Wisdom Teeth Concerns, Are You Ignoring Them? | Consult SACHI Dental Clinic in Mita & Shibakoen

Are you experiencing symptoms like “My wisdom tooth hurts,” “My wisdom tooth is swollen,” or are you unsure if you should have your wisdom teeth removed? As the last permanent teeth to erupt, wisdom teeth often lack sufficient space, causing them to grow sideways, diagonally, or remain impacted within the gums, potentially leading to various problems. At SACHI Dental Clinic, we propose the optimal treatment plan tailored to each patient’s condition. If you have concerns, please don’t hesitate to consult with us.

Should Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted? Or Is It Okay Not To?

Wisdom teeth do not always need to be extracted. However, in the following cases, extraction should be considered. Additionally, even if there are no current problems, some choose early extraction to prevent future issues. On the other hand, there are cases where wisdom teeth do not need to be removed.

Cases Where Extraction is Recommended

• The wisdom tooth itself is decayed: Wisdom teeth are hard to reach with a toothbrush and prone to decay. This risk increases if they are growing sideways or diagonally, as food particles easily get trapped.
• The wisdom tooth is causing surrounding gum swelling or pain (Pericoronitis): This is a condition where bacteria infect the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth, causing inflammation. If pericoronitis recurs, extraction should be considered.
• The wisdom tooth poses a high risk of causing decay or gum disease in the adjacent tooth: Wisdom teeth can push against the neighboring tooth, leading to misalignment or creating gaps where decay or gum disease can easily develop. “Wisdom tooth decay” can negatively affect surrounding teeth.
• The wisdom tooth is growing sideways or diagonally, negatively affecting alignment or bite: Wisdom teeth can push adjacent teeth, causing misalignment. A poor bite can also lead to issues like TMJ disorders.
• The wisdom tooth is fully impacted within the bone, but abnormalities such as cysts are visible on X-rays: A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can grow, potentially dissolving surrounding bone or making the jawbone more prone to fracture.

Cases Where Extraction May Not Be Necessary

• The wisdom tooth has erupted straight and bites properly with the opposing tooth: In such cases, it functions like other teeth, and extraction is not necessary.
• The wisdom tooth is completely impacted within the bone, causing no symptoms like pain or swelling, and not negatively affecting surrounding teeth or tissues: In these situations, monitoring the condition is often sufficient.
• There is potential to use the wisdom tooth for a transplant or as a support for a bridge if an adjacent tooth is lost in the future: However, usability depends on the condition and position of the wisdom tooth.

It’s difficult to determine on your own “whether to extract wisdom teeth” or “not extract wisdom teeth.” We recommend visiting a dental clinic for an examination and consultation with a dentist first. At SACHI Dental Clinic, we use the latest equipment like X-rays and CT scans to accurately diagnose the condition of your wisdom teeth and propose the optimal treatment plan for each patient.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Flow

At our clinic, wisdom tooth extraction follows this general flow:

1. First Visit & Consultation

First, we will check the condition of your mouth and listen to your concerns and wishes regarding your wisdom teeth. We perform a detailed examination including a medical history review, intraoral examination, and X-rays to assess the state of your wisdom teeth.

Based on the examination results, we will carefully explain the necessity of extraction, risks, costs, etc. We proceed with treatment only after you are fully informed and have agreed. Please feel free to ask about anything that concerns you, such as “wisdom tooth extraction cost.”

2. Day of Extraction

On the day of extraction, we will confirm that you are in good health before starting the treatment.

If necessary, a CT scan may be performed to get a three-dimensional view of the positional relationship between the wisdom tooth and surrounding tissues.

Our clinic strives for pain-conscious treatment, using topical anesthesia and electric anesthesia injectors to minimize the pain of the anesthetic injection.

The extraction method varies depending on how the wisdom tooth has erupted:

• Erupted Straight, Root Not Curved: In most cases, extraction is possible without incising the gum. The extraction time is typically around 30 minutes per tooth.
• Sideways / Impacted: The gum is incised, and extraction is performed, possibly by sectioning the tooth or removing surrounding bone as needed. Extraction time for such wisdom teeth often takes about 1 hour.

After extraction, the wound may be sutured, and a hemostatic agent may be placed. Finally, you will bite on gauze to confirm hemostasis (bleeding has stopped), and if there are no problems, you can go home.

3. Post-Extraction Care

After extraction, antibiotics and painkillers will be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling. We will also provide detailed instructions regarding post-extraction precautions (diet, brushing, exercise, bathing, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.). It is important to rest for 2-3 days after the extraction. Suture removal is typically done about 1 week after the extraction.

The post-operative course varies individually, but pain and swelling usually subside within a few days to a week. If severe pain or swelling persists, or if bleeding does not stop, please contact our clinic immediately.

Precautions After Wisdom Tooth Extraction | For a Comfortable Recovery

Please observe the following precautions after wisdom tooth extraction:

• Diet: For 2-3 hours post-extraction, refrain from eating or drinking until the anesthesia wears off, if possible. Afterwards, avoid the extraction site and start with soft foods, gradually returning to your normal diet. Avoid irritants and hard foods for about a week.
• Brushing: Avoid the extraction site and brush gently. Brush other teeth thoroughly, taking care near the wound. Accumulation of food debris and bacteria can impede wound healing.
• Rinsing: Avoid vigorous rinsing on the day of extraction. Strong rinsing can dislodge the blood clot (keppei) that protects the wound, delaying healing.
• Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of extraction. Increased blood circulation can cause bleeding or pain.
• Bathing: Avoid bathing on the day of extraction; showering is acceptable.
• Smoking: Smoking delays wound healing and increases the risk of infection. We recommend abstaining from smoking for about a week after extraction.
• Alcohol: Alcohol increases blood circulation, causing bleeding or pain. It can also weaken or intensify the effects of prescribed medication. Refrain from alcohol for several days post-extraction.
• Pain/Swelling: If you experience pain or swelling, take the prescribed medication and apply a cold compress to the area. However, avoid over-cooling, as it can impair blood circulation and delay healing.

Further detailed information has been added to the content provided:

• Things to avoid on the day of the procedure:
  • Although we confirm hemostasis before you leave, please avoid activities that increase blood circulation on that day, as there is a risk of re-bleeding.
  • Bathing: Please limit yourself to a shower.
  • Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise and rest quietly.
  • Alcohol: Please refrain from alcohol while taking medication, as it can affect the medication’s efficacy.
• Blood may mix with saliva for 2-3 days.
  • This is due to the wound; small amounts are normal.
  • If concerned, roll up clean gauze, bite down gently for 15-20 minutes for pressure hemostasis to stop the bleeding.
  • This method will be explained after the procedure.
  • If you are still concerned, or if there is significant bleeding filling the mouth even when doing nothing, please contact the clinic immediately.
• Due to the pressure applied during extraction, bruising may occur on the face.
  • Like other bruises, this typically heals within 1-2 weeks post-extraction.
  • If you have scheduled photo opportunities, it’s advisable to consider this when planning.
• Swelling or pain may occur.
  • We prescribe medication considering your overall health and any allergies; please take it as directed.
• If swollen, avoid excessive heating or cooling.
  • Heating can increase blood flow causing re-bleeding; over-cooling can impair circulation and hinder healing.
  • Gently applying a damp towel is better than using ice packs directly.
• Although there is a wound post-surgery, please brush up to the adjacent tooth thoroughly.
  • Be careful not to injure the wound again; brush gently near the area.
  • If dirt or plaque accumulates near the wound, it can lead to infection or poor healing.
  • Rinse gently as well.

Precautions regarding extraction will be explained again in advance. Please feel free to ask about anything, such as “what to eat after wisdom tooth extraction” or “brushing after wisdom tooth extraction.”

Persistent Mouth Sores Require Caution | Possibility of Oral Cancer

Mouth sores (canker sores) usually heal naturally within about 1-2 weeks. However, in the following cases, it might not be just a simple mouth sore but potentially a sign of a disease like oral cancer. Please consult a dental clinic promptly.

• Does not heal for over 1 month
• Gradually getting larger
• Presence of a hard lump
• Bleeds easily
• Surface appears whitish, or reddish/blackish
• No pain

Oral cancer has a high possibility of cure if detected and treated appropriately early on. If a mouth sore doesn’t heal, don’t ignore it; consult a specialist soon. Our clinic also performs oral cancer screenings, so please feel free to inquire. It’s important to first confirm the condition through an examination.