Wisdom teeth are the innermost teeth in the dental arch, often causing many dangerous complications for oral health. Therefore, most cases of wisdom tooth eruption are recommended for extraction. But after a wisdom tooth extraction, do you need to replace it? Let’s find out in detail with My Auris Dental Clinic in the article below!
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last molars to erupt in the dental arch. These teeth appear latest, usually between the ages of 17 and 30. However, the function of wisdom teeth in the chewing process is not yet truly clear.
Due to late eruption, when the jawbone and surrounding teeth have already fully developed, wisdom teeth often encounter difficulties erupting. Limited space in the dental arch makes these teeth prone to misaligning, erupting in the wrong direction, or becoming impacted, causing prolonged pain. This condition can lead to gingivitis, swollen gums, and severely impact oral health.
Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the dental arch
Why is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?
In dentistry, tooth extraction is a last resort when conservative treatments are ineffective. However, wisdom teeth are often recommended for extraction even if no complications have yet appeared. The reason is that wisdom teeth do not have a significant function in the chewing system but pose many potential risks to oral health.
Function of Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the dental arch and do not contribute to chewing function like molars, nor do they play an aesthetic role like incisors. Therefore, extracting wisdom teeth does not affect chewing function or the aesthetics of the dentition.
Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain and Discomfort During Eruption
When wisdom teeth begin to erupt, the dental arch has already developed fully, leaving insufficient space for them to emerge in the correct position. As a result, wisdom teeth often erupt misaligned or become impacted, causing prolonged and recurrent pain. In many cases, extraction is the only way to alleviate the pain.
Wisdom tooth extraction should be done as early as possible
Risk of Oral Diseases and Complications
Due to their position at the back of the arch, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean thoroughly, easily accumulating plaque and bacteria that cause pericoronitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay. Furthermore, misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth can push against adjacent molars (tooth #7), leading to malocclusion and many dangerous complications. In such cases, surgical wisdom tooth extraction is a necessary intervention.
The Sooner Wisdom Teeth Are Extracted, the Better
Wisdom tooth extraction should be performed as early as possible when the dentist determines that the tooth is misaligned or causing problems. For impacted wisdom teeth, surgical extraction will help limit dangerous complications. After extraction, you need to follow post-extraction care instructions and have regular dental check-ups to ensure quick wound healing.
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Painful?
Many people worry about pain during tooth extraction, especially for wisdom teeth. However, with the aid of ultrasonic waves, this process has become gentle, minimally invasive, and virtually painless. Additionally, the dentist will administer local anesthetic before the procedure and prescribe pain relievers after the extraction surgery, helping you feel more comfortable.
The current wisdom tooth extraction time is only about 30 minutes for cases of misaligned or impacted teeth. If the tooth is straight, the process will be faster, ensuring extraction safety and minimizing complications.
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common outpatient procedure
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Replaced After Extraction?
Wisdom teeth usually do not play an important role in chewing function or oral aesthetics. In fact, they often erupt misaligned or impacted, causing pericoronitis, infection, pain, and discomfort. Therefore, after wisdom tooth extraction, replacing this tooth is unnecessary.
After wisdom tooth extraction, you do not need to worry about tooth shifting or bone loss, as this tooth is located at the very back of the dental arch. The empty space after extraction will gradually be filled by gum tissue and surrounding structures, without affecting oral health or aesthetics.
Furthermore, replacing wisdom teeth does not offer significant benefits in terms of chewing function or aesthetic improvement. Therefore, many dental professionals recommend against restoring wisdom teeth.
If you still wish to replace a wisdom tooth, you cannot use a dental bridge due to the lack of adjacent teeth to support the crown. The only feasible method is a dental implant.
A dental implant can completely replace both the tooth root and the crown, functioning independently without needing adjacent teeth for support. However, since wisdom teeth do not have an essential role and the cost of dental implants is quite high, this restoration is generally not recommended.
What to Avoid After Wisdom Tooth Extraction for Quick Recovery?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common outpatient surgical procedure. After wisdom tooth extraction, the recovery period ranges from 3 to 4 days, but it can be faster or slower depending on the care regimen. For quicker wound healing, you should avoid the following:
Avoid Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that can slow down blood clotting, increasing the risk of infection and pain. You should avoid smoking for at least 48 hours after tooth extraction.
Limit Aspirin Use
Aspirin has a blood-thinning effect, which can cause blood clots to dislodge easily, prolonging healing time. Only use medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Do Not Touch the Extraction Site
Touching the wound with your tongue, fingers, or sharp objects can cause bleeding, infection, and prolong the healing process.
Avoid Certain Foods
For the first 24-48 hours, eat soft foods such as soup, porridge, and yogurt to avoid strong impact on the extraction area. Hot foods can dissolve blood clots, while spicy and acidic foods can easily irritate the wound, prolonging recovery time. Biscuits, nuts, and potato chips can get stuck in the tooth socket, causing infection or inflammation.
Do Not Rinse Vigorously
Rinsing too vigorously can dislodge the blood clot, leading to prolonged bleeding. You should use a gentle saline rinse after 24 hours.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
High-intensity physical activity can increase blood pressure, causing the wound to bleed. You should rest for at least the first 24 hours.
To prevent infection after tooth extraction, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to control swelling and inflammation
What Medication to Take After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
After wisdom tooth extraction, supportive medication is crucial to help reduce pain, swelling, and prevent infection. The dentist usually prescribes appropriate medications to aid the recovery process and limit complications.
Post-extraction pain is often unavoidable. To manage pain, the doctor may prescribe analgesics to inhibit sensory nerves, providing quick pain relief.
Acetaminophen: Commonly used for mild to moderate pain relief and mild fever reduction.
Dosage: Take a maximum of 2 tablets per dose, with each dose spaced 4-6 hours apart, and do not exceed 4 tablets per day.
Medication contraindications: Individuals with alcohol addiction, cardiovascular disease, anemia, or liver/kidney problems should not use Acetaminophen.
The effect of local anesthetic lasts for 1-1.5 hours after tooth extraction. When the anesthetic wears off, pain may appear, so pain relievers can be taken as needed to control symptoms.
To prevent infection after tooth extraction, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to control post-extraction swelling and inflammation and limit bacterial invasion.
Medication duration: Should be used for the first 5-7 days after tooth extraction.
Common antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Tetracycline, Spiramycin (often combined with Metronidazole for increased efficacy).
Medication use after tooth extraction must strictly follow the doctor’s instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
At My Auris Dental Clinic, wisdom tooth extraction is performed in an internationally standard sterile environment
Safe, Painless Wisdom Tooth Extraction at My Auris Dental Clinic
Wisdom tooth extraction is an important minor surgery that needs to be performed at a reputable dental clinic to ensure safety and avoid affecting health. Choosing a facility with full licensing, modern medical equipment, and a team of skilled doctors will give you greater peace of mind during treatment.
At My Auris Dental Clinic, wisdom tooth extraction is performed in an internationally standard sterile environment, utilizing a modern anesthetic system to minimize discomfort. Specifically, with Piezotome technology, wisdom tooth removal is fast, painless, minimally invasive, reduces bleeding, and supports better recovery.
My Auris prides itself on having a team of excellent, highly qualified doctors who graduated with Master’s degrees in the UK and have successfully treated thousands of clients. Thanks to their extensive experience and strong expertise, all wisdom tooth extractions here ensure absolute safety.
In addition to modern techniques, My Auris also focuses on post-operative care. Clients receive guidance on proper diet and oral hygiene to ensure quick recovery. Furthermore, service costs are reasonably and transparently listed, allowing you to choose with confidence.
If you still have questions about whether wisdom teeth need to be replaced after extraction or wish to schedule a consultation, please contact us immediately via hotline 0906038017 for prompt answers. My Auris Dental Clinic – The perfect solution for a healthy, beautiful smile!
