Does It Hurt To Take Your Wisdom Teeth Out
Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the back of the mouth. They usually grow between the ages of 17 and 25. Although not everyone develops wisdom teeth, those who do may experience pain or discomfort. That's why many people opt to have them removed. But the question is, does it hurt to take your wisdom teeth out? Let's find out.
Before the procedure
Before the wisdom teeth removal procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will perform an X-ray of your mouth to determine the position of your wisdom teeth. This is done to assess whether your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they are unable to emerge due to lack of space, or if they have grown normally.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, the dentist will likely recommend extraction to prevent any future problems. If they have grown normally, you may not need to have them removed unless they are causing discomfort or affecting nearby teeth. In any case, your dentist will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have.
The procedure
The wisdom teeth removal procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the teeth being removed. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, especially if multiple teeth are being removed at once.
The dentist or oral surgeon will then make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth roots and remove the teeth. If the teeth are impacted, the dentist may need to remove some bone tissue as well. The procedure usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
After the procedure
After the procedure, you may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with painkillers and ice packs. You may also have to eat soft foods for a few days and avoid brushing the area where the teeth were removed.
It's important to follow your dentist's instructions for aftercare to ensure proper healing. You may need to schedule a follow-up appointment to remove any stitches or to check on your progress.
Does it hurt?
Now, back to the question, does it hurt to take your wisdom teeth out? The answer is, it depends. The procedure itself is done under anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the process. However, after the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and pain, especially during the first few days.
But don't worry, the pain can be managed with painkillers and usually subsides after a few days. Plus, the benefits of removing your wisdom teeth outweigh the temporary discomfort. By removing your wisdom teeth, you can prevent future problems such as infections, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Conclusion
So, does it hurt to take your wisdom teeth out? Yes, there may be some pain and discomfort, but it's temporary and can be managed with proper aftercare. The procedure itself is done under anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the process. If you're considering wisdom teeth removal, talk to your dentist to determine if it's necessary and what to expect during and after the procedure.