Wisdom tooth extraction

Dental Health

Wisdom tooth extraction

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or your dentist, is capable of extracting a wisdom tooth. This procedure is typically performed in the office of the dentist or surgeon. However, you may require surgery in a hospital setting, particularly if you are having all of your wisdom teeth extracted simultaneously or if you are considered to be at a high risk for complications.

In cases where infections are present, the surgery is generally postponed until the infection has been resolved. Your doctor or dentist may prescribe antibiotics to assist in healing the infection.

Prior to the extraction of a wisdom tooth, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth. A general anesthetic may be utilized, especially if multiple or all wisdom teeth are to be removed at once. This type of anesthetic alleviates pain throughout the body and induces sleep during the procedure. It is likely that your dentist will advise you to refrain from eating or drinking after midnight on the night preceding the surgery to ensure you are ready for the anesthetic.

To extract the wisdom tooth, your dentist will incise the gum tissue above the tooth and remove any bone that may be obstructing it. The dentist will then separate the tissue that connects the tooth to the bone before extracting the tooth itself. In some instances, the dentist may divide the tooth into smaller fragments to facilitate its removal.

Following the extraction, you may require stitches. Some stitches are designed to dissolve naturally over time, while others will need to be removed after a few days. Your dentist will inform you whether your stitches require removal.

A folded cotton gauze pad placed over the extraction site will aid in controlling the bleeding.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more of the four wisdom teeth (third molars) located at the back of the mouth. These teeth often lack sufficient space to erupt properly, leading to impaction, pain, infection, or other dental problems. 

Reasons for Removal:

Impaction:

Wisdom teeth can become impacted (stuck) when they don't have enough space to fully emerge, leading to pain and other complications. 

Infection or Gum Disease:

Partially erupted wisdom teeth can be prone to infection or gum disease (periodontal disease). 

Tooth Decay:

Decay can occur in wisdom teeth that are partially exposed and difficult to clean. 

Damage to Nearby Teeth:

Impacted wisdom teeth can push against and damage adjacent teeth. 

Preventative Removal:

Some dentists and oral surgeons recommend removing wisdom teeth even if they are not currently causing problems, to prevent future issues. 

Procedure:

Anesthesia:

Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area, but sedation or general anesthesia may be used for more complex cases or anxious patients. 

Incision:

If the tooth is impacted, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to make an incision in the gum to access it. 

Tooth Division:

The tooth may be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal. 

Stitches:

Stitches may be used to close the incision, and these are usually dissolvable. 

Post-operative Care:

Pain medication, antibiotics (if needed), and careful wound care are important for proper healing. 

Recovery:

Swelling and Discomfort:

Swelling and discomfort are normal after wisdom tooth extraction and usually subside within a few days, according to NHS inform. 

Diet:

Soft foods are recommended for the first few days to avoid irritating the extraction site. 

Oral Hygiene:

Gentle cleaning of the teeth is important, but avoid vigorous rinsing or using a straw for the first few days. 

Avoid Smoking:

Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications like dry socket, says Roden Oral Surgery. 

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