Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are the last set of permanent teeth to erupt in your mouth. It is also known as third molars and are located at the back of the mouth. Though some people may not have it grown, they are usually gotten at the age of age 17-25 years old. Dentist usually advised to remove it before it fully erupts for one main reason and that is because it can cause many oral complications.

The procedure of extracting the wisdom tooth is surgical and may be done at the dentist’s office or hospital. It is carefully examined by a series of an oral examinations to identify its position and problem.

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

The dentist will often recommend the extraction of the wisdom teeth due to the following reasons:

• Impacted: This is one of the main problems of wisdom teeth in which they do not erupt properly. Impacted wisdom teeth are very painful as they get trapped in the jawbone often in a lying-down angle.
• Crowding: The wisdom tooth erupts in a wrong angle wherein it harms the adjacent teeth.
• Gum Complications: The gums begin to swell and may lead to further complication such as periodontal disease. It also creates a pocket which causes the gums to get infected and decay.
• Sinus problems: The wisdom tooth may push against the sinuses, therefore, creating pressure which results in pain and congestion.

Signs of Wisdom Teeth Complications

There are many signs and symptoms which indicates that the wisdom teeth need to be extracted. Some of these signs are:

• Severe pain in the molar area
• Swelling and Redness of the gums
• Pain on the jaw area especially when biting
• Tooth decay on the adjacent area of the wisdom tooth.
• Bad breath and taste are present due to infection or decay.

The Procedure

Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure which is why it requires a very thorough process of examinations and procedure in order to have a successful surgery. It is important to know the steps to be knowledgeable about the proper things to do.

Before the Procedure:

• The dentist will require the patient to have teeth x-ray to full see the severity of growth and other complications of the wisdom teeth.
• A health evaluation is then conducted to the patient in order for the dentist to know about any health problems/complication and drug allergies the patient may have.
• The patient will be informed of the procedure in which the dentist will also discuss on what type of anesthesia will be administered during the surgery. These can depend on the patient’s comfort level and the complexity of the operation. The anesthesias are:
• Local anesthesia: To numb the area, the dentist will administer Novocain on the area by injecting it on the gums. Though you’ll feel movement, it will make you feel no pain yet still awake and alert.
• Sedation anesthesia: This is administered through an IV line in your arm. This will make the patient drowsy during the whole procedure. The dentist will also place a local anesthesia to numb the gums.
• General anesthesia: For complex situations, general anesthesia will be administered via IV or gas inhalation through the nose. The patient will be asleep the whole process and may take an hour to wake up after it is done.
• This is also the time to ask the dentist about any concerns or questions you may have.

During the Procedure:

• Depending on the placement of the tooth, the dentist will either extract it using a tool and pull it or make an incision on the area to expose the tooth and bone.
• The dentist will then remove the bone by diving into small sections or parts to make it easier to extract.
• To ensure that there will be no risk of infection, the area will be cleaned and disinfected.
• Lastly, the wound will be stitched to close it and heal. A gauze will be place on the area to control any bleeding.

After the Procedure:

• Expect swelling of the area as this is due to surgery that was made
• Bleeding will be present which is also normal. This usually last only for a few hours.
• Bruising may also be present but is also normal.

Aftercare Treatment

Always follow the advise of the dentist on what to do after the surgery to prevent any risk of infection or complication on the area. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Follow the prescribe medications given by the physician as this will ensure fast healing and prevent any infections.
• Avoid spitting,rinsing, sucking for at least 24 hours to prevent dry socket on the area.
• A liquid diet will be insisted for a few days to prevent any pressure or any damage on the wound.
• Drink plenty of water but avoid drinking caffeinated, alcoholic and hot beverages for at least a day.
• Take a day’s rest to ensure proper healing on the area.

Refrain from brushing your teeth for at least 24 hours. You may continue on the next day but be extra gentle on the area when brushing the teeth.