Third molars or wisdom teeth as they are frequently addressed are the last teeth on each side of the upper & lower jaw. These teeth generally erupt (appear in mouth) after the age of 17. For many people these are the most difficult teeth causing immense discomfort during and after eruption.
As third molars are last teeth to appear inside the mouth they sometimes don’t have enough space to erupt, the condition known as IMPACTED third molar. These impacted teeth can cause decay and pain in the adjacent front tooth.
If there is a small cover of swollen gum tissue at the back of the tooth, a person may have pain while chewing. However, if there is enough room for the wisdom tooth, the gum tissue can be removed surgically from the back of the tooth to relieve this problem. Also, brushing carefully & keeping that area clean by flossing can help keep the area healthy.
Also, teeth that partially emerge or are crooked can cause pain in the gums known as Pericoronitis. It is one of the most common condition characterized by red, swollen gum tissue, bad taste/smell, pain in the gum tissue and sometimes pus oozing. Occasionally, it may cause swelling of the gums, cheek or other area around the affected side of the jaw. Swelling can cause pressure on adjacent structures causing ear ache or difficulty in swallowing. This may necessitate removal of the tooth.
Signs & Symptoms: When do you require tooth removal??
- Teeth those are crooked or partially erupted.
- Teeth which cause frequent pain & swelling of the adjacent area & gums.
- Teeth cause frequent lodging of food between teeth difficult to clean.
- If the front tooth (Second Molar) has decay or pain due to crooked wisdom tooth.
- If there is a cyst or some other pathology adjacent to impacted tooth.
Diagnosis:
After examining the area dentist might take X-rays if needed. Radiographs can show if teeth are impacted and require removal.
For most, wisdom tooth removal is a good option. Removal of a completely erupted third molar is an easy procedure & can be done after numbing the tooth and its adjacent area. However, if it’s not completely erupted it has to be removed by a minor surgical procedure. This involves cutting through your gums & bones. Followed by stiches for better healing.
Care after wisdom tooth removal:
Wisdom Tooth Extraction is a minor surgery, which normally has no complications. Following the instructions of doctor will make recovery easy.
- Do not talk or open the mouth as long as the cotton pack is in mouth.
- Remove the cotton pack after 45 mins and throw away.
- Do not rinse, spit or blow your nose for next 24 hours.
- Consume ice-cream or cold juice after tooth removal. Can also apply ice pack for next 24hrs.
- Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours after surgery. Nicotine may cause delayed healing.
- It is not unusal to ooze blood tinged saliva or develop slight swelling
- Elevate your pillow slightly at night.
- Slight pain & discomfort is normal.
- Take your antibiotics & pain killers as prescribed by the doctor. Do not skip the dose.
- Saline rinse: After 24 hrs rinse with luke warm water and a tsp of salt, 3-4 times a day.
- Brush & floss regularly.
- Do not eat hard or spicy until the healing is complete.
- You need to come for removing stiches after 7 days.
Although dentistry today focuses to avoid tooth removal by other dental treatments, in the case of third molar it’s usually recommended removing the tooth if dental problems occur.
Do visit your dentist today if any of these signs or problems exist.