Does getting a wisdom tooth extracted hurt?

• Wisdom teeth occur when the last molars in the jaw fail to fully erupt or erupt in the wrong direction, becoming embedded under the gum or bone. There are several types of wisdom teeth, such as those erupting upright, anteriorly, posteriorly, horizontally, or partially embedded under the gum.
• Symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth include gum pain, swollen and red gums, bad breath, or an unpleasant taste. Adjacent teeth may also be prone to decay or gum inflammation.
• Wisdom tooth extraction reduces pain and swelling, prevents infection, protects adjacent teeth from decay, reduces the risk of loose teeth, cysts, or tumors, and makes cleaning easier, promoting long-term oral health.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a dental procedure performed to remove impacted wisdom teeth, teeth that have erupted incorrectly, are embedded under the gums, or have not fully erupted. Wisdom teeth can cause problems such as inflammation, swollen gums, decay of adjacent teeth, or cysts around the tooth.

Wisdom tooth extraction isn't as scary as you might think. Modern techniques and equipment allow for quick and minimally painful procedures. Leaving them untreated can lead to pain, gum inflammation, decay of adjacent teeth, or even tooth loss. This article covers everything you need to know about wisdom teeth, from initial symptoms to watch out for, the procedure itself, pre-operative preparation, and post-operative tips for faster healing and reduced swelling.

How do wisdom teeth form?

Wisdom teeth are the innermost molars (most often the third molars) that cannot erupt into their normal position due to insufficient space in the jaw or abnormal eruption direction. This results in partial eruption or the tooth being embedded under the gums and bone. The eruption of an impacted tooth may be at an angle, horizontal, colliding with adjacent teeth, or only partially erupting, making cleaning difficult and leading to the accumulation of food debris and bacteria. Therefore, there is a risk of pain, swelling, gingivitis, tooth decay, and infection.

How many types of wisdom teeth are there?

Wisdom teeth are categorized in several ways based on their eruption direction. Each type affects the symptoms, ease of treatment, and extraction approach differently. Knowing the type of wisdom tooth helps in understanding the problem and preparing for appropriate treatment.

Normal Wisdom Tooth

A normal wisdom tooth is one that erupts straight like a regular tooth, but due to insufficient space in the jaw, it cannot fully erupt through the gum. This type may not show symptoms initially, but it can cause decay or gum inflammation in adjacent teeth in the long term.

Anterior-Front Wisdom Tooth

Anterior-front-front wisdom teeth are teeth that are tilted towards the front of the mouth and often collide with the adjacent molars. This creates pressure on the tooth and gums, potentially causing tooth pain, swollen gums, or increased susceptibility to decay in the tooth in front.

Posterior-Front Wisdom Tooth

Posterior-front wisdom teeth are teeth that are tilted towards the back of the jaw. This is less common, but if it occurs, it can cause inflammation of the gums behind the tooth and make cleaning difficult. And at risk of oral infection.

Right-Lying Wisdom Tooth

A right-lying wisdom tooth is one that lies parallel to the jawbone and directly collides with the root of an adjacent tooth. This type of wisdom tooth often causes severe pain, swelling, or inflammation and is complicated to extract. Surgical removal by a specialist is required.

Vertical but Embedded Wisdom Tooth

A vertically aligned wisdom tooth embedded in the bone is a tooth that erupts straight but cannot emerge from the gum because it is completely embedded in the jawbone. It often doesn't show obvious symptoms, but your dentist may recommend extraction to prevent future problems.

Partially Exposed Wisdom Tooth

A partially exposed wisdom tooth is one that has only partially erupted, with some gum tissue covering it. This makes it easy for food debris and bacteria to accumulate, increasing the risk of inflammation, gum swelling, bad breath, and recurrent infections.

Warning signs that you may have an impacted wisdom tooth and need extraction:

Some impacted wisdom teeth may not show any symptoms in the early stages, but if left untreated, they can lead to inflammation, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. Recognizing these warning signs early allows for timely treatment and reduces the complexity of wisdom tooth extraction.

• Pain in the gums or teeth at the very back, especially the innermost molars. The pain may be intermittent or persistent.
• Swollen, red, or inflamed gums around the impacted tooth. There may be tenderness or pus.
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste, caused by food debris and bacteria accumulating in hard-to-clean areas.
• Mallocated or crowded teeth, as the impacted tooth pushes against adjacent teeth, changing their alignment.
• Ear or jaw pain. The pain may radiate to the ear, temple, or jaw.
• Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing due to inflammation of the gums or muscles around the jaw.
• Cysts or fluid-filled sacs around the impacted tooth, often visible on X-rays, which can damage the jawbone if left untreated.
• Adjacent teeth may decay or become inflamed easily because the impacted tooth creates a trap for plaque and bacteria.

If you experience these symptoms, you should see a dentist for an X-ray and to assess whether wisdom tooth extraction is necessary to prevent potentially more serious problems in the future.

Why is wisdom tooth extraction necessary?

Wisdom teeth are teeth that erupt in the wrong position or incompletely, leading to various oral problems. If left untreated, these problems can spread and affect neighboring teeth. Wisdom tooth extraction is a treatment that helps prevent long-term problems and reduces the risk of complications.

1. Reduces pain and swelling

Inflamed wisdom teeth often cause pain, swelling, or tenderness when biting. Extraction eliminates the source of inflammation, gradually reducing pain.

2. Prevents infection and chronic gingivitis

Wisdom teeth are a breeding ground for bacteria. Extraction reduces the chance of recurring infections and chronic gum inflammation.

3. Prevents decay in adjacent teeth

Wisdom teeth pressing against the front teeth make cleaning difficult, increasing the risk of decay in healthy neighboring teeth.

4. Reduces the risk of hidden teeth, loose teeth, or periodontal disease

Pressure from a wisdom tooth can cause other teeth to shift or gum and bone resorption. Extraction minimizes the impact on the overall tooth structure.

5. Reduces the risk of cysts or tumors

Wisdom teeth embedded in bone can develop cysts or fluid-filled sacs around the tooth, which can damage the jawbone if left untreated.

6. Relieves jaw pain or pain radiating to the head.

Inflammation from wisdom teeth can cause pain that radiates to the jaw, temples, or head. Wisdom tooth extraction stops the source of these symptoms.

7. Makes cleaning teeth easier.

Without a wisdom tooth obstructing the view, brushing and oral hygiene become easier, reducing the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.

Preparation Before Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction is a dental procedure that requires proper preparation beforehand to minimize risks, complications, and promote faster recovery. Good preparation will help the patient feel more comfortable and confident.

• Consultation and Evaluation: The dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to assess the location and difficulty of the wisdom tooth, and plan the appropriate extraction.
• Inform the dentist about your health history and current medications, such as pre-existing conditions, blood thinners, allergies, or blood clotting disorders, to minimize surgical risks.
• Fasting: If general anesthesia or local anesthesia is used, you may need to fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure. However, if general local anesthesia is used, such fasting is usually not necessary; simply eat soft or light foods before the procedure.
• Mental Preparation: Understand the procedure, get enough rest, and relax to reduce anxiety and ensure a smoother treatment.
• Mouthwashing and Mouthwash: Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly before the procedure to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
• Post-Extraction Preparation: Have a relative or close friend pick you up after the procedure. Especially if anesthesia or anti-anxiety medication is used,
• strictly follow your dentist's instructions both before and after surgery to prevent complications and promote faster wound healing.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

Wisdom tooth extraction is a dental procedure performed in a systematic sequence to minimize side effects, pain, and complications. Understanding the steps involved will help patients feel more relaxed and better prepared.

1. Pre-extraction assessment:

The dentist will examine the mouth and take X-rays to determine the position, direction, and depth of the wisdom tooth, as well as assess the difficulty and plan the appropriate extraction.

2. Anesthesia:

The dentist will administer a local anesthetic to the gums and jaw. This ensures painless extraction; you may only feel slight tension or pressure.

3. Gingival incision:

The gum is incised, and some bone may be removed to gain access to the impacted wisdom tooth.

4. Wisdom tooth separation and extraction:

The wisdom tooth may be split into smaller pieces to facilitate removal, minimizing tension and impact on surrounding tissues.

5. Wound cleaning and suturing:

After extraction, the dentist will thoroughly clean the wound and close it with sutures (in some cases, dissolvable sutures) to promote faster healing.

6. Post-wisdom tooth extraction monitoring

The dentist will provide instructions on wound care, medication, cold compresses, and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor wound healing and prevent complications.

How to Care for Yourself After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Proper self-care after wisdom tooth extraction is crucial for faster healing, reducing pain and swelling, and preventing infection. Following these instructions closely will lead to a better recovery.

• Bite down on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes. Bite down firmly but not too tightly to help control bleeding and promote blood clot formation. If bleeding continues, change the gauze pad.
• Apply a cold compress for the first 24 hours. Apply a cold compress to the operated cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time, alternating with breaks. This helps reduce swelling and pain.
• Avoid rinsing vigorously or drinking through a straw. Rinsing forcefully or using a straw may dislodge blood clots, slowing healing and increasing pain.
• Eat soft foods. Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods such as porridge, rice soup, and broth to minimize trauma to the wound.
• Avoid hard, spicy, and hot foods. These may irritate the wound, increasing swelling, pain, or the risk of inflammation.
• Take medication as prescribed by your doctor. Take antibiotics and pain medication completely as directed by your dentist. Do not stop medication on your own.
• Clean your teeth carefully. Brush your teeth as usual, but avoid the sores initially. Rinse gently as directed to maintain oral hygiene.

Things to Avoid After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After wisdom tooth extraction, the wound is still healing. Avoiding certain behaviors can help prevent blood clots from dislodging, reduce the risk of inflammation, and promote faster healing. Here are some things to avoid after wisdom tooth extraction:

• Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously for the first 24 hours. Rinsing forcefully may dislodge the blood clot covering the wound, leading to re-bleeding and increased pain.
• Avoid using straws. Suction from straws can irritate the wound, delaying healing and increasing the risk of dry socket.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol. The substances in cigarettes and alcohol interfere with wound healing, increasing the risk of infection and delaying healing.
• Avoid picking, scratching, or using your tongue to probe the wound. Teasing the wound may reopen it, causing bleeding and increasing the risk of infection.
• Avoid strenuous exercise. Excessive exertion can increase blood pressure, leading to increased bleeding or swelling.
• Avoid foods that break into small pieces, such as nuts, crackers, and seeds. Food particles can get stuck in the wound, causing inflammation and pain.

Potential Complications of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Although wisdom tooth extraction is generally a harmless procedure, some individuals may experience complications. Being aware of these symptoms will help you notice and seek timely treatment. Potential complications to watch for include:

• Swelling, pain, or bruising: This is common in the first 2-3 days after surgery and is caused by tissue inflammation. It usually improves with proper care as advised by your doctor.
• Bleeding after surgery: This may occur due to not biting down firmly on the gauze, rinsing too vigorously, or excessive force. If bleeding doesn't stop, seek immediate medical attention.
• Infection or pus: This is noticeable by increased pain, swelling, redness, foul odor, or pus draining from the wound. Immediate dental treatment is necessary.
• Affection of the tooth root or nerve: This is rare but may cause numbness in the lip, chin, or gums. In most cases, this improves with time.

Common Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Symptoms

After wisdom tooth extraction, the body needs time to recover, so some symptoms may occur. Most are normal and will improve within a few days with proper self-care. Common symptoms include:

• Pain at the extraction site: This usually occurs in the first 1-3 days after surgery. The level of pain depends on the complexity of the surgery and can be relieved with prescribed pain medication.
• Swollen gums or cheek: This is due to tissue inflammation and is often most noticeable in the first 48 hours, gradually subsiding within 5-7 days.
• Minor bleeding or squeezing: This is normal and may occur in the first few days after surgery. Biting firmly on a gauze pad and getting enough rest will stop the bleeding.
• Difficulty opening the mouth (Trismus): This is caused by jaw muscle tension after surgery. You may feel stiffness or limited range of motion in your mouth. This usually improves within a few days.
• Slight bad breath (due to wound healing): This is caused by the wound healing process or food debris around the wound. Careful oral hygiene is essential.
• Numbness or tingling in the lips or chin: This may be due to irritation of nearby nerves. Most symptoms improve on their own during the recovery period.
• Subcutaneous bruising on the cheek is common in some cases and will change color and fade on its own within 1-2 weeks.

Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?

Wisdom tooth extraction is minimally painful during the procedure because the dentist will administer a local anesthetic. This minimizes pain at the extraction site; you may only feel pressure or tooth movement. After the anesthetic wears off, you may experience pain, swelling, or tightness around the wound. This is normal and can be controlled with pain medication and your dentist's instructions.

How long does wisdom tooth extraction take?

The time required for wisdom tooth extraction varies depending on the location and complexity of the tooth. Generally, it takes about 30-60 minutes per tooth. Simple wisdom teeth may take less time, but deeply impacted, tilted, or bone-attached teeth may take slightly longer.

How many days will the pain last after wisdom tooth extraction?

Pain is normal and usually occurs in the first 1-3 days after the procedure. The severity depends on the location and complexity of the tooth, as well as each individual's body reaction. The pain will gradually improve after 5-7 days. If the pain is severe, you can use pain medication as prescribed by your dentist and follow their post-extraction instructions.

How many days does it take to heal after wisdom tooth extraction?

Generally, wounds begin to heal within 7-10 days after wisdom tooth extraction. Pain and swelling usually subside gradually within the first 3-5 days. Complete recovery of the gums and jawbone may take approximately 2-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the wisdom tooth extraction.

Is swelling normal after wisdom tooth extraction?

Swelling after wisdom tooth extraction is normal. It's caused by inflammation of the tissues surrounding the wound and the body's reaction to the surgery. The cheek or gums are usually most swollen in the first 48 hours and will gradually subside within 5-7 days. Applying cold compresses in the first 24 hours and getting enough rest can help reduce swelling. If the swelling worsens or you experience severe pain accompanied by fever, it may be a sign of infection and you should consult your dentist immediately.

What foods should you avoid after wisdom tooth extraction?

After wisdom tooth extraction, you should avoid foods that may irritate the wound or trigger inflammation, especially during the first 3-7 days. These include:

• Hard, chewy, or difficult-to-chew foods such as nuts, ice, and candy.
• Very hot or very cold foods, which may trigger pain and sensitivity.
• Very spicy, sour, or salty foods that can irritate the wound.
• Foods that break into powder or have small fragments, such as crackers and popcorn, which may get stuck in the wound.
• Alcoholic beverages and carbonated drinks.
• Avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction may cause re-bleeding.

Is it dangerous if wisdom tooth extraction causes persistent bleeding?

Slight bleeding in the first 24 hours is normal. However, if the bleeding is persistent, heavy, or continues for more than 24 hours, even with a firm bite on gauze, it may be abnormal and pose a risk. You should contact your dentist immediately, especially if you have a blood clotting disorder or are taking blood thinners. Prompt care and treatment can help prevent serious complications.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction at Vibhavadi Hospital

Vibhavadi Hospital offers wisdom tooth extraction services by dentists using modern technology and equipment to minimize risks and pain during the procedure. Patients will undergo a thorough examination, including wisdom tooth X-rays, to assess the complexity of the procedure.

Our services cover consultation, pre-extraction preparation, and post-extraction care. We provide guidance on post-operative care to reduce pain, swelling, and prevent complications. Furthermore, the hospital emphasizes friendly and caring service to ensure patients feel comfortable and confident, minimizing anxiety throughout the process.

Summary

While many people worry about wisdom tooth extraction, it's actually a safe procedure when performed by a specialist dentist. Pain, swelling, or bleeding after surgery are usually temporary and manageable with self-care instructions. Proper pre-operative preparation and post-operative care promote faster recovery, reduce the risk of infection, and prevent problems with adjacent teeth. In case of any abnormalities, such as persistent bleeding or severe pain, seek immediate medical attention. Wisdom tooth extraction is therefore a way to maintain good oral health and make long-term teeth cleaning easier.

If you are interested in an oral health check-up, wisdom tooth assessment, or wisdom tooth extraction, you can receive services at Vibhavadi Hospital. Our specialist dentists are ready to provide consultation, assessment, and treatment planning to minimize side effects. We also offer advice on post-extraction dental care and wisdom tooth prevention, ensuring you maintain strong oral health and reduce the risk of future dental problems.