You hear so much about wisdom teeth removal that it is easy to assume you cannot dodge this procedure, especially if you experience severe problems with your wisdom teeth. In actual fact, you should think long and hard about wisdom teeth removal, because, to state the obvious, once the dentist has yanked them out, you can never get them back again. It’s worth putting some thought into whether the procedure is actually necessary for you, especially considering the costs of extraction, possible complications and recovery period required.
Wisdom teeth problems and treatment
Problems with wisdom teeth are fairly common and they stem from the fact that there is precious little room for manoeuvre at the back of the mouth. Some people luck out in a major way, because their wisdom teeth come through very smoothly, with virtually no pain or even discomfort.
Sadly, the reverse is true for those individuals whose wisdom teeth come through at an unsatisfactory angle, which can lead to them becoming impacted against other, nearby teeth. When that happens, excruciating pain is the order of the day, and this is what leads to victims making a beeline for their dentist in order to get their wisdom tooth removal under way.
When is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Required?
If you are doubled up with pain, or kept awake with pain throughout the night, you can bet that you should be thinking in terms of having those problem teeth extracted as a matter of urgency.
On the other hand, if the pain isn’t too bad, you are getting relief from over-the-counter painkillers, and you can still get a good night’s sleep, you should maybe consider just grinning and bearing it for a while to see if the problem resolves itself. Too many people get their wisdom teeth taken out unnecessarily, so it is much better to play a waiting game, in order to see if the problems abate with the passage of time. It is quite common for pain to accompany the arrival of wisdom teeth, but in many cases it fades and the teeth cease to be a problem to their owners. Thus, going for wisdom teeth removal too hastily could be one hell of a mistake to make, not to mention costly and uncomfortable as well.
Wisdom Teeth Problems – Biting The Bullet
If you are experiencing chronic, intractable pain with your wisdom teeth, there comes a time when you must consider taking action. Wisdom teeth extraction is, of course, a last resort, but at some point you have to face facts and take the necessary steps to get your life back on track.
Some people are scared of letting a dentist loose on their wisdom teeth and so they delay seeking treatment for their problems. The bottom line, however, is that dentists these days are very sensitive to the needs of their patients. Gone are the days when the dentist would simply push you back in the chair and get busy with the pliers. In this day and age, dentists like to talk through proposed treatments with their clients.
That means you’ll be kept informed every step of the way and provided with the appropriate pain relief and reassurance. In so far as it is possible to relax in the dentist’s chair, you should be able to sit back calmly in the knowledge that the wisdom teeth removal procedure is no longer the potential horror show it may once have been
On the other hand, some extractions of wisdom teeth are easier than others. In some cases, the dentist may be forced to remove a portion of bone in addition to the tooth itself. Furthermore, care needs to be exercised so as to avoid damage to any nerves vital for the normal function of the tongue. For this reason, it is advisable to book a wisdom teeth removal session only with a dentist whom you respect and trust. A good dentist will be fully prepared for every eventuality that can arise during the procedure.
If fear alone is stopping you from seeking the medical attention you need, find a sympathetic oral surgeon who will talk you through the procedure and may even offer to perform the surgery under general anesthetic.
“Twilight” sleep is a great option for patients with dental phobia, you will be sedated but conscious. You won’t feel any pain, recovery is swift and you will most likely remain in blissful ignorance about the whole procedure. You may need to shop around a little to find a dentist that offers this service, but you will be thankful you did!
Problems You Might Face After You Have A Wisdom Tooth Extracted
Wisdom teeth extraction is usually almost the same procedure as any other routine tooth removal, but for some reason the very thought of having your wisdom teeth removed can strike fear into even the most fearless of individuals. Patients can expect to experience some bleeding and it isn’t the most pleasant of experiences, but it’s of no more concern than any other trip to the dentist. Even though it might seem worrying, it is completely normal to encounter a little bleeding after extraction, and in most cases it soon stops. Within three days, the bleeding should have stopped completely and the discomfort should be considerably lessened, although rough brushing can cause some new bleeding, so be extra gentle around the area until it is healed entirely.
Patients who opt for wisdom tooth removal are often known to suffer from a condition known as trismus. This sounds a lot more alarming and serious than it actually is, it is the inability to open your mouth fully. It is almost always a temporary problem that will get better on its own quite quickly. The most common cause of trismus is the need for patients to keep their mouth open for such an extended period of time during the tooth extraction itself. Most dentists will tell you to raise your hand if you need to take a break at any time, so don’t be afraid to use this signal if your jaw needs a rest.
Dry socket is another problem associated with post extraction complications. Dry socket is due to the blood clot that formed in the empty socket falling out. Taking note of your post surgery care instructions (no hot food or drink, no smoking, etc.) will help to prevent this happening. Dry socket requires a further visit to your dentist to pack the socket, so call as soon as you think you may be suffering from this complication.