Wisdom Teeth FAQ

What are the symptoms of wisdom teeth?

Concerning symptoms of wisdom teeth can be pain in the jaw, tenderness, swelling around the gums, and discharge if an abscess or infection is present. You may also see the wisdom tooth enamel poking through the gum behind your second molar.

When do wisdom teeth come in?

Wisdom teeth usually emerge sometime between the ages of 17 and 25. In many cases, however, the mouth is too crowded for third molars to develop normally. Less frequently, the wisdom teeth can emerge without any problems and line up with the other teeth behind the second molars.

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What is a dry socket?

Dry socket is a temporary complication that arises when a blood clot becomes dislodged from the extraction site, exposing tissue. The condition can be painful, but luckily most cases can be avoided by following home-care instructions including the avoidance of straws and smoking.

While both jaws can be affected, they usually occur in the lower jaw on the third to fifth day. They cause a deep, dull, continuous aching on the affected side(s). Patients may first notice the pain starting in the ear radiating down towards the chin.

What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

Immediately following surgery, we recommend starting off with clear liquids like 7-up, apple juice, and water. If the patient is able to handle the clear liquids well, then we recommend doing a dairy base (especially before taking any pain medications). This includes ice cream, milkshakes (without a straw), yogurt, pudding, and cottage cheese.

From there, we recommend sticking with soft, cooler foods including (but not limited to) apple sauce, mashed potatoes, mac ‘n cheese, steamed vegetables, well-cooked pasta, cream of wheat, soft fish, smooth soups, pancakes, canned fruit, beans, and scrambled eggs.

Foods to avoid would include spicy foods, anything with seeds, hard or chewy foods (like nuts, chips, or crackers), acidic foods and drinks, and anything with small particles (for example – broccoli).

Do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, several problems can happen and tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include infection, cyst formation, crowding, and damage to the adjacent teeth.

How long does wisdom teeth extraction take?

Wisdom teeth surgery and post-anesthesia monitoring typically take a little over an hour. It depends on your wisdom teeth positions and anesthesia recommended and selected for your case.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

Wisdom teeth removal during your teenage years is generally easier for you to recover from. Since young patients also have higher regenerative capabilities, their recovery process is a lot less uncomfortable in comparison to older adults.

Is removing a wisdom tooth painful?

Wisdom teeth removal is commonly a surgical procedure. As a result, once the anesthetic has worn off, some feeling of pain or discomfort at the extraction site is completely normal.

In some cases, wisdom teeth removal pain can be controlled using over-the-counter-pain medication such as ibuprofen. You may be prescribed stronger pain medication to help combat the possibility of greater discomfort.

How long does wisdom tooth removal take to heal?

Your tooth sockets are mostly closed by about week 3 after your surgery, and they should be fully closed by the end of week 4.

How are wisdom teeth removed?

At our initial consultation appointment, we will want to review your health history, allergies and medications, and radiograph(s) before proceeding with our treatment recommendation. In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under some level of intravenous (IV) sedation.

If you have been recommended for wisdom teeth removal, or if you suspect your wisdom teeth are causing oral health issues, please contact Hixson Implant & Oral Surgery to schedule a consultation.