Does It Hurt To Pull Out Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may experience pain and discomfort, leading to the need for extraction. But does it hurt to pull out wisdom teeth?
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that emerge in the back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, these teeth can cause problems such as pain, infection, and crowding, which may require extraction.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Extracted?
Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted for several reasons, including:
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can cause crowding and misalignment of other teeth.
- Infection: Wisdom teeth can become infected if they don't fully emerge, leading to pain and swelling.
- Damage to adjacent teeth: Wisdom teeth can cause damage to nearby teeth, leading to decay and other dental problems.
- Cysts and tumors: In rare cases, wisdom teeth can develop cysts and tumors that can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
Does It Hurt to Pull Out Wisdom Teeth?
The thought of having a tooth extracted can be scary, but the good news is that wisdom tooth extraction is a common and safe procedure. While some discomfort is normal, your dentist or oral surgeon will use anesthesia to numb the area, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
After the procedure, you may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to care for your mouth as it heals.
What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Before the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth, or general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep during the procedure.
During the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue and remove the tooth. If the tooth is impacted, meaning it hasn't fully emerged, your dentist may need to remove some bone to access the tooth.
After the tooth is removed, your dentist or oral surgeon will place gauze over the extraction site to help control bleeding. You'll be given instructions on how to care for the site as it heals, including how to clean your mouth and what foods to avoid.
Recovery Time for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The recovery time for wisdom tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and your individual healing process. In general, you can expect to experience some discomfort and swelling for a few days after the procedure, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to care for your mouth as it heals, including how to clean your mouth and what foods to avoid. You'll also need to avoid smoking and drinking through a straw, as these activities can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site, leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
Conclusion
While the thought of having a tooth extracted can be scary, wisdom tooth extraction is a common and safe procedure that can help alleviate pain and prevent dental problems. Your dentist or oral surgeon will use anesthesia to numb the area, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure, and will provide you with instructions on how to care for your mouth as it heals.