gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water daily can help soothe the gums and promote healing.
• Avoid Touching: Refrain from touching the extraction site or poking it with your tongue or fingers.

Long-term Wisdom Teeth Maintenance

Long-term wisdom teeth maintenance is an essential investment in your oral health journey. Through the following steps, you can ensure the continued well-being of your wisdom teeth for many years.

• Continue with regular dental check-ups so your dentist
• Periodic panoramic X-rays help your dentist track changes in your wisdom teeth and identify potential issues.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing as instructed by your dentist.
• Pay attention to your wisdom teeth and any potential trouble areas.
• Get professional dental cleanings regularly to prevent tartar buildup and maintain gum health.

If you experience pain, swelling, or changes around your wisdom teeth, seek immediate dental attention.

Experience Gentle Wisdom Tooth Care at Boon Dental

At Boon Dental, we offer personalised guidance on caring for your wisdom teeth, post-removal care, and long-term maintenance. Remember, proactive care and communication with your dentist are crucial to maintaining optimal oral health. Contact us for a consultation today.