You've probably heard a friend or relative say, "I need to get a back tooth pulled." Maybe your doctor has told you the same thing. It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear this. What exactly are back teeth? Why do so many people have to get them pulled? Is this really something to be afraid of? Okay, today we'll talk about all this clearly and simply.
First, let's see, what are wisdom teeth?
Simply put, the molars are the last four teeth at the back of our mouth. Doctors also call these the third molars. These teeth usually start to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25.
Think about our ancestors. They ate raw food. They needed strong jaws and these extra teeth to chew things like potatoes, leaves, and game. But today, because we cook our food well, use utensils like forks and knives, and break it into smaller pieces, these teeth don't really have much use anymore. Scientists say they're vestigial structures that our bodies no longer need.
Some people get all four of these teeth. Others may get one, two, or three. Some people don't get any. No matter how you have these teeth, there's nothing wrong with that. It's very normal.
So, why do you need to pull out your teeth at this point?
Not everyone needs to have their back teeth extracted. However, there are several main reasons why your dentist may recommend removing these teeth. These can help protect your other teeth and oral health.
| Reason for salvation | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Impacted Wisdom Teeth | This is the most common cause. It occurs when a tooth, either partially or completely, becomes stuck in the gum or jawbone and cannot erupt properly. |
| Getting into bed | If the tooth does not come up straight, but turns to the side or comes in, pressing against other teeth. |
| Pain in the back of the mouth | Pain in the back of the mouth for no reason. |
| Food poisoning | If food particles get stuck around the back teeth, making it difficult to clean the area, this can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. |
| Cyst formation | A fluid-filled cyst develops around the tooth. This can damage the jawbone. |
| Damage to surrounding teeth | If the impacted tooth is causing damage to nearby healthy teeth or jawbone. |
The important thing is that sometimes, even if there are no symptoms, doctors advise extracting these teeth as a preventive measure to prevent future problems.
How do you prepare before having a tooth extracted?
You will need to see an oral surgeon. He or she will examine your teeth and take X-rays to see where they are. During this time, you should tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking .
He will also talk to you about the methods of anesthesia used during the surgery.
- Local Anesthesia: An injection that numbs only the gums around the tooth.
- IV Sedation: Putting you into a light sleep by injecting medicine into a vein.
- General Anesthesia: Surgery is performed under complete unconsciousness.
If you are given IV sedation or general anesthesia, your doctor will give you some special instructions, such as fasting the night before the surgery. It is very important to follow all of these instructions exactly.
How is the surgery done?
This usually takes less than an hour, although in complex cases it may take a little longer.
1. Anesthesia: First, you will be put in a comfortable position and anesthetized so that you will not feel any pain.
2. Making an incision: If the tooth is stuck in the gum, a small incision is made in the gum to remove it.
3. Tooth extraction: The tooth is then carefully loosened and removed from its socket. Sometimes, the tooth may need to be broken into pieces to make it easier to remove.
4. Cleaning: The area where the tooth was extracted is thoroughly cleaned and checked for infection.
5. Suturing: If necessary, two rows of dissolvable stitches are placed to close the wound.
6. Control bleeding: Finally, you will be asked to place a piece of gauze over the wound and apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
What to do after being rescued? Do's and Don'ts
It is normal to have some pain, swelling, and slight bleeding after surgery. Your doctor will advise you on how to manage these. By following the steps below, you can recover quickly.
| Must-do's (DOs) after surgery | |
|---|---|
| Keep the piece of gauze. | After the surgery, keep the gauze pad that the doctor placed on the wound pressed against it for about 30 minutes. You can remove it when the bleeding has subsided. |
| Rest well. | Stay home and rest for at least 3-5 days. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need to rest for a few more days. |
| Put ice on it. | To reduce swelling, wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth and place it on your cheek. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes. Do this several times a day. |
| Keep the wound clean. | Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash prescribed by your doctor. Do not rinse your mouth vigorously. Doing so may dislodge the blood clot that forms on the wound, causing a very painful condition called dry socket . Instead, turn your head to one side and let the medicated water drip onto the wound. |
| Take your medicine exactly. | Take the medication prescribed for pain and infection prevention as prescribed and for the prescribed period. |
| Things you absolutely should not do after surgery (DON'Ts) | |
|---|---|
| Using a drinking straw | This increases the risk of the blood clot breaking off and causing a `Dry Socket`. |
| Exercise and weight lifting | Anything that increases your heart rate can increase pain, swelling, and bleeding. Avoid these for a few days. |
| Hard, crunchy, hard-to-chew food | These can damage the healing gums. |
| Carbonated drinks and alcohol | These can also cause blood clots to form. Avoid these completely for at least 5 days. |
When should I see a doctor?
Usually, the pain and swelling should increase slightly on the third or fourth day and then gradually decrease. However, if the pain, bleeding, or swelling increases again after 4 days, or if you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away. These could be signs of an infection.
- Fever higher than 38.8 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit).
- Excessive bleeding.
- Severe pain that cannot be controlled even with medication.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Pus draining from the wound.
Take-Home Message
- Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some people have healthy teeth without any problems. Your dentist is the best person to decide whether to have them removed or not.
- After your tooth is extracted, follow your doctor's instructions exactly. It is especially important not to use a straw or move your mouth too vigorously. This can help prevent a painful condition called dry socket .
- Eat only soft, liquid foods (yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes) for the first 3-5 days after surgery.
- Usually, the pain and swelling should gradually decrease after 3-4 days. If the pain or swelling does not improve, or if you develop a fever, see your doctor immediately.
- This is a very common surgery that many people undergo. So don't be unnecessarily afraid. With proper preparation and proper aftercare, you can recover quickly.
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