Category: Wisdom Teeth

As we journey through life, our bodies go through various changes, including the arrival of wisdom teeth. These teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in our late teens or early twenties, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or complications. Understanding the signs of wisdom teeth eruption and knowing when to seek oral surgery intervention is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

Signs of Wisdom Teeth Eruption

• Pain or Discomfort

One of the most common signs of wisdom teeth eruption is discomfort or pain in the back of the mouth. This discomfort may be felt in the jaw, near the ears, or even along the neck.

• Swelling

Swelling in the gums around the back of the mouth can indicate that wisdom teeth are starting to emerge. This swelling may be accompanied by redness and tenderness.

• Difficulty Opening Mouth

As wisdom teeth begin to emerge, they can cause stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth fully. This may be due to pressure from the emerging teeth or inflammation in the surrounding tissues.

• Crowding or Shifting of Teeth

Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on the teeth next to them as they come in, leading to crowding or shifting of the existing dental alignment. This may cause discomfort or changes in bite.

• Visible Signs

In some cases, you may be able to see the tops of the wisdom teeth poking through the gums. This is often accompanied by soreness or sensitivity in the area.

When to Consider Oral Surgery

While not all cases of wisdom teeth development may require wisdom teeth removal in Holland, there are several scenarios where oral surgery may be necessary:

• Impaction

If the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to fully emerge or are growing in at an angle, they may become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. In such cases, oral surgery may be recommended to remove the impacted teeth.

• Infection

Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge can create a pocket where bacteria can accumulate, leading to infection or gum disease. Oral surgery may be necessary to remove the affected teeth and prevent further complications.

• Damage to Adjacent Teeth:

As wisdom teeth emerge, they can push against adjacent teeth, causing damage or misalignment. In such cases, extraction may be recommended to preserve the health and alignment of surrounding teeth.

• Orthodontic Treatment

In some cases, the presence of wisdom teeth can interfere with ongoing orthodontic treatment. Oral surgery may be necessary to remove the wisdom teeth and ensure the success of orthodontic procedures.

Finding Wisdom Teeth Surgery Options

If you are experiencing symptoms of wisdom teeth eruption pain or complications, it is essential to consult with your dentist in Holland. They can assess your situation and recommend the appropriate course of action, whether it involves wisdom teeth removal or other interventions.

Understanding the signs of wisdom teeth eruption and knowing when to consider oral surgery in Holland is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. By staying vigilant for symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth, you can address wisdom teeth issues before they escalate. If you require oral surgery, we are ready to provide expert care and support, ensuring a smooth and successful treatment experience.

An estimated 85% of Americans will have their wisdom teeth extracted in their lifetime. While this procedure usually takes place in the late teens or early twenties, your dentist in Holland may recommend it at any time, especially if they’re starting to cause problems. Even though wisdom teeth surgery is incredibly common and doesn’t typically cause problems, there are some things you should avoid after having a wisdom tooth extraction. 

Things to Avoid

Although the recovery time from wisdom teeth surgery is usually pretty quick, there are some key things to avoid during this time to help speed up the healing process and avoid complications. 

• Chewing

Of course, you need to eat while you’re recovering, but you do need to be careful about what you eat. Your dentist in Holland would recommend that you avoid hard, sticky foods during the first 72 hours. 

• Activity

One of the best ways to promote healing is to rest. Avoid doing any strenuous physical activity for three days following surgery. Doing too much too soon can make bleeding, swelling, and pain worse. 

• Smoking 

Ingredients in cigarettes and cigars are certainly cause for concern, especially after surgery, but the action of dragging on a cigarette can be even more problematic. Pulling in air from a cigarette, or even a straw, can loosen the blood clots protecting and sealing the surgical sites. If those blood clots are dislodged too early, it can lead to a painful condition known as dry socket. 

Signs of a Problem

Many wisdom teeth extractions occur without any problems, but the risk for complications doesn’t go away completely. Here are some signs that require a call to your dentist or oral surgeon. 

• Excessive pain, bleeding, or swelling after three days
• Pus coming out of the surgical site or nose
• A fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Facial numbness

What Should You Do After Surgery? 

We’ve covered some of the things you shouldn’t do while recovering from having your wisdom teeth taken out, now let’s talk about something you should do. 

• Ice Often

Ice is one of the best ways to reduce swelling and ease pain. Apply a cold compress to the affected and keep the area cold. However, make sure to have a thin barrier between the ice pack and your skin. 

• Clean the Area

Your dentist may provide or recommend that you use a mouthwash during recovery in order to keep the area clean. Use it, but use it gently. Swishing slowly and softly will clean the areas without the risk of damage.

• Take Medications

Antibiotics and pain medication may be prescribed after your treatment. Take these as recommended as they can help with both preventing infection and easing pain during your recovery. 

Not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed, but most people will. Make sure to see your dentist in Holland regularly and report any symptoms of wisdom tooth pain at that time. If it’s recommended that you have your wisdom teeth extracted, always feel free to ask questions so you feel confident in the procedure and healing time. 

Extracting wisdom teeth is an incredibly common procedure. In fact, over 90% of Americans have their wisdom teeth removed. While there are some occasions when wisdom teeth surgery isn’t necessary, more often than not, it’s recommended to prevent additional problems and pain in the future. Let’s take a look at why so many Americans have their wisdom teeth removed and why our dental office in Holland may recommend it for you.

There’s Not Enough Room

Perhaps the most common reason your dentist in Holland may recommend having your wisdom teeth taken out is that there simply isn’t enough room for these four teeth to fit. If there’s not enough room in your mouth and the teeth are allowed to erupt anyway, other teeth may shift, and this can cause additional problems. For example, you may need orthodontics to correct any overcrowding or crookedness that may occur. Your bite can also be affected by overcrowding, which can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and neck pain.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Another problem with not having enough room for wisdom teeth to erupt properly is that they can get stuck developing in the bone. This is referred to as having impacted wisdom teeth. Once the teeth are impacted, treatment tends to become more complicated, so it’s best to catch any potential problems with wisdom teeth and remove them early. If your wisdom teeth become impacted, your Holland dentist will talk to you about the most appropriate treatment to help.  

Wisdom Teeth Are Hard to Take Care of

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are situated all the way in the back of the mouth. Because of this positioning, it can be difficult to reach them with a toothbrush and floss. When not cleaned thoroughly, bacteria can linger around and increase the risk of cavities and even gum disease.

Seeing the dentist at least every six months is important for everyone, but especially for those who are in the prime years of wisdom teeth development, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. At your visits, your dental team can keep an eye on your wisdom teeth development through regular x-rays and make the appropriate treatment recommendation for you when it’s the right time.

If your regular checkups at our dental office in Holland show that your wisdom teeth are putting you at risk for impaction or greater problems later on, we will probably recommend having them removed to keep your mouth in its best, healthiest shape.