The last set of teeth to emerge is located at the far back of your mouth and is called wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are molars that erupt during your late teens or early adulthood. Normally, a person has two wisdom teeth in the upper and lower jaw, making it a set of four. If they do not cause any problem, they can be left alone. When is it necessary for your to undergo a wisdom tooth extraction in Singapore (https://dennistan.com.sg/wisdom-teeth-removal/)? Find out in this article.
Problems caused by wisdom teeth
Crowding of surrounding teeth. If there is not enough space for the teeth to grow, they can push into the other teeth at a weird angle, resulting in teeth crowding or teeth damage.
Impacted wisdom teeth. This happens when the wisdom teeth get stuck within the jaw. This usually happens when the jaw has no more space for the teeth to erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in an infection that can risk the health of the jaw bone or the other roots of teeth near them.
Partial growth through the gums. Sometimes wisdom teeth successfully emerges, but only to stop half way due to the very limited space in the mouth. This can cause a problem. Due to its location at the far back of the mouth, the chances of not being able to reach the wisdom teeth and clean it thoroughly can lead to cavities, infection, and gum disease.
When is it necessary to have wisdom teeth removed
There are dentists that recommend having the wisdom teeth removed if they have not emerged past the time that they are expected to grow. To avoid future problems, there are people that decide to have their wisdom teeth extracted in their late teens. However, it is always best to consult with a dental specialist to know if there it is necessary to have your wisdom teeth removed.
The following are signs that you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed:
- Decaying or damage to the teeth surrounding the wisdom teeth
- Development of cysts, tumors in the gums and/or gum disease
- Discomfort or pain felt near the location of your wisdom teeth
- Recurring infection that affects the tissues next to the last tooth
The symptoms of gum infection and disease that may be caused by wisdom teeth are:
- Bad breath
- Challenges with mouth opening and swallowing
- Fever
- Gum inflammation near the wisdom teeth location
- Pus coming out from the gums
- Swelling of the face
- Swelling and tender lymph nodes beneath the jaw
- Tooth ache and sensitivity
Tests needed to check if the wisdom teeth needs extraction
A dental examination is the first step to knowing whether you need wisdom teeth extraction. During your dental exam, your dentist will assess the overall health of your mouth by checking your teeth and gums. You will be asked about your medical history, including your allergies, and a list of the medications that you are taking currently.
Next, you will be asked to undergo an X-ray exam. The images provided by the X-ray will show how your wisdom teeth is positioned, whether they are impacted or not, and if they are near other mouth structures or nerves. Any signs of damage or infection will also be seen in the X-ray, which helps your dentist decide if there is indeed a need to take your wisdom teeth out.
If the dentist recommends wisdom teeth extraction, you may also be asked to undergo a blood test. A blood test is important as this will confirm that you have a healthy amount of blood cells and if you are at risk of blood clotting. These are factors that can infuence the outcome of your wisdom teeth extraction as well as your recovery following the procedure.
Your dentist should educate you about what the benefits and risks of having your wisdom teeth removed or retained. They should be able to guide you make the right call on how to proceed with your case given the condition of your wisdom teeth and the other mouth structures surrounding it. When you decide to have your wisdom teeth extracted, your dentist will explain how the procedure is carried out and the options of anaesthetics and sedatives available to make your procedure comfortable. Do not hesitate to voice out your questions or concerns to your dentist during this time, so they can address each and allow you to reach a proper decision.
Preparing for wisdom teeth extraction
Your dentist will give you a set of instructions to follow to help you prepare for your scheduled wisdom teeth instructions. It is imperative that these steps are followed to avoid risks and complications during the procedure. Usually, patients are asked to:
- Ask for some time off from school or work to recover after your wisdom teeth extraction
- Brush your teeth and clean your mouth thoroughly
- Come to the clinic wearing comfortable clothing
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke tobacco at least eight hours prior to your scheduled wisdom teeth extraction
- Follow the dentist’s instructions regarding schedule for eating and drinking as this can have an effect on the administration of anaesthesia and sedative.
- Have someone accompany you to the clinic on the day of your wisdom teeth extraction
- Stock up on food that you are allowed to eat after your procedure
What to expect during a wisdom teeth extraction procedure
To start your wisdom teeth extraction procedure, your dentist will administer anaesthesia and/or sedatives to make you comfortable during the surgery. Next, your dentist will make cuts in your gum to locate and access your wisdom tooth. The tooth is then loosened with care and removed from its socket. For complex cases of impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist may need to cut the tooth into smaller portions prior to removing them.
After the wisdom tooth has been removed, the empty socket will be cleaned and sanitised thoroughly to get rid of bacteria and avoid infection. When needed, your dentist will suture the incision made in your gums. Gauze are then placed over the treatment area to reduce the bleeding.
How long the procedure takes will depend on how complicated your case is. Simple cases can be completed within an hour and complex ones may go for several hours.
Dennis Tan Dental
22 Malacca St., #03-01
RB Capital Building
S(048980)
https://dennistan.com.sg/
Phone: +65 6438 5622
Whatsapp: +65 8874 7681
