What You Should Know About Wisdom Teeth

Why is the third molar called wisdom tooth?

Wisdom teeth won’t make you smarter. They’re called that because they usually come in when you’re older, around 17 to 21. These teeth are in the very back of your mouth. You get two on top and two on the bottom as part of a complete set of 32 adult teeth. 

Are there Missing Molars?

Wisdom teeth are molars, your toughest, widest teeth that grind food. But some people don’t have all their wisdom teeth. They’re the ones most commonly missing from adult mouths. Some scientists think they became less useful as humans moved away from a caveman diet to more chewable cooked foods.

Why are wisdom teeth taken out?

You’re more likely to have issues with these molars than with any other teeth. Each year, some 10 million wisdom teeth are removed, or extracted, in the U.S. A top reason is an impaction, when the tooth may not have enough room to come out from the gum like it should.

What are the Other issues with the wisdom tooth?

Any wisdom tooth with signs of disease or clear problems should come out. Reasons include:

• Infection or cavities
• Lesions (abnormal-looking tissue)
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Bone loss around roots
• Not enough room to brush and floss around the tooth

Possible Problems Later

Some dentists recommend taking them out as a precaution because they could cause problems in the future, like:

• Before the tooth comes in, the sack of tissue around it can grow into a cyst, which can lead to bone loss in your jaw.
• If the tooth is on its side under your gum, it can destroy nearby teeth by eating away the roots.
• Bacteria and plaque can build up around a tooth that’s only partly out.

But many researchers and public-health experts don’t think taking out otherwise healthy teeth is a good idea. If your dentist suggests it and you’re not sure if you should, you can always get a second opinion.

Surgical Extraction

If your tooth is still below the gum line, you’ll need to see an oral surgeon. During the operation, you’ll be given medicine to make you sleepy, so you won’t feel pain or remember much. The surgeon will cut open the gum and remove the tooth bone to get to the root. They may need to cut the tooth into pieces to keep the hole as small as possible.

After Surgery

It’s a good idea to have a ride home because you may be groggy from the medicine. You may be able to manage your pain with over-the-counter drugs, or your surgeon may recommend prescription painkillers, especially if they took out any bone.

Self-Care

You should be able to get back to your normal activities the next day. To speed the healing and ease any pain, you might:

• Hold a cold pack against your jaw to help with soreness and swelling.
• Try not to spit too much so you won’t move the blood clot that’s keeping the area from bleeding.
• Drink lots of water, but stay away from alcohol, hot beverages, or sodas for 24 hours.
• You probably won’t be able to fully open your mouth for about a week. Stick to soft foods that won’t bother the area.

When to Call Your Doctor

Talk to your dentist or surgeon right away if:

• You have a hard time breathing or swallowing.
• Blood won’t stop oozing after a day or two, or pain lasts more than a week.
• Your face or jaw stays swollen for more than a few days.
• You have a fever.
• You feel numbness or notice pus or foul smells.

For your Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Bangalore,  you will be treated by a dedicated and one of the best Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Bangalore. Our Oral Surgeon specializes in diagnosis and treatment of diseases, disorders, injuries, defects and aesthetic attributes of teeth, jaws, mouth, face & neck. The tooth removal is virtually painless and our team ensures you are most comfortable throughout. The dentist will guide you through the post-treatment care instructions to ensure a speedy recovery. Contact Diva Dental Clinic for tooth extraction in South Bangalore.