Wisdom teeth are the third molar on each side on the mouth and they grow in last. Here are 8 of the most frequently asked questions that you should know about these late bloomers.
1. What are the symptoms of wisdom teeth growth?
Wisdom teeth usually appear at around 18 years old. They can result in sensations ranging from a dull ache to a raging pain (which is caused by infection).
“Teething” pain is normal as the molar has to push through the gums in order to appear above the gum. The area around the wisdom tooth may become red, inflamed, or tender.
However, you should visit a dentist to evaluate if the pain is caused by your wisdom tooth or if it is indicative of an infection.
2. How long does it take wisdom teeth to grow?
Unfortunately, there is no answer to this. Some people have fully grown wisdom teeth by 25-years-old, whereas some wisdom teeth never erupt (appear above the gum) in their entire lives.
Impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that do not erupt because they are blocked by other teeth.
Some wisdom teeth only partially erupt, and this can result in an empty pocket that easily traps food. This can lead to tooth decay in the wisdom tooth or the surrounding teeth, or gum disease, if the pocket is not cleansed and brushed thoroughly enough.
And although impacted wisdom teeth remain beneath the gum, they can also lead to issues such as infection, crowding, cavities, or cysts within your gum.
This is why dentists will recommend wisdom teeth removal if the wisdom teeth are affecting your oral health.
3. Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?
We understand your fear. Hearing your friends recount their horror stories doesn’t help either.
However, the pain level for wisdom tooth surgery is usually not too high. Most patients feel discomfort in the form of pressure-like sensations rather than intense sharp pain.
4. But Wisdom Teeth Removal is Scary!
We understand that unfamiliar sensations and noises heard during the procedure can seem scary. We are here to help. Before your surgery, your doctor can explain each step to help you understand what you will go through.
During the procedure, you get to dictate the pace at which you want the surgery to progress. General anaesthetic or sedation are available should you wish to be unaware during the procedure.
5. How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
It normally takes about 1 week to recover from the wisdom tooth surgery. Most patients can resume light activities after 2-3 days.
6. Wisdom Teeth Removal is “Compulsory”
While wisdom teeth removal is advised in certain situations, not all people require all their wisdom teeth removed.
Our doctors are experienced professionals and will tailor the discussion according to the examination and radiographic findings.
7. My Doctor Has Asked Me To Remove All My Wisdom Teeth At One Go. Can My Body Take It?
Your doctor has made this recommendation after careful assessment of your health status. This is mostly carried out under sedation or general anaesthesia for your comfort. The discomfort after surgery is mostly well tolerated with the aid of medications.
While this is a common practice, we respect your autonomy should you wish to space out the treatment, and have the removal done over multiple visits instead.
8. How Much Is Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
For Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, part of your surgical fees can be paid for using your Medisave. We are also in the panel of several health insurance agencies. We provide financial counselling to help you understand the payment schemes. Ask our colleagues about this today.
In Summary
It is easy to deal with wisdom teeth growth if you stay informed. Work with your dentists to monitor its growth, and see if it may lead to crowding, infection, cavities, or cysts. If so, you may be advised to remove your wisdom teeth to protect your other teeth and gums.
Whilst wisdom teeth removal may seem scary, you can resume light activities within 3 days and recover in a week. Thus, don’t let fear get to you!
If you need a check-up for your wisdom teeth, book an appointment with our friendly dentists today. We will work with you to ensure that your wisdom teeth do not impact your long-term oral health.
