What are the side effects of pulling lower and upper wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, the third molars in the back of the mouth, are the last adult teeth to emerge from the gums. Most people have four wisdom teeth – two on the top and two on the bottom. In this article, what are the complications of wisdom tooth extraction? We will try to understand the importance of professional experts in wisdom tooth surgery.

What is a wisdom tooth and why does it need surgery?

When a wisdom tooth grows in, it doesn’t have enough space to come out or grow in the normal way. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause pain, damage to other teeth, and other dental problems. Sometimes they do not cause any problems. However since wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, they may be more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease than other teeth.

Impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain or other dental problems are usually removed through surgery and opening of the gums. Some dentists and oral surgeons also recommend the extraction of latent wisdom teeth that do not cause symptoms to prevent further problems.

Wisdom tooth extraction or surgery

Wisdom tooth extraction is a simple and common surgery that is usually performed under local anesthesia. But, like any other type of surgery, wisdom tooth surgery also carries risks and complications. However, its side effects are minimal. Swelling, bleeding, and numbness in the jaw are just some of the possible side effects of wisdom tooth extraction.

If you are worried about having your wisdom teeth removed due to complications or discomfort and pain after surgery, talk to our skilled dentists in Richmond Hill.

What are the most common complications after wisdom tooth extraction?

Below are some of the most common complications after wisdom tooth extraction:

Pain and swelling

Usually, in the first days after wisdom tooth extraction, you will experience some pain and swelling. Although the amount may vary greatly for each patient, both can be associated with surgery. In addition to dental pain relievers, your dentist may advise you to eat soft foods and avoid vigorous physical activity to speed up the healing process.

Wisdom tooth cavity dryness

The dryness of the wisdom tooth cavity is one of the most common side effects of wisdom tooth extraction. This occurs due to blood clots in the empty tooth cavity. While the pain may start from the ear and continue down. Severe pain and unpleasant taste or smell in the mouth and teeth are common symptoms of dry cavities. However, according to studies, these painful cavities occur more among smokers and women who use birth control pills.

nerve damage

Although this modality is less common, sensory nerve damage is a possible complication, especially in elderly patients. Its symptoms include pain, tingling, and numbness in the tongue, lower lip, chin, and gums. In most cases, the damage is temporary and lasts from a few weeks to a few months.

Excessive bleeding

Although mild bleeding and redness are common in the first 24 hours after the procedure, it usually subsides within 8 to 12 hours because it takes time for a blood clot to form in the extraction area.

On the other hand, approximately 30% of patients experience excessive bleeding from wisdom tooth extraction. However, the amount of bleeding depends largely on the location and position of the tooth.

infection

Although there is a small chance of post-operative infections, often the operated wisdom teeth require further examination and care. You may experience severe pain, swelling of the gums around the wisdom tooth, fever, and yellow or white discharge. A simple one-week course of antibiotics will usually prevent infection. If it persists, the site of infection should be drained and thoroughly cleaned.

Sinus opening

One of the major concerns people have about untreated impacted wisdom teeth is sinus communication. Because the upper third molars are close to your sinuses, they can cause a gap between the tooth cavity and the sinuses. Early extraction of wisdom teeth prevents root formation and eliminates this type of risk. If the opening of the sinus occurs, it should close by itself after a while. Of course, remember to avoid blowing your nose for two or three days after the operation.

Damage to other teeth

If the wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar, it may damage the second molar or increase the risk of infection in the area. This pressure can also cause problems with the crowding of other teeth or require orthodontic treatment to straighten other teeth.

Cysts caused by wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth cysts may grow inside the jawbone, the inside of the jawbone may fill with fluid and form cysts that can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. But rarely, a tumor develops after wisdom tooth extraction or surgery, and this type of tumor is usually non-cancerous, which is also called benign. However, it may be necessary to remove tissue and bone because of this problem.

decay

Semi-erupted wisdom teeth appear to be at greater risk for cavities than canine teeth. This is because the position of wisdom teeth when they are erupted makes them more difficult to clean. Also, food and bacteria easily get stuck between the gums and partially erupted teeth.

gum disease

It is difficult to clean partially erupted wisdom teeth. Therefore, the possibility of suffering from a painful and inflammatory gum disease called pericoronitis is higher in those areas.

Causes of latent growth of wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth grow latently because they do not have enough space to enter or grow into the gums. Wisdom teeth usually come out between 17 and 26 years old. Some people have their wisdom teeth come out from behind the second molar without any problems and are placed in a row of other teeth. But in many cases, the mouth does not have enough space for the proper growth of the third molar. These third molars, which do not have enough space to come out, grow latently.

The impacted wisdom tooth may partially erupt to expose part of the crown, this is called a partially impacted wisdom tooth. If the tooth never erupts from the gum, it is called a fully erupted wisdom tooth.

Whether the tooth is partially or completely impacted, it may develop as one of the following:

grow at an angle towards the next tooth, which is the second molar.

grow at an angle towards the back of the mouth.

Like other teeth, it can grow straight up or down but remain locked in the jawbone.