Wisdom Teeth Removal: Symptoms, Tips, & Recovery!

You’ve got questions about wisdom teeth removal, and we’ve got answers at Riverside Tooth Co. In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the basics of wisdom teeth, when you may need to have them removed, and what to expect if you’re recovering from wisdom teeth removal. Read on to learn more!

WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH & WHY DO WE HAVE THEM?

The wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that erupt in our mouths. The main difference between them and our other teeth is that they grow in much later. Most people have their full set of adult teeth by the age of 12 or 13, but wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 17-25.

Because of this, many people don’t have enough space in their mouths for their wisdom teeth. This is especially true of patients who have had orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign. 

The wisdom teeth might not fully erupt, or they could come out at an angle, and cause damage to the surrounding teeth, a higher risk of tooth infections, and other symptoms, which is why many patients opt to have these teeth removed.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NEEDING WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

If you are experiencing a lot of pain and tenderness near your rear teeth, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed. You may also notice inflammation of the gums near the rear of your mouth, or you may develop stiffness and pain in your jaw. All of these symptoms indicate that your wisdom teeth are not growing into your mouth properly, and may need to be removed.

If you think your wisdom teeth are coming in improperly and may need to be removed, we recommend contacting our Riverside dentist for an appointment right away. Only a dentist can determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER?

It will take you about 2 weeks to fully recover from the extraction process. Pain, discomfort, bleeding, and swelling will usually peak after 1-3 days, then begin to fade. After about a week, your mouth will feel much better, and most patients fully heal after 2 weeks. 

TIPS FOR HOME CARE & A SPEEDY RECOVERY

Dr. Sandhu will provide you with a comprehensive set of recovery instructions, which you should follow to the letter. You’ll need to take a few steps to care for your smile and speed up your recovery.

First, don’t brush your extraction site directly for a few days. Instead, rinse with salt water, and brush carefully around it to clean the rest of your teeth. You should also avoid heavy exertion and exercise for a few days after your extraction.

Do not use a straw or suck/spit forcefully for a few days after your appointment. This can dislodge the blood clot in your extraction site, which will cause a painful complication called “dry socket.” It’s also important to eat a diet of mostly soft foods, usually for at least a week after your appointment. For more information, consult with the instructions given to you after your appointment by Dr. Sandhu. 

NEED HELP WITH WISDOM TEETH? CONTACT US TODAY! 

If you think that your wisdom teeth may need to come out, don’t wait. Extracting wisdom teeth is easier if you’re younger, so schedule a consultation with Dr. Sandhu right away. You can contact us online, or give us a call at (951) 435-8264 to get the help you need.