Wisdom Teeth Removal: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Wisdom Teeth Removal - Wisdom teeth because they emerge later in life, the upper and lower third molars generally cause problems because there is not enough room in the mouth for them to erupt, or break through the gum, into a normal position. As a result, the molars are impacted in the gum or bone.

Wisdom teeth may need to be removed for a number of reasons. The most common reason,

• When only a small portion of the tooth breaks through the gum, making cleaning difficult. Bacteria can get under the gum and cause inflammation and infection.

• When wisdom teeth are in malposition, or come in crooked, they can cause bone loss, tooth decay or loss of the teeth in front of them. Upper wisdom teeth that point outwards can also cause the patient to frequently bite their cheeks, possibly resulting in an ulceration of the cheek tissue.

  Reasons to have your wisdom teeth Removed

• In many people, the wisdom teeth are blocked from coming in, usually by bone or other teeth. Sometimes the teeth are tilted under the gum. Dentists call these "impacted" teeth.

• When only a small portion of the tooth breaks through the gum, making cleaning difficult. Bacteria can get under the gum and cause inflammation and infection.

• When wisdom teeth are in malposition, or come in crooked, they can cause bone loss, tooth decay or loss of the teeth in front of them. Upper wisdom teeth that point outwards can also cause the patient to frequently bite their cheeks, possibly resulting in an ulceration of the cheek tissue.

• They may cause pain, but not always. You may feel nothing at all for years. You may not even be aware that you have wisdom teeth until your dentist sees them on an X-ray.

Regular dental visits are important during your teens and early 20s. If you visit your dentist regularly, he or she can use X-rays to follow the progress of your wisdom teeth. Any problems will be seen early.

Symptoms After Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed
Aftercare 

The effects of wisdom teeth extraction surgery can be lessened with proper care immediately afterward. To minimize bleeding, gauze should be held over the area, and taking pain medication should begin when the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Ice packs should be used to reducing swelling of the jaw, and all activities involving vigorous movement should be restricted until the patient feels well enough to resume them.

Bleeding 

Bleeding is not uncommon after surgery. To stop excess bleeding, the patient should place a gauze pad in the mouth and bite down for 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues, the patient can remove the gauze and replace it by biting down on a teabag. The acid in the tea will help the blood around the area clot. Lying down can decrease the flow of blood to the jaw and slow down the bleeding. If the bleeding persists, the patient should contact our office.

Swelling  

Swelling around the cheeks and jaws is also common. To reduce swelling, ice packs should be applied continuously while the patient is awake for the first 36 hours following surgery. At that point, ice usually no longer has an impact and should be replaced with the application of heat to both sides of the face, which will help reduce jaw stiffness and allow for normal jaw movement to return. 3. If you experience facial swelling put ice in a clean cloth and place it over the swollen area externally. Do not leave it there for more than 10 minutes - let your face rest for 20 minutes and then you can apply another load of ice again for 10 minutes.

Foods You Can Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Now that your wisdom teeth are out, you're hungry. What can you eat after wisdom teeth removal? The good news is that the absence of your wisdom teeth won't affect your dietary choices long-term. The bad news is that for up to a week after surgery, your mouth will be sore, and you'll have stitches in your gums to close the sockets where your wisdom teeth were. Your primary concern should be not aggravating the stitches.

Breakfast 

Yogurt is a high-protein food that will help you feel full when you start your day. 

Lunch  

Try a prepackaged protein shake to get your nutrients without chewing. Or make your own shake with yogurt, milk, juice, fruit and/or protein powder. Eat applesauce, or fruits or vegetables pureed in a food processor or blender

Dinner  

Soup makes a tasty and nourishing meal. Even soup with vegetables or noodles is okay, if the broth has made them soft.

Dessert 

You don't have to give up dessert while you recover. Be kind to your mouth while you enjoy ice cream (without nuts), frozen yogurt, pudding or custard.

Foods to Avoid 

Save your mouth some pain by avoiding crunchy foods, such as apples or potato chips. Stay far away from foods that typically stick in your teeth, such as popcorn or caramel, as pieces can lodge in or stick to the healing sockets and cause infection.

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