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You have been advised by your dentist to have wisdom teeth removed. You feel nervous. This article will explain everything you need about surgery and how to speed recovery so you are ready to go.

You will find at the end of this article.

  • These are questions you should ask your dentist
  • What to expect during the procedure
  • What to Expect from Pain
  • How to prevent a dry socket

Is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?

Our jaws aren’t big enough to allow wisdom teeth to fit inside, so there isn’t enough space. Wisdom teeth don’t properly erupt because there isn’t enough room. They may come in an angle or not fully out of place. This can cause problems in other areas of the mouth.

Third molars (also known as wisdom teeth) can often cause damage to the wisdom teeth. Dentists recommend wisdom teeth are removed before they cause more complications.

Why don’t we have room for wisdom teeth?

Our jaws have become smaller than ever before. This is not due evolution. This is because modern diets lack the key nutrients necessary to properly develop jaws.

Vitamin K2, which is a vitamin that aids in the development of the jaw, is responsible for taking calcium out of the body and putting it into the bones. Vitamin K2 isn’t available to most people as they don’t eat the same foods that Vitamin K2 does: liver, organ meats and grass-fed animal products. Factory farming and low-fat foods in the 1990s have virtually eliminated Vitamin K2 from our diets.

Nowadays, it is common for the lower third of your facial features to be underdeveloped. Our ancestors and small tribes had jaws that were well developed. All 32 of their teeth could be straightened because of this.

How can you tell if your jaw is fully developed? How you were raised will determine how well your jaw developed. Eating crunchy, high-nutrient foods such as organ meats or grass-fed oils can stimulate jaw development.

Children today eat a lot soft, nutrient-poor foods like applesauce and Goldfish crackers as part of their childhood meals. Bottlefeeding and sippy cups can also affect jaw development. Our diets are too soft due to insufficient exercise. Because they don’t get enough exercise, our jaws don’t grow fully.

Do I need to have mine removed?

With a mirror, take a look at the bottom of your teeth. First, count how many large teeth are on the back of your mouth. These are called molars. At the age of 12, two molars should become visible. Wisdom teeth are the third molars.

Place your finger behind your second molar to check for space. If the tissue feels flat, you may have enough space. If your tissue curves upwards it is likely that there is not enough space for your wisdom teeth.

This is a rough estimate. Your dentist will need to measure it. This test will give you an idea about what your dentist will do in measuring the space.

What questions should you ask during the consultation?

  • Do I need all my wisdom teeth removed?
  • What options do I have when it comes to anesthesia
  • What complications are possible during the procedure? What is the worst case scenario?
  • What is my case like compared to other cases?
  • What are the risks of this type of surgery for you?
  • My face will become puffy. How long will it take for my appearance back to normal?
  • What happens if my wisdom tooth isn’t in its proper place?

What happens to them if they aren’t removed?

To avoid harm to healthy teeth, wisdom teeth must be removed. Wisdom teeth can often protrude in a perpendicular manner to the second molars. Sideways insertions of wisdom teeth can lead to problems in your bite, food getting caught, and even painful infections. If you wait to have the surgery performed, it is possible to experience complications later.

What happens if your wisdom tooth does not erupt? The epithelial tissue surrounding the wisdom tooth can become cancerous 25% of the time. This was something that I learned from my mom while I was in dental school. Although it was successfully removed, it was a complicated procedure. Wisdom teeth should not be extracted later in life.

You can skip this article if you were born without wisdom teeth. This is not to be confused with people who still have wisdom teeth in their bones, but they haven’t erupted yet. Only a small number of people were born without wisdom teeth. They don’t need surgery.

When is it best to have wisdom teeth extracted?

Before the root is fully formed.

Root extraction is more difficult if the roots are fully developed than if they have only been formed (molars). The crown is the crown and the root of the tooth grows outwards. This makes it much easier and takes less time.

Think of a tennis ball and a skateboard, both buried in sand. Which one is easier to remove? The skateboard will need to be removed, but you can also roll the tennis ball around to show why it is easier to do the surgery before the roots become in.

How long should I wait before they are removed?

It is important to ask yourself whether things will get worse if you wait. Wisdom teeth removal is more complicated if they are impacted. Discuss with your dentist if you are able to wait to have more complicated surgery.

Are you too eager to get it done? You might still have enough room to allow your teeth to grow if you wait to see what happens.

Your surgeon must be trusted and able to predict the availability of space for your wisdom teeth. This skill takes practice.

How long does it take to get your wisdom teeth fixed?

It takes approximately one week. It can sometimes take as long as four days to perform a simple procedure. This is not usually the case for simple cases and does not include any complications.

These factors can affect recovery time:

  • Select the type of anesthesia you prefer.
    You will bounce back faster if you have Nitrous or local anesthesia.
  • Your nutrition during recovery.
    Jell O and Ice Cream diets are more likely to help people recover from illness than those who only eat Jell O.
  • Preventing dry sockets.
    Many people wait for several weeks after undergoing surgery. They don’t use a straw, or don’t elevate their heads enough, and don’t brush their teeth as much. Here are my tips to speed up the recovery of your wisdom teeth and how to prevent a dry socket.

What to expect in the first twelve months after surgery

  • The wisdom teeth, which support the cheeks and muscles of the face, are missing, leading to a thinning of the skin. This is caused by bone loss, which eventually resorbs. Over many years, the muscular forces may be reprogrammed. This can cause facial changes. These changes can occur at different times but it is incredible how visible they are immediately.
  • Cold sensitivity in the second molar to cold beverages and ice cream Although the sensitivity will fade as your teeth recalcify over time, it may take several months. Sensodyne is a fluoride toothpaste that can be used to treat sensitive teeth.
  • You may notice small folds around the gumline. This is caused by bone remodeling. This process may take up to a year.
  • You may feel a small piece of bone sticking out for as long as five to ten more years. Your body will reject small pieces of the bone left after surgery. If you feel this way, your dentist can help.
  • You may sometimes feel some pain in your bones. It could be due to bone remodeling.
  • TMD pain can occur when your jaw clicks or opens or if you have difficulty keeping your mouth open. Your mouth may be too open or too closed by an oral surgeon. These TMD treatment guidelines will help you ice and rest your jaw.

Who Should Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Specialists have seen it all, so they won’t be surprised if anything unexpected occurs during your surgery. Many general dentists perform wisdom tooth extractions every day. They are highly skilled. This type of surgery is best performed by a dentist or oral surgeon who is experienced. It is possible to have serious complications if wisdom teeth surgery not done by an experienced professional.

How to Prepare for Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Wisdom teeth can be removed outpatient so that you can return home in the same day. These are the questions that you should ask your dentist before the procedure.

  • Would your willingness to do a bone-graft procedure?
    For those over 25, a bone graft may be recommended. Because the adult wisdom teeth next to them have the same amount of bone as before, they are being removed. The shrinkage happens when the next tooth gets removed. The bone shrinks, making the next-door tooth more sensitive to sugar, cold drinks, or other substances for several months. Bone grafts can prevent this from happening. Although this is not something people under 25 years old need, it’s worth asking.
  • I need someone to drive me home.
    The type and extent of the anesthesia received will affect how much it costs. In most cases, you should arrange for someone to drive you home.
  • What should I fast before my surgery? When is the best time to fast before my surgery?
    Local anesthesia will require that you have a light meal at least two hours before your procedure to maintain blood sugar levels. A light meal is better than a heavy meal prior to any type of anesthesia such as nitrous.
  • Can I take my prescription medication prior to the procedure?
  • What non-prescription medications should I avoid before the procedure?

What type of anesthesia will you get?

There are many options for anesthesia, from mild to intense.

  • Local anesthesia. You will feel some pressure during the procedure but no pain. Local anesthesia can be administered by injecting the local anesthesia near each tooth that is to be removed. Local anesthesia is best for quick recovery.
  • Sedation. You will feel no pain and your consciousness will be suppressed. The procedure will be completely forgotten. Local anesthesia will also be used to numb the teeth.  An IV administers anesthesia.
  • General Anesthesia. Your pain is gone. The procedure will go without any pain or recollection. Local anesthesia can be used to numb the area during the procedure (see above). This is typically only used in more complicated situations.
  • Nitrous oxide and local anesthesia. Although IV sedation is most commonly used for anxiety, nitrous oxide is more efficient and is less costly. The effects of IV sedation can take several days to wear off. If you feel anxious, talk to your dentist. Nitrous can make even the most introverted person feel happy and cheerful. It quickly wears out.

Children are more sensitive to anesthesia than adults, so it doesn’t matter if a teenager has wisdom teeth removed. It should be mentioned when I talk about sedation.

Which Anesthesia Should I Choose?

Talk with your surgeon or dentist about your options. These are the pros & cons that I discuss with my patients before they make a decision.

IV Sedation

Pros:

  • It won’t be possible to recall anything.
  • A complete cold can make it easier for your dentist, especially if you have a complicated case.

Cons:

  • They have a long half-life so recovery may take longer. It may take some time for your body to eliminate them. 48 hours after the IV sedation, half of your body still has the drug. This is why you feel tired.
  • If you aren’t accompanied by someone, IV sedation is not available. IVs can be more costly and are not covered by dental insurance.
  • IV sedation can lead to death in the USA, especially if it isn’t administered correctly. This procedure is more complicated and requires more training. This option is best used when you have a local oral surgeon who is experienced. Most states require continual two-year certification.

You can have IV sedation with no pain!

Local and Nitrous Oxide

Pros:

  • You may experience permanent damage to your jaw, or jaw overextension. If you feel your jaw is too open, your dentist can help. This will help prevent TMJ pain, which is very common after these procedures.

Cons:

  • Some people may feel nausea from nitrous, but it is usually temporary. The local anesthesia will cause nausea, but the nitrous might help.
  • There will be some pressure but not pain.
  • You’ll be alert and hear sounds.
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