Pulling wisdom teeth is a process that we would rather avoid. In this article, you will learn why it is sometimes essential to get rid of the special teeth and what you should consider during the operation.
Pulling wisdom teeth: why is it necessary?
Wisdom teeth were particularly important for our ancestors, as they still had to chew solid food unprocessed. Over time, however, our teeth have changed. Today we mainly eat soft, cooked dishes, so that we no longer need particularly strong teeth.
The four wisdom teeth have held up anyway. They are in the upper and lower row of teeth on the right and left side at the rear and are also called “Figure eight” designated. This is because they are the last and eighth tooth in every quarter of our teeth.
The wisdom teeth often break after the age of 16, sometimes significantly later, by. If the wisdom teeth in the oral cavity have just aligned, the tooth development is considered complete. However, this is not the case with a large part of the population, since at least one wisdom tooth is only partially breaks through or completely in the jaw remains hidden. For those affected, this can go completely unnoticed and painless. Some possible problemsbut which may occur include:
- Infections between the tooth crown and bone
- Dirt accumulation on partly visible wisdom teeth
- Caries formation on the wisdom tooth and neighboring teeth
- Emergence of cysts
In addition, partially and completely broken wisdom teeth can press against neighboring teeth, bones and skin. They cause severe pain and can, according to the pharmacy survey Promote inflammation. To prevent such complications, it is often necessary to pull wisdom teeth.
Pulling wisdom teeth: the right time
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / oswaldoruiz)
Whether and when you should get a wisdom tooth depends on your individual situation. So it’s best to get advice from dentists and, if in doubt, get several opinions. If the wisdom tooth causes pain in the long term, however, in most cases it is inevitable to remove it.
The pharmacy survey warns against having wisdom teeth drawn too late: Otherwise it can quickly happen that they damage neighboring teeth. In the worst case, if an inflammation develops, this can lead to a so-called lock – which means that you can no longer open and close your mouth without problems. This can be remedied by dentists. Ideally, however, you should better avoid the risk of a lock by having your wisdom tooth pulled before it gets this far.
After the operation: relieve swelling and pain
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Bru-nO)
Not only dentists can pull wisdom teeth. Oral and oral surgeons can also perform the procedure. In any case, the affected jaw is first numbed so that you do not feel any pain during the operation. If you wish, you can also have general anesthesia performed. This makes sense, for example, if the operation is somewhat more complex and time-consuming.
You can go home a few hours after the operation. In some patients, the following seven days can slight to severe swelling occur that are often associated with pain. To relieve swelling and the Accelerate wound healing, you should immediately after the operation and in the following days some pointers note:
- Cool the outside and inside swelling. To do this, you can hold a cold compress or a washcloth on the outside of your jaw. You should not put cool packs directly on the cheek, but wrap them in a cloth beforehand. You can suck ice cubes for internal cooling.
- Make sure enough liquid to take you. It is best to use still water or cold herbal teas such as Camomile tea back.
- Rinse your mouth too several times a day with cold water out. Never use solutions or mouthwashes! This additionally irritates the wound.
- If your dentist had to pull wisdom teeth in your upper jaw, you should in the first few days after the operation if possible don’t blow your nose and the Suppress sneezing. Otherwise, both could trigger bleeding.
- Under no circumstances smoke! Smoking not only inhibits wound healing, but can also promote inflammation.
- Avoid hot food and drinks. External heat sources such as saunas, sunbathing or a hot bath are now also not recommended.
- Give your body Time and restto regenerate! Therefore, avoid exercise and other strenuous activities for the next two weeks. Long speech and chewing are also counterproductive and delay wound healing.
Note: The heavy bleeding should usually stop shortly after the operation. In the following three days it can bleed easily from time to time. If the bleeding lasts longer or gets worse, you should visit a dental office again. This also applies if the pain does not subside in the following one to two weeks.
The diet after the operation
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / RitaE)
You should not eat anything for a few hours immediately after the operation. After that, you should best resort to soft and liquid meals, such as (cooled) soups, vegetable and oatmeal or applesauce. You can find recipe ideas here, for example:
- Baby porridge recipes: Homemade porridge with cereals, fruits and vegetables
- 4 vegetable soup recipes: ideas for every season
Wisdom teeth pull the body. Recommend for optimal wound healing some dentists Foods that are particularly rich in Proteins and Vitamin A are. For example, you should have potatoes, green vegetables, Carrots, Sweet potatoes and Eggs integrate into the menu.
To foods you eat in the aftermath of the surgery avoid should include:
- Dairy products
- whole grain products
- nuts and seeds
- Dried fruits, cherries and berries
- Spices and Herbs
- caffeinated drinks (like coffee or Energy drinks)
- alcohol
Whole grains, berries etc. should be avoided because crumbs, seeds and other small parts can accumulate in the wound and lead to inflammation.
Pulling wisdom teeth: costs
If dentists or oral surgeons confirm that from a medical point of view it is necessary to pull one or more wisdom teeth, statutory health insurance companies will cover the costs. Anesthesia is usually paid for by the health insurance company. You only have to bear the costs if you insist on general anesthesia, but this is not actually medically necessary. If you are privately insured, you should inquire with your health insurer about the applicable regulations and tariffs.
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