Are you advised for wisdom tooth removal? Worried about the procedure? We have you covered!
The four wisdom teeth or the molars, located at the far end of the jaw are the last molars. These teeth generally appear between the age of 17 – 25 years. Did you know – some people never develop wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are not always problematic, for some, these molars erupt normally — just as their other molars did and cause no problems.
When they erupt without any problems, healthy wisdom teeth can be a valuable asset to your mouth.
But most of the time, the wisdom tooth appears to be either crooked or impacted or one lying perpendicular to the teeth roots. Sometimes, even if erupted properly, the cavity can form on the innermost side of the tooth.
If a wisdom tooth is impacted or in other words doesn’t have room to grow – there will be pain and discomfort which will eventually result in the development of infection or other dental problems. In most of these cases, you will be advised to extract or pull out the wisdom tooth.
Wisdom tooth extraction will be done by a dentist or an oral surgeon.
Why Wisdom Teeth Need Extraction:
– Limited space: The human jaw may not have enough room to accommodate wisdom teeth, causing them to become impacted or misaligned.
– Impaction: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling, and infection.
– Crowding: Wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding in the mouth, potentially shifting adjacent teeth.
– Gum infection: Wisdom teeth can be challenging to clean properly, leading to gum disease and infection.
– Tooth decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can be susceptible to decay due to their difficult-to-reach location.
– Associated with a cystic lesion.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure:
– Consultation: A thorough examination and X-rays are performed to assess the position and condition of the wisdom teeth.
– Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure.
– Extraction: The dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision, removes the tooth, and stitches the incision if necessary.
– Recovery: Patients are closely monitored and given post-operative instructions.
Aftercare:
– Pain management: Pain and discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
– Swelling: Swelling can be reduced with cold compression and rest.
– Soft diet: A soft diet is recommended during the initial healing phase.
– Oral hygiene: Careful brushing with a soft manual brush.
– Avoid rinsing your mouth post-operatively for 24 hours
– Avoid smoking and alcohol during the healing process
– Follow-up appointments: Patients should attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor the healing process.
Potential Complications:
– Dry socket: This painful condition can occur if the blood clot in the extraction site dislodges.
– Infection: Infection is possible after extraction and requires prompt treatment.
– Nerve damage: temporary numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or chin can result from nerve damage during the procedure.
– Sinus issues: Upper wisdom tooth extraction can lead to sinus-related problems.
Recovery Timeline:
– Initial recovery takes a few days to a week.
– Full recovery can take several weeks, with complete bone healing taking several months.
When to Call Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon:
– Excessive bleeding
– Severe radiating pain not responding to medication
– Foul smell or bad taste in the mouth
– Signs of infection (fever, pus, increasing swelling)
– Persistent numbness or tingling
Conclusion:
Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure that can help prevent a range of oral health issues. It’s important to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best course of action for your specific case. With proper care and attention to aftercare instructions, most patients can recover comfortably and avoid potential complications. If you have concerns about your wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dental professional for guidance and evaluation.