BLOG When Is It Necessary to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

WHEN IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

The infamous wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge, between the ages of 20 and 30, and to take their place in our mouths. While some people don’t even notice when they come in, in other cases they pose a real threat, as they cause pain and inflammation that can lead to serious illnesses.

What exactly are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars. They are located at the back of the mouth. We usually have four, but this can vary; some people may have one, two, three, or none at all. They are called “wisdom teeth” because they typically erupt in adulthood, when a person has already developed better “judgment” or discernment.

If there is enough space in the dental arch, they usually erupt without any problems, but sometimes these molars are tilted or crooked and cause problems or discomfort during the eruption process. Sometimes, they are so poorly positioned or impacted within the bone that they remain hidden and do not erupt.

Thus, when they erupt healthy and properly aligned, they are a valuable asset to the mouth. However, in situations where they cause problems, extraction is recommended since they do not play an important role in the bite. In cases such as gum inflammation, treatment must be performed immediately, since if left untreated, it can lead to nerve infections—which cause severe pain—and even bacterial infections that can enter the bloodstream.

When is it necessary to have wisdom teeth removed?

As we’ve mentioned, they aren’t really necessary teeth. As you can probably imagine, depending on their position (at the back of the mouth), wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, and since they’re the last to erupt, in many cases they affect nearby teeth, causing problems such as those we encounter in the following situations:

Pericoronitis: inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a molar. It typically causes pain when swallowing, discomfort when chewing, biting the cheek, pus discharge, and abscesses. If the gum becomes inflamed more than three times a year, we recommend extraction.

Tooth Decay: Difficulty in cleaning can lead to tooth decay in wisdom teeth or front teeth, potentially resulting in pulp necrosis.

Gum disease: Food trapped between the teeth and the buildup of bacteria can lead to periodontitis and bone loss that supports the third and second molars.

Orthodontic reasons: Sometimes a lack of space causes misalignment of the teeth, and the extraction of wisdom teeth makes it easier to align the remaining teeth.

What is the procedure for removing a wisdom tooth like?

We recommend first consulting a dentist or oral surgeon. This specialist will perform a panoramic X-ray to assess the position of the wisdom teeth, the shape of their roots, and their relationship to the inferior alveolar nerve. If the dentist deems it necessary, he or she will order a CT scan.

A sterile surgical field is set up to perform the procedure. We recommend that the patient receive light sedation to reduce stress and anxiety. The surgeon will administer local anesthesia to numb the area to be treated and, depending on the case, will need to make an incision and lift the gum to expose the molar. Sometimes it is necessary to remove a small amount of bone or cut the tooth to facilitate extraction. Afterward, a few stitches are placed to allow the tissues to close by primary intention, prevent bleeding, and speed up healing. These stitches are removed seven to ten days later.

What are the postoperative care instructions?

The dentist usually prescribes anti-inflammatory medication and antiseptic mouthwashes to prevent infection. On the first day, it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity and rest at home, as well as to apply cold compresses during the first few hours. For one week, it is advisable to eat a soft diet and keep the area clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Discomfort following an extraction usually lasts two or three days, but in some cases—depending on the complexity of the procedure—it can last up to two weeks.

If the teeth shift, should we consider orthodontic treatment?

If there is dental misalignment and crowding that makes oral hygiene difficult and increases the risk of cavities, we recommend orthodontic treatment. In addition, proper tooth alignment in the mouth prevents enamel wear, improves the bite, and helps avoid problems with the temporomandibular joint.

At Nakeji Dental, we have the best professionals to perform this and other treatments using the best tools and the latest, most advanced equipment. Schedule your appointment! And discover the Nakeji experience.