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Wisdom teeth are extra molars at the back of your mouth. They are also often called third molars. Although they're called "wisdom" teeth, some people never get them at all or have one or two that appear. These sets of teeth may start growing out one by one between the ages of 17 and 21.
Adults have 32 permanent teeth, and four of those are wisdom teeth. So if you have counted all your teeth and got less than 32, you may be dealing with an impacted wisdom tooth.
If a patient's jawbone does not form correctly or does not support full eruption of all four wisdom teeth, these conditions may also lead to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the jaw does not have enough room to erupt properly. This can be caused by genetics or simply a lack of available space if other teeth are already crowding the area where the tooth should emerge.
It is important to remove impacted wisdom teeth as soon as possible because of the potential for serious complications. If left untreated, the impacted wisdom tooth can cause:
Tooth Decay: Food and bacteria can become trapped in the area where the tooth is stuck, which can lead to decay.
Gum Disease: Impacted wisdom teeth may cause gum inflammation or infection due to difficulty cleaning this area properly.
Cysts: Fluid-filled cysts can form around the impacted tooth and damage surrounding tissue and neighbouring teeth if left untreated.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to overcrowding and misalignment of adjacent teeth.
Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain or swelling in the area.
If these issues are present, wisdom tooth removal is recommended promptly to avoid further damage or complications.
Wisdom tooth surgery is usually recommended to ensure the patient's long-term dental health if the impacted tooth is causing any issues or poses a risk for future problems. Here are the symptoms and conditions that may necessitate wisdom tooth removal:
For those who have already developed impacted wisdom teeth, seeking prompt treatment to alleviate discomfort or reduce the risk of future complications is important. Contact a qualified dental professional immediately if you have an impacted tooth or are experiencing related symptoms.
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding issues with wisdom teeth. Regular check-ups and cleanings with an experienced dentist can help detect potential problems early on and provide guidance on preventing further damage. You can keep your smile healthy for years with the right approach and care.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infection, pain, and other problems. Bacteria can get stuck in the area where the tooth is stuck and cause tooth decay or gum disease. Having wisdom teeth extractions helps to stop these issues.
You might be wondering why you have been getting headaches lately, but it could be due to your wisdom teeth. Headaches can be caused by impacted wisdom teeth irritating the jaw and surrounding muscles. Having a wisdom tooth extraction can provide relief from these headaches.
A healthy mouth is clean, and having an impacted wisdom tooth can make it difficult to keep your teeth clean. Removing the wisdom tooth allows easier access to brushing and flossing all your teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can push on other teeth and cause them to become crowded or misaligned. Extracting the impacted tooth helps prevent this by giving room for the other teeth.
Overall, extracting an impacted wisdom tooth may be necessary to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid potential complications down the road.
When it comes to extraction, there are two types of procedures:
Non-surgery wisdom tooth extraction is a minimally invasive procedure. Simple wisdom tooth extractions do not involve incisions and instead rely on using dental tools to loosen the tooth to allow for wisdom teeth removal. This procedure can be done on patients with healthy gums and no signs of infection.
The type of anesthesia used during non-surgical wisdom tooth removal depends on the patient's level of discomfort and age. Local anaesthesia, which numbs the area where the tooth will be removed, is often used for younger patients. For complex cases, intravenous sedation may be recommended because it induces a deep sleep that removes bodily sensations during the procedure.
Surgery wisdom tooth extraction is an intricate procedure requiring an incision in the gums to remove the impacted tooth. This type of extraction is usually recommended for patients with severe cases of impacted teeth and those with signs of infection, such as gum inflammation, pain, and swelling.
When it comes to the anesthesia used for surgical wisdom tooth removal, a lot of dentists will opt for general anesthesia because it induces deep sleep and removes sensations from the body during the procedure. General anesthesia is also preferred when removing multiple impacted teeth at once or if the procedure is expected to take longer than usual. The dentist may also recommend intravenous sedation for younger patients who can't handle general anesthesia or those with severe anxiety about the surgical procedure.
The cost of wisdom tooth extraction in Singapore depends on the case's complexity. Simple cases can cost $150, while more complex cases requiring surgery can range from $650 to $1250.
It is important to note that simple extractions are not medisave claimable, but surgical ones are.
If you have any questions or concerns about wisdom tooth removal, it is best to consult a dentist for advice and treatment options. With the right approach and care, wisdom teeth extractions can help maintain good oral hygiene and reduce the risks associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
Before the wisdom tooth surgery, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral examination to determine what procedure is needed to remove the impacted tooth. They may also take X-rays and other imaging tests to get a clearer view of what's going on inside your mouth. During this time, you should ask questions about the procedure and discuss potential risks and complications with your dentist.
After wisdom tooth removal, your dentist will provide you with instructions for recovery. This includes eating soft foods for several days after wisdom tooth surgery and keeping the area clean by brushing gently. Your dentist or oral surgeon may also prescribe pain medications to help manage discomfort during the healing process.
Patients may expect some facial swelling and minor bruising around the extraction site after wisdom tooth surgery, and it is normal for there to be minor bleeding. It's important to follow your dentist's instructions closely and contact them if symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days.
Paying attention to your diet and oral hygiene routine is important during the healing process from wisdom teeth removal. Here are the dos and don'ts of recovering from wisdom tooth extraction:
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