Wisdom Teeth Removal

An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that has failed to erupt from the gum line fully and is therefore unable to function correctly. It can cause various issues, including pain, infection, and crowding of surrounding teeth. In some situations, it may be necessary to undergo dental surgery to lessen the symptoms of wisdom teeth.

Pain relief is the number one cause of why patients need wisdom teeth removal. Visit your dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing tooth pain or discomfort. They’ll examine whether the problem is related to the wisdom teeth or something else entirely. The acute pain may subside with time.

Because of their position, wisdom teeth that are partially impacted are more prone to dental decay (caries) than other teeth. Because they are more challenging to clean, food particles and bacteria quickly build up between the gums and a partially erupted tooth when it partially erupts.

Dental decay can occur when teeth are not adequately cleaned due to poor brushing or an underlying bacterial infection.

It’s usually advisable to have your wisdom teeth removed if they’re impacted and hinder proper dental hygiene. However, teeth that erupt in a functional and upright posture don’t always need to be extracted, as long as they don’t cause pain or aren’t associated with decay or gum disease.

Remember, those wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth that it is difficult to clean. Even those that come in properly can develop problems over time. If you want to keep your wisdom teeth, brush and floss them thoroughly and see your dentist regularly.

First, you will be given sedation options with a local anesthetic or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is determined by how tough the dentist or surgeon believes the treatment will be as well as your level of anxiety. Depending on the type of anesthetic you’ll be having, you must refrain from eating or drinking for a particular number of hours before the procedure.

First, a gum incision exposes the tooth and bone behind the gum line. Then, the dentist will proceed with bone removal to allow access to the tooth root. Then, your teeth are separated into pieces to remove them quickly.

It is necessary to thoroughly clean the area around the tooth to ensure that no debris from the tooth or the bone is present. In some circumstances, stitches are required to aid in the healing process. It is necessary to lay a piece of gauze over the extraction site to limit bleeding and assist in forming a blood clot.

Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis)

Blood clots grow over the extraction sites to help your mouth recover after your wisdom teeth are removed. If the blood clot is released, the nerve under your gum is exposed to air or food debris, resulting in alveolar osteitis, or dry socket. At the extraction site, there may be throbbing or intense dental pain.

Swelling and Pain

Swelling and dental pain are common after tooth extractions, especially in the first one to three days after your wisdom teeth are removed. Your surgeon or dentist may recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain drugs. Contact your dentist’s office if you’re experiencing severe or moderate pain after a few days.

Mouth Opening Restriction

You may have transient trismus, restriction, or discomfort opening your mouth after a lengthy treatment such as tooth extraction. If you have persistent jaw stiffness or trismus, your dentist may recommend heat therapy, prescription pain medication, and muscle relaxants.

Severe bleeding

Bleeding is expected in the first 8–12 hours following extraction because a blood clot takes time to form over the extraction site. To reduce bleeding, your dentist or oral surgeon will offer you guidelines such as not smoking and washing your mouth with saltwater.

Care instructions from your dentist must be followed to maintain good dental care. Wisdom teeth removal surgery is a procedure that is also prone to rare complications, so you must take care of your oral health.

• During the recovery period, apply an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours after the extraction. Icing will help you feel better and reduce swelling. Apply the ice packs for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for a total of 1-2 hours.
• Take a bite out of your cotton gauze. The pressure will assist in the halting of the bleeding.
• Keep your mouth clean to avoid bad breath as well. Once a day, gargle with a saltwater solution to maintain good oral health.
• Take your prescription pain medication exactly as directed. An over-the-counter pain reliever is also an option.
• Avoid spicy food and hot food. Eat soft foods after a few days of the removal of wisdom teeth.
• Get some rest during your recovery time before resuming normal activities.