Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Hurt Less If They Already Grown
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually grow in the back of your mouth during your late teenage years or early twenties. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, but for those who do, the procedure to remove them can be painful and daunting. However, some people believe that if their wisdom teeth have already grown, the removal process might hurt less. In this article, we will examine the validity of this belief and explore the factors that determine the pain level of wisdom teeth removal.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that grow at the back of your mouth. They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and some people may not have them at all. Wisdom teeth can cause problems if they do not grow properly, leading to crowding, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Therefore, extraction is often recommended to avoid future dental problems.
Does the timing of wisdom teeth extraction affect the pain level?
Many people believe that if their wisdom teeth have already grown, the extraction process will be less painful than if they had not yet emerged. However, this is not entirely true. While the pain level may vary depending on the individual, the timing of extraction does not necessarily affect the level of discomfort.
Factors that determine pain level of wisdom teeth removal
Several factors can determine the pain level of wisdom teeth removal, including:
- The number of teeth being removed
- The position of the teeth
- The complexity of the extraction
- The patient's pain tolerance
- The type of anesthesia used
Therefore, it is difficult to predict how much pain a patient will experience during wisdom teeth removal, regardless of whether the teeth have already emerged or not.
How to manage pain after wisdom teeth removal
While it is impossible to eliminate pain completely, there are several ways to manage it after wisdom teeth removal:
- Take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon
- Apply an ice pack to your cheeks to reduce swelling
- Drink plenty of water and avoid solid foods for the first few days
- Avoid smoking or using straws, as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing
- Follow your dentist's instructions for oral hygiene and care
Conclusion
While some people believe that the pain level of wisdom teeth removal is less if the teeth have already grown, this is not entirely true. The pain level depends on several factors, including the number and position of the teeth, the complexity of the extraction, the patient's pain tolerance, and the type of anesthesia used. However, there are ways to manage pain after the procedure, and following your dentist's instructions for care can promote healing and reduce discomfort.