Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to emerge. If there isn’t enough room for them to erupt naturally, they often become impacted beneath the surface of the gums. If your dentist recommends removing these third molars, you’ll likely wonder, is wisdom teeth removal painful?
While some discomfort is normal following wisdom tooth removal, it is mild and short-lived.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Partially or fully impacted wisdom teeth typically grow:
- Towards the second molar at an odd angle
- Towards the back of the mouth at an odd angle
- At a right angle towards the other teeth
- Vertically up or down but within the jawbone
Wisdom teeth removal is necessary if the third molars begin causing any of the following oral problems.
-
Damage to the surrounding teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth growing towards the second molar may make contact with your existing teeth, causing alignment problems and toothaches. The pressure generated by the wisdom tooth can also lead to crowding, which may require braces or other orthodontic treatment to reverse.
-
Cysts
Wisdom teeth form in a sac next to the jawbone. This may fill with fluid, creating a cyst that can damage the teeth, gums, nerves, and jawbone.
-
Tooth decay
Partially impacted wisdom teeth are prone to decay. Due to their positioning, they are difficult to clean, so bacteria and food can become stuck between the tooth and gums.
-
Gum disease
Since it can be challenging to clean impacted wisdom teeth, they also make patients more vulnerable to a particular type of gum disease called pericoronitis. This causes swelling, redness, and infection of the tissue that surrounds the emerging wisdom teeth.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
The wisdom tooth removal process is relatively fast and minimally invasive. We provide two options for wisdom teeth removal: Extraction in our clinic or a private hospital setting with general anaesthesia. At the request of the patient, we can also accommodate sedation.
For impacted wisdom teeth removal, the first step is to remove the gum tissue surrounding the jawbone. Once we have gained access to the tooth, we section it into individual pieces for removal.
The dentist cleans the site after the tooth’s extraction, removing tooth or bone debris. Then they close the gum using sutures (if required). Gauze is positioned over the extraction area to control the bleeding and accelerate healing by promoting the formation of a clot.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?
Before the procedure, you may be wondering, is wisdom teeth removal painful? Anaesthesia (local or general) keeps you comfortable during the wisdom tooth removal process.
However, discomfort can occur after the wisdom tooth removal is complete, and the anaesthesia wears off. Bleeding, swelling, and bruising is normal for a few days following the surgery. However, your dentist can recommend ways to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms after wisdom teeth removal.
How to Reduce Pain After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Is wisdom teeth removal painful? Following your wisdom tooth removal procedure, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the discomfort you’re experiencing.
-
Apply a cold compress
After wisdom tooth removal surgery, your dentist may recommend applying an ice pack or cold compress to the exterior of your cheek to reduce swelling. You can apply the ice pack to your jawline on the side of the incision for 20 minute periods throughout the day. Only do this for the first 24 hours after surgery.
-
Eat soft foods
Avoid aggravating the incision site by eating a diet of soft foods and liquids for the first 7-10 days.
Avocados, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and yoghurt are all nutritious options that require minimal chewing.
Refrain from drinking liquids through a straw because the sucking motion could dislodge the blood clot at the incision site, resulting in a painful secondary condition called dry socket.
-
Keep the surgical site clean
Reduce your risk of infection at the surgical site by rinsing your mouth out with a salt water solution several times a day. Typically you’ll rinse your mouth following meals and before bed to remove any food particles and bacteria. Follow the directions your dentist provides regarding salt water rinses.
-
Take anti-inflammatories
For complex wisdom tooth extractions, it’s normal to experience swelling in the first few days after surgery. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or recommend taking over the counter drugs like Ibuprofen to ease discomfort during this time.
Talk to Your Dentist About Wisdom Tooth Extraction
At Advanced Dental Care, our skilled dental team can walk you through what to expect from your wisdom teeth removal procedure. If you have questions about wisdom tooth removal in Dubbo, call us today on (02) 6188 7103.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Wisdom teeth: To remove or not to remove?
https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Latest-News/Wisdom-teeth-To-remove-or-not-to-remove
Wisdom tooth extraction.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about-us/pac-20395268
Removing wisdom teeth.
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/removing-wisdom-teeth
