Wisdom teeth, in human, are the third molar teeth in the jaws which usually erupt in adult stage between the ages of 17 and 25 years. There are 4 wisdom teeth in total, two in each jaw. As wisdom tooth erupts very late, they often get very less space to grow and are often misalignment.
Wisdom teeth are removed when they erupt abnormally, like being tilted or twisted causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over it. Food particles get trapped in the gum tissue thereby causing infection (pericoronitis) and a lot of pain. Sometimes due to infection they get rotten and a part of the teeth gets broken. If they grow in a crowded environment they come out in wrong direction causing tissue damage of the cheeks and also cause infection to other teeth. It can also cause jaws misalignment. Abrupt wisdom teeth cause stiffness in jaws, irritation in the cheek and tongue. Inflammation or swelling of the jaws also happens.
Recovery from removal
Recovery after extraction of wisdom teeth depends on the position of the teeth in the jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth removal causes a lot of tissue damage and takes a long time for its recovery. If associated with infection, then the infection is treated first, before the teeth removal. Hence the recovery time gets longer. Sometimes if lots of tissues are damaged after its removal then stitching of the tissue is required, hence takes a long time to heal.
Aftercare
Successful disposal of wisdom teeth mostly depends on its aftercare. Just after the removal of the teeth, the doctor puts a gauze pack over the wound to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, the gauge pack can be removed. It is advisable not to touch the wound either with finger or the tongue. Violently sneezing can dislodge the clot. After 8-12 hours of extraction, one can rinse the mouth with cold water. Cold water has numbing effect and also removes tissue debris from the wound. Smoking or chewing pan should be avoided for a few days as it can cause bleeding and “dry socket”. Gently rinsing the mouth with warm salt water or with any kind of mouth wash prevents infection. Ice pack can be applied on facial area of the extraction to prevent swelling. For the first 2 days after the tooth removal, one should take soft diet like mashed potatoes, soups, over boiled rice, fruit juices and soft bread. It is advisable to avoid tea or coffee and carbonated drinks for a week. Medications like antibiotics and analgesics help in healing process.
Complications
1. Bleeding occurs if too much of tissues are damaged.
2. Pain and swelling.
3. Dry socket.
4. Mandible muscle stiffness.
5. Nerve damage, numbness.
6. Mouth-sinus hole which causing sinusitis.
7. Development of oroantral fistula.
8. Secondary bacterial infection.
9. Prolapsed buccal fat pad.
10. Trismus.
It is very important to maintain oral hygiene for quick healing and early recovery.
