Wisdom Teeth

Do I definitely need to get my wisdom teeth removed?

If they are erupting in the correct position and do not damage the surrounding tissues, there is no harm in keeping the wisdom teeth in place. However, if your tooth is impacted in the jawbone and is not in the appropriate position, it may be necessary to remove considering the future damage it can cause.

In which scenarios are the wisdom teeth removed?

• If you have cavities or tooth decay
• If you have a gum disease,
• If your wisdom tooth is putting pressure on other teeth and this pressure is causing pain,
• If crowding occurs in the existing teeth due to the pressure the wisdom tooth puts on them,
• If a prosthesis will be used in the mouth,
• If your wisdom teeth cause cyst formation, they must definitely be extracted.

What is the best time to get wisdom teeth removed?

A badly positioned tooth should be removed between the ages of 14 and 22, whether it causes a complaint or not. Operations at younger ages are technically easier and recovery is quicker. Operations over the age of 40 are more difficult. Additionally, side effects increase  with increasing age and the recovery period is prolonged.

Is the removal of wisdom teeth different from other tooth extractions?       

Depending on the position, shape and size of the wisdom tooth, the difficulty level of the procedure to be applied varies. There may be mild swelling, pain and bleeding after a simple removal. The situation will improve in a few days. As the bone structure becomes denser and flexibility decreases in advanced ages, removal becomes difficult and healing slows down.

What should I pay attention to after the removal of a wisdom tooth?

• Do not tamper with the wound site. If you do, pain, infection or bleeding may develop.
• Do not chew with the side of your removed tooth for the first 24 hours.
• Do not smoke for the first 24 hours. Because smoking increases bleeding and disrupts healing.
• Do not spit. If you spit, the bleeding will increase and the clot may dislodge.
• Check for bleeding. If there are no stitches, a sterile gauze pad is applied. Hold the compress in the mouth for half an hour for clot formation. If bleeding continues after the compress is removed, get a new one.
• Check for swelling. By applying a cold compress to the area after the operation, you may slow down the circulation and  prevent your face from swelling. The application is made in periods of cold compress for 20 minutes, followed by a 20 minute break and again cold compress for 20 minutes.
• After the first 24 hours, gargle with the mixture you have prepared by adding 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 glass of warm water every 2 hours.