Unlike the other teeth, our wisdom teeth usually break through the gums late – often even in adulthood. This is then often associated with problems: The wisdom teeth hurt when they break through the gums or do not find enough space in the jaw. This lack of space, by the way, has evolutionary reasons. Whereas in our ancestors the region of the mouth protruded further and the jaw was therefore longer, in us it is shortened. However, since the number of teeth has not decreased, there is often too little space in the jaw for the wisdom teeth. If this is the case, the wisdom teeth must be removed by surgery.
When the wisdom tooth comes: symptoms
Since the wisdom teeth do not break together with the other teeth, but mostly later through the gums, they often do not find a place in the mouth. Due to this, the wisdom teeth then partially break through only incompletely. This can lead to inflammation or abscesses on the gums. In addition, it can happen that the wisdom teeth only break through in the upper or lower jaw. Since they lack a counterpart, they then usually grow far beyond the chewing surface. Due to the lack of space in the jaw, they also often grow crooked. Pain when speaking and swallowing as well as pain in the teeth can be signs of an erupting wisdom tooth. If the oral mucosa is swollen or reddened in the corresponding area, this may indicate inflammation of the wisdom tooth. If inflammation is present, a dentist should definitely be consulted, otherwise abscesses may occur. If the wisdom tooth has too little space, pressure can also build up in the jaw and the roots of the neighboring teeth can be damaged. In the worst case, individual teeth may even fall out as a result.
Wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth that have not yet erupted often have to be removed, as it is feared that they will cause shifts in the row of teeth. However, whether such shifts are actually caused by the wisdom teeth has not yet been scientifically clarified beyond doubt. Thus, the removal of wisdom teeth that have not erupted and do not cause any discomfort is based primarily on experience to date. The dentist will usually weigh up the benefits and risks and make a decision on a case-by-case basis. Wisdom teeth that have already erupted should be removed if.
- They cause pain
- They interfere with chewing
- The root or the gum is inflamed
- Adjacent teeth are diseased or
- They have caries.
Already fully erupted wisdom teeth can usually be extracted just like other teeth. Wisdom teeth that are still in the gums, on the other hand, must be removed by surgery. This surgery of wisdom teeth usually takes place under local anesthesia, but in complicated cases wisdom teeth can be extracted under general anesthesia. Similarly, when four wisdom teeth are extracted at once, general anesthesia is preferred by some patients.
Wisdom teeth extraction: This is how the surgery works
If the wisdom teeth have to be removed by surgery, this is usually done under local anesthesia. In this process, the region around the tooth is anesthetized at the beginning of the treatment so that the patient does not feel any pain during the extraction of the wisdom teeth. Once the anesthetic takes effect, the dentist exposes the wisdom tooth in the jawbone and then removes the tooth. If the tooth is particularly firmly anchored in the jaw or if it lies across the jaw, the dentist may have to cut through the wisdom tooth. Once the wisdom tooth is completely removed, the dentist sutures the wound closed. Stitches are then removed about a week after wisdom tooth surgery.
Possible risks of wisdom tooth surgery.
Various complications can occur during and after wisdom tooth surgery. For example, the dentist must be extremely careful during the surgery so as not to injure any nerves. Otherwise, numbness in the face can be the result. After wisdom tooth surgery, the risk of inflammation is particularly high. Therefore, certain foods such as whole grain products should be avoided for the first few days. In addition, the risk of jaw fracture is also increased after wisdom tooth surgery, as the removal of the wisdom tooth leaves a hole in the jaw that takes several weeks to heal completely.Blows and jolts to the jaw should be avoided during this time. If one or more wisdom teeth are removed, pain after the operation is normal. The attending physician usually prescribes an analgesic to relieve the pain. The active substance ASA should not be taken, as it has a blood-thinning effect. After about a week at the latest, when the wound has closed, the pain should also have subsided. If this is not the case or if the pain intensifies, there may be an infection of the wound, which should be urgently clarified by the attending physician.
Wisdom tooth surgery: smoking endangers wound healing
Immediately after the extraction of wisdom teeth, the wound will still bleed a little, the bleeding can then be stopped with a small swab. To minimize swelling after wisdom teeth removal, cold washcloths or wrapped cold packs should be kept on hand to cool the cheeks, especially during the first 24 hours after surgery. In addition, the cold packs can also help relieve pain. However, ice-cold cold packs should never be placed directly on the skin, but wrapped in a kitchen towel or similar. In the first days after the operation, coffee, black tea and energy drinks should be avoided, as the caffeine can increase blood pressure and this increases the risk of secondary bleeding. Likewise, alcohol should not be drunk, as it inhibits blood clotting. In addition, smoking should also be avoided after wisdom teeth extraction, as wound healing is disturbed by tobacco smoke.
After wisdom tooth surgery: food and exercise.
After the removal of wisdom teeth, you should also limit yourself in the first few days when eating. Whole grain products and crumbly foods should be avoided so that no crumbs can get into the wound and cause inflammation there. Likewise, dairy products should be avoided as much as possible after surgery, as the lactic acid bacteria they contain increase the risk of infection of the wound. Due to swelling after wisdom teeth extraction and possible pain when chewing, it is advisable to avoid hot soups and mushy foods such as applesauce or mashed potatoes. Sports should be avoided for about two weeks after wisdom teeth extraction, as the increased blood pressure can cause secondary bleeding. For the same reason, visits to the sauna and solarium as well as extensive sunbathing should be postponed until a later date. If wisdom teeth have been removed from the upper jaw, it is best not to sneeze or blow your nose in the first few days after surgery, as this can also cause secondary bleeding.
Dental care after wisdom tooth surgery
If possible, dental care should continue as usual after wisdom teeth extraction. If the wound is still fresh, the teeth around the wound can be left out when brushing. As soon as it is possible, however, these teeth should also be cleaned carefully. If necessary, an extra soft toothbrush can be used for this area. If brushing these teeth causes too much pain in the first few days, you can also use an antiseptic mouth rinse. This lowers the risk of infection and reduces the number of germs in the mouth.
