What Is a Wisdom Tooth? Is It Dangerous to Remove One? When Should It Be Extracted?

What is a wisdom tooth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars or tooth number 8, are the last teeth to erupt and are located at the very back of the dental arch.
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the teeth grow improperly or at the wrong angle, and they should be removed early to avoid affecting adjacent teeth. However, the signs of impacted wisdom teeth are not always clear or easy to detect—some grow in without causing any pain, making them hard to notice.

Each person may develop one to four wisdom teeth, or in some cases, none at all. According to dental professionals, wisdom teeth are classified as follows:

• Upper wisdom teeth: Tooth numbers 18 and 28

• Lower wisdom teeth: Tooth numbers 38 and 48

Signs That a Wisdom Tooth Is Growing

An impacted wisdom tooth refers to a condition where the tooth is trapped beneath the gum and jawbone and cannot erupt fully through the gum. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may eventually emerge, or they may remain in the form of a cyst, causing significant pain and discomfort.

Common signs that a wisdom tooth is growing include:

1. Swollen, Red, Painful Gums
   Since wisdom teeth emerge during adulthood, they often remain trapped beneath the gums because there is no space left in the jaw. This can lead to continuous swelling, redness, and pain in the gum area.

2. Swelling and Pain in the Gums
   An impacted wisdom tooth can affect the roots of nearby teeth, leading to prolonged pain and sensitivity, especially when eating. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth may press against nerves, causing pain in the temples and head.

3. Bad Breath and a Bitter Taste
   The attempt of the wisdom tooth to erupt may cause gum swelling, making it difficult to clean the area. Over time, food debris and plaque accumulate, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, which results in bad breath and a bitter taste in the mouth.

4. Mild Fever
   A mild fever may occur when a wisdom tooth begins to emerge. The discomfort of the tooth coming through can raise your body temperature temporarily. However, this condition is usually short-lived and resolves once the tooth fully emerges.

5. Loss of Appetite
   Loss of appetite or a general lack of interest in eating is a common result of tooth pain and the general discomfort associated with it. Particularly when the tooth is nearing eruption, the affected area may become numb, making eating uncomfortable and leading to reduced appetite in both adults and children.

Complications of Misaligned Wisdom Teeth

1. Damage to and Loss of Tooth Number 7
   Even though an impacted wisdom tooth may still develop like any other tooth, during its growth, it tends to move and push against the 7th tooth (molars). This can result in damage to both the crown and root of the 7th tooth, leading to persistent discomfort and pain. If this situation persists, it may cause severe damage to the molar, such as looseness, tooth migration, cavities, and even the destruction of the root and crown. In extreme cases, it could lead to tooth loss.

2. Nerve Damage
   Impacted wisdom teeth can affect surrounding nerves, particularly sensory nerves. The process of the tooth growing and developing can compress these nerves, leading to numbness and a loss of sensation in the mouth area. This can significantly impact chewing function if the issue is not addressed promptly.

3. Increased Risk of Gum Inflammation
   The movement of an impacted wisdom tooth continuously damages the gum tissue until the tooth erupts fully or is removed entirely. Throughout this process, the gums are subject to constant irritation and damage caused by the tooth. Common signs of gum inflammation include swollen, red, painful gums, and the appearance of pus.

4. Jaw Cyst Formation
   Misaligned wisdom teeth can lead to the resorption of the adjacent tooth’s root. In some cases, the wisdom tooth may degenerate into a cyst, which is a pathological lesion within the jawbone. This cyst can damage the jawbone, teeth, and surrounding nerves.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted?

Wisdom teeth should be extracted in the following cases:

1. Symptoms of Swelling, Pain, Recurrent Infection, or Cyst Formation Affecting Adjacent Areas:
   Wisdom teeth should be removed when there is repeated swelling, pain, or infection, or if cysts are affecting surrounding areas.

2. Wisdom Teeth Grow Straight, But Without an Opposing Tooth:
   If the wisdom tooth grows straight but lacks an opposing tooth, it may cause the tooth to erupt, leading to food impaction and gum injury. In this case, extraction is necessary to avoid further complications.

3. Food Gets Trapped in the Gaps Between the Wisdom Teeth:
   If food frequently gets stuck in the gaps between wisdom teeth, making oral hygiene difficult, extraction is necessary to prevent tooth decay and to protect adjacent teeth.

4. Misaligned, Impacted, or Crooked Wisdom Teeth:
   Wisdom teeth that are misaligned, impacted, or growing at an angle can damage the jawbone and neighboring teeth. These situations typically require removal.

5. Wisdom Teeth with Dental Issues Such as Cavities or Gum Disease:
   If the wisdom teeth are affected by decay or gum disease, extraction may be necessary.

However, not all cases of wisdom teeth require removal. Here are situations where wisdom teeth can be preserved without extraction:

1. Straight Wisdom Teeth Not Trapped Between the Gum or Bone Tissue:
   If the wisdom tooth grows straight and is not trapped between the gum or bone, it can be preserved.

2. Wisdom Teeth Affecting the Sinus or Nerve:
   If the wisdom tooth impacts the sinus or nerve directly, it should not be extracted unless absolutely necessary.

3. Individuals with Chronic Conditions:
   People with chronic conditions like blood clotting disorders or diabetes may be advised by their dentist not to undergo wisdom tooth extraction.

Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Nerves?

When wisdom teeth are extracted correctly and using proper technique, they generally do not affect the nerves or neighboring teeth.

Wisdom teeth are quite different from other teeth in terms of shape and position, which makes their extraction more complex. In most cases, extracting wisdom teeth doesn’t cause negative effects, but there are several factors that can influence the outcome, such as the technique used, the individual’s pain tolerance, and their overall health condition.

Effects on Nerves:
Wisdom teeth are surrounded by a network of nerves, so after extraction, some individuals may experience mild discomfort such as tingling or numbness in the tongue, lips, or cheeks. This is a common and temporary side effect after wisdom tooth removal.

Effects on Neighboring Teeth:
The neighboring tooth to the wisdom tooth is typically the molar (tooth number 7), which plays an important role in chewing. However, if the wisdom tooth has issues, it can affect the health of the molar.
Therefore, extracting the wisdom tooth may actually help protect the neighboring molar from potential complications and improve the overall health of the surrounding teeth.

If you’re concerned about specific risks, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to discuss your situation.

Is it dangerous to remove wisdom teeth?

Nowadays, with the advancement of science and technology, the process of removing wisdom teeth is smooth, quick, and safe. However, there may still be some risks if not performed properly, following the correct procedures and techniques:

Nerve damage: Nerve damage when removing wisdom teeth can result in symptoms such as tingling in the lips, tongue, and itchy teeth. Typically, these symptoms will disappear after a few hours or a few days.

Tooth socket infection: This condition causes swelling, inflammation, the appearance of pus, and symptoms such as high fever and a bad odor. The cause of this condition is usually due to improper care and hygiene.

Blood infection: After the removal of wisdom teeth, improper care and hygiene can easily lead to blood infection, with symptoms such as a rapid pulse and fever.

To ensure safety when removing wisdom teeth, you need to have proper care and hygiene. Additionally, it is important to choose a reputable dental clinic that meets the standards of sterility, hygiene, and has qualified doctors to ensure the wisdom tooth extraction process is safe.

How Long Does It Take to Recover After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Recovery after wisdom tooth extraction depends on various factors, including the patient’s body condition and the skill of the dentist performing the procedure. The healing process can be divided into the following stages:

1. First 24 Hours: This is the bleeding control phase and protecting the wound. It’s crucial to follow the dentist’s instructions to avoid complications during this period.

2. 2-3 Days After Extraction: Swelling around the cheek area may occur due to the dilation of blood vessels and increased blood flow to the extraction site.

3. After 7 Days: Stitches are usually removed, and the initial recovery is evident.

4. 7-10 Days After Extraction: The jaw begins to feel firmer, and the pain becomes significantly less.

5. After 2 Weeks: You can resume normal eating and daily activities.

6. 4-6 Months: The extraction socket will be fully healed and covered with new bone tissue.

Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Care Tips

To avoid complications and ensure proper healing after wisdom tooth extraction, you should keep the following tips in mind:

1. Swelling, Pain, and Bleeding: These are common symptoms after wisdom tooth extraction. Don’t worry too much—applying a cold compress to the cheek near the extraction site during the first day and then using a warm compress on subsequent days can help reduce swelling. If bleeding continues or doesn’t improve, contact your dentist immediately for advice.

2. Follow the Dentist’s Instructions: Take prescribed medications as directed to help promote faster healing. Do not take any over-the-counter pain relievers without consulting your dentist.

3. Regular Check-ups: Attend follow-up appointments as recommended by your dentist to ensure the wound is healing properly and to prevent complications.

4. Pain During Extraction: The level of pain experienced after wisdom tooth extraction largely depends on the skill of the dentist and the dental equipment used. To ensure faster healing and less discomfort, choose a reputable dental clinic with modern facilities and experienced professionals.

Dietary Recommendations After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to maintain a diet that supports healing and minimizes discomfort. Here are some dietary tips for faster recovery:

1. Foods to Eat:

   • Include foods rich in vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system.

   • If you’re still in pain during the initial days, opt for softer foods that are easy to eat, such as soups, porridge, eggs, and smoothies.

2. Foods to Avoid:

   • Avoid Hot Foods: Consuming food that is too hot can cause the blood clot that forms over the wound to dislodge, leading to excessive bleeding.

   • Limit Sweet Foods: Sweet foods can cause fermentation in the mouth, which might lead to inflammation and prolonged swelling.

   • Avoid Crunchy or Crumbly Foods: Foods like biscuits or crackers can break into small pieces, which may get lodged in the extraction site, causing pain and risk of infection.

   • Avoid Tough, Hard, or Undercooked Foods: These foods require excessive chewing, which can stress the extraction site and delay healing.

   • Limit Acidic Foods: Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges should be avoided as they may irritate the extraction area.

   • Avoid Alcohol, Tobacco, or Stimulants: Smoking, drinking alcohol, or consuming other stimulants can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

By adhering to these dietary guidelines, you can help ensure a smoother recovery and avoid complications after wisdom tooth extraction.

Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The cost of wisdom tooth extraction can vary depending on factors such as the position and condition of the tooth (e.g., upper or lower jaw, impacted, tilted, or straight), whether the tooth is decayed, and the technology and facilities of the dental clinic.

At Domin Dental Clinic, the price for wisdom tooth extraction typically ranges from 2 to 7 million VND. The exact cost will depend on the tooth’s condition, the degree of misalignment, and the complexity of the extraction. Before the procedure, the dentist will conduct an examination and assess the situation, providing an upfront cost estimate to ensure the customer feels comfortable and confident in the service.

Additionally, dental clinics often offer promotional programs to reduce costs for customers. To find out about current promotions, you can call the hotline or visit the clinic for a consultation. Dentists will offer free consultations to assess your situation. For direct consultation, feel free to click here.