Wisdom teeth generally erupt between the ages 17-25 years.
While some people may not experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face various problems, such as overcrowding, impaction, or infection. In such cases, wisdom teeth extraction becomes necessary to prevent further complications.
Wisdom teeth may erupt normally when there is enough space in the jaw for them to erupt. On the contrary, when there isn’t enough space in the jaws for wisdom teeth to erupt, they would come at an angle and become impacted. Sometimes wisdom teeth erupt partially from the gum which lead to pain, swelling and increased risk of infection. Moreover, they can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, causing misalignment or crowding. That's why, clinicians often recommend wisdom teeth extraction.
When you come for a consultation to evaluate your wisdom teeth for extraction, we normally take a panoramic X-ray to determine the angulation and depth of wisdom teeth in the jaw.
When you're booked for wisdom teeth extraction, the dentist will begin with freezing the jaw. If the wisdom tooth is partially erupted, usually the dentist would have to make an incision in the gum to get the tooth out. Stitches usually follow to close the site.
Following the extraction, the recovery period is crucial for proper healing and minimizing potential complications. Patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and mild bleeding immediately after the surgery. The dentist will provide post-operative instructions, including pain management techniques and dietary restrictions.
A post operative check is scheduled to see the patient in a week to monitor the healing process and ensure no complications have taken place.
Swelling and discomfort subside usually in few days while full recovery may take several weeks.