Many readers are interested in the following topic: Wisdom Teeth Growing Sideways. We are happy to note, that our authors have already studied the modern research about the topic you are interested in. Based on the information provided in the latest medical digests, modern research and surveys, we provide extensive answer. Keep reading to find out more.
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, and they are also the largest teeth in the mouth. As there is not enough space for wisdom teeth to erupt properly, they grow sideways. They are often pushed inwards near the teeth or outwards near the inner region of the cheeks.
Side Effects of Wisdom Teeth Growing Sideways
If your wisdom teeth do not grow normally, a couple of side effects may occur. Side effects of infected wisdom teeth include:
- Difficulties in eating solid foods
- Severe pain
- Very sensitive area around the wisdom teeth
- Infection and even bleeding of the gum
- Fever and headache
- Swelling of the outer cheek associated with discomfort and severe pain
- Injury of the jaw
- Loosing of the gum
- Difficulties in brushing
When You Need to Get It Extracted
If your wisdom teeth are already ill, the solution to your problem is tooth extraction.
Your dentist or an oral surgeon can extract your wisdom tooth. One or two wisdom teeth can be removed at the same time. If an infection occurs, the extraction of your tooth will be postponed until the infection clears up with antibiotics.
Local anesthesia is necessary when a wisdom tooth is removed. Your surgeon will open the gum tissue first and take out any bone that is covering your tooth. After the tissue is removed, the surgeon will extract the wisdom teeth growing sideways by cutting it into small pieces. To stop the bleeding, a folded cotton gauze is placed over the wound.
In cases when more than one or all wisdom teeth are removed at the same time, general anesthesia is usually applied.
Note: Swelling of the gums, bleeding and other uncomfortable symptoms can follow your tooth extraction. You should take a good care of your oral health and hygiene after a tooth extraction.
Tips to Speed up Recovery Process
- Prevent a dry socket: Dry socket is a painful complication that follows a tooth extraction. Although only a small number of people will develop it, you need to follow all the instructions your doctor gave you to prevent it from happening. Do not brush the operated area, do not move your head up and down quickly, and do not drink by a straw.
- Elevate your head when you sleep: Have you extracted your wisdom teeth growing sideways? Keep your head elevated for the first three days when you sleep will help you recover faster, because lying flat will make the blood volume increase near the wound and cause wound to throb.
- Apply ice pack on the cheek: Putting ice pack on the cheek near the extraction site will decrease your pain.
- Do not let your mouth get dry: Try to breathe through your nose. If you have to breathe through your mouth, use a room humidifier to moisten the air.
- Massage your masseter muscles: During the extraction of your wisdom teeth, the surgeon or dentist had to open your mouth widely, causing cramping and pain of masseter muscles. If you massage the masseter muscles near the jaw joint, you will have a faster recovery.
- Drink ice coconut water: After the extraction of your wisdom teeth, you are not able to eat solid food for the first few days. While lacking of nutrients will affects your recovery process, coconut water will help you get all the necessary nutrients and electrolytes.
- What to eat after wisdom teeth removal: Eating can be difficult after a wisdom teeth extraction. Here is a list of some soft foods that you can eat: