At Alpine Smiles in Lugano, we specialize in all aspects of wisdom teeth care, from routine checks to safe extractions when necessary. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, emerge later than other teeth, usually between 17 and 25 years old, and their placement at the back of each jaw can sometimes cause discomfort or alignment problems. Due to limited space in the jaw or their placement, wisdom teeth may push against other teeth, be impacted (become stuck in the jaw), or develop partially, resulting in complications.
What is a wisdom tooth?
The wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge in the dental arch and are placed in the back of the mouth. Their late eruption and their placement mean that they often cause problems, for example by pressing on other teeth or causing inflammation due to the difficulty of cleaning these areas. Wisdom teeth aren't essential for chewing, so if they cause problems, extraction is often a helpful solution.
When do wisdom teeth become a problem?
You may need to remove your wisdom teeth if they cause pain, swelling, infection, or other problems that could affect the health of the surrounding teeth. Even wisdom teeth that don't currently cause discomfort can create future challenges, such as:
• Crowding and misalignment: When there isn't enough space in the mouth, wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, causing crowding and potentially compromising smile alignment.
• Difficulty with cleaning: Because of their position, wisdom teeth are often harder to reach and clean properly, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum infections.
• Increased risk of gum disease: Partially erupted or misaligned wisdom teeth can be prone to infection, as they are harder to clean and bacteria can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas.
• Tooth decay: Because wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, tooth decay can set in quickly, causing pain and infection.
When to consider removing wisdom teeth?
If you experience symptoms such as discomfort, swelling, pain in the back of your mouth, or difficulty opening your jaw, it's a good time to consult Alpine Smiles. Our dentists perform a thorough evaluation using panoramic x-rays (OPG) to determine if your wisdom teeth are currently causing, or could cause, future problems. Sometimes, X-rays can reveal signs of pericoronitis, a common infection around partially erupted wisdom teeth, which may remain symptom-free but still requires extraction.
Early removal is often recommended if there are signs that a wisdom tooth could lead to future complications. The younger you are at the end of the extraction, the smoother and faster the healing will be, as bone density increases with age, making extraction more difficult. In short, removing a wisdom tooth sooner or later not only makes the procedure easier, but it also makes the experience more comfortable for you.
We generally recommend removing the upper and lower wisdom teeth on the same side at the same time. Because the area is already anesthetized, this approach minimizes future problems, since otherwise the opposing wisdom tooth would have no function and could complicate cleaning. By working on both teeth at the same time, any potential discomfort is felt in a single procedure, instead of undergoing two separate treatments on the same side.
Procedure for extracting the wisdom tooth
Our Lugano clinic offers painless and minimally invasive wisdom tooth removal procedures. Using advanced techniques, our dental professionals ensure a comfortable experience with effective local anaesthesia and personalized aftercare guidance. Surgical extraction may be necessary for affected teeth, which involves a precise incision and removal of any bone that obstructs access to the tooth. This is done with the utmost care to minimize discomfort and promote rapid healing.
Post-extraction care for wisdom teeth
Proper after-sales care after wisdom tooth extraction is essential to prevent complications such as dry alveolitis or infection. Our team will guide you through recovery, providing advice on diet, pain management, and how to maintain oral hygiene as the extraction site heals. A slight swelling or discomfort after removal is typical, and our dental professionals are here to help if you have any concerns.
Alpine Smiles Emergency Dental Services
If you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection in a wisdom tooth, we recommend that you schedule an immediate visit to Alpine Smiles. Delaying treatment for wisdom teeth problems can lead to more serious complications. Our team provides quick evaluations and, if necessary, immediate treatments to alleviate discomfort and protect dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Wisdom Teeth
Why do some people need wisdom teeth removed?
Limited jaw space and changes in diet and oral health needs over time have made wisdom teeth less necessary. If they press against other teeth, cause discomfort, or are at risk of tooth decay or infection, it is generally advisable to remove them.
What are the symptoms of affected wisdom teeth?
Common signs include pain or soreness near the gums or jaw, unpleasant breath, or bad taste when chewing near the area. Even more serious symptoms, such as difficulty opening the mouth completely or swollen lymph nodes, may signal the need for attention.
Can affected wisdom teeth damage other teeth?
Yes, affected wisdom teeth can put pressure on adjacent teeth, causing discomfort, structural changes, or an increased risk of tooth decay and gum problems.
Tips after removing the wisdom tooth
1) Unless you have a physically demanding job, you can go to work the next day.
2) Avoid exercise or strenuous activity for the first day to prevent bleeding.
3) Avoid touching the wound with your fingers or tongue.
4) Do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for the first 3 hours after the procedure to prevent bleeding and infection.
5) Keep your mouth clean to avoid infection of the wound. The dentist will provide instructions for rinsing and brushing.
6) Avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours and refrain from smoking during the entire healing process.
7) You can eat normally, but many people prefer soups and soft foods the following days.
8) Do not vacuum objects or drink with straws as this could cause dry alveolitis.
9) If the wound continues to bleed, you can bite through sterile gauze for 30 minutes at a time. Do not use cotton balls, as the fibers may stick to the blood clot.
10) If you experience swelling, wrap an ice pack and hold it against your cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
11) You may have some difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing for a few days. This issue usually resolves within a couple of days. Be patient, as the wound may remain tender for several days.
At Alpine Smiles, our dedicated team of professionals is here to manage the needs of wisdom teeth, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience from initial assessment to post-treatment care.
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