Written by : Dr Kriti Arora
Wisdom tooth removal has become quite common these days. More than any other tooth in the oral cavity, a wisdom tooth often fails to erupt or erupts partially. An impacted wisdom tooth usually does not contribute to your functional needs. It can cause several dental issues such as toothache, swelling, gum and bone diseases, damage to adjacent teeth, or even cysts and tumors. Sometimes, a wisdom tooth is also removed as a preventive measure to avoid potential problems that may occur in the future.
Let us dive a bit deeper and explore the wisdom behind wisdom tooth extraction.
TABLE OF CONTENTS :
· WISDOM TEETH - AN INTRODUCTION
· THE NEED FOR WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
· THE THIRD MOLAR SURGERY - WHAT TO EXPECT?
· POST-EXTRACTION CARE AT HOME
· FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
· KEY TAKEAWAYS
· SOURCES
WISDOM TEETH – An introduction
Wisdom teeth are your third molars/ last teeth to make room in your mouth. They are a set of four teeth located at the back of your other teeth: two at the top and two at the bottom. They erupt between the ages of 18 and 24 years with a slight variation.
Amongst all the teeth, third molars are the most commonly impacted ones. Usually, the impacted wisdom teeth do not become functional teeth. Wisdom teeth become partially or completely impacted owing to lack of space, or obstruction. The position of the third molar may vary from being horizontal, vertical, or tilted to one side. Due to their abnormal positioning, they can harm the adjacent teeth by putting pressure.
Dentists recommend wisdom tooth removal when a person complains of pain, swelling, or discomfort. A routine dental check-up may also detect the underlying impacted third molars. So, a dentist plans a comprehensive treatment. This planning includes the removal of your third molar and saving the adjacent molars.
THE NEED FOR WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL
A wisdom tooth/teeth are indicated for removal if you are suffering any of the following problems-
• Pain which may also radiate to your ear.
• Difficulty in mouth opening.
• Food lodgement in your third molar area.
• Bad breath.
• Tooth decay or gum inflammation or both.
• They may even push and harm the adjacent teeth.
• Pus discharge (abscess formation).
• Cyst formation (a cavity containing fluid).
A dentist may also suggest extracting an asymptomatic wisdom tooth (one without any current issues) to avoid dental problems in the future.
THIRD MOLAR SURGERY- What to expect?
PRE-SURGERY
Your dentist will get your x-rays before the commencement of the procedure. The dentist may also suggest routine blood tests. As per your medical status, more specific test reports such as blood sugar levels may also be needed. In case you have any medical issues or allergies, please inform your dentist about the same.
ON THE DAY OF SURGERY-
The entire surgery takes place in aseptic conditions. Your dentist will inject a local anesthetic before beginning the wisdom tooth surgery to prevent any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Then, the wisdom tooth removal is done as per your custom surgical plan. Sutures are placed at the surgical site to help in the healing and protection of the surgical site.
POST-EXTRACTION CARE
There are a few at-home care instructions that one has to follow for easy recovery and minimum discomfort. Contact your dental office immediately if you notice any unusual pain, swelling, or bleeding.
Rinsing - Avoid vigorous rinsing within 48 hours after wisdom tooth extraction as it may disturb the initial healing (clot formation).
Pain - Take your painkillers and antibiotics as advised to you by your dentist.
Swelling - You may wrap a block of chopped ice in a towel or use an ice pack on the affected area. Use it on and off for a few minutes several times a day. If you notice increased swelling, get in touch with your dental office.
Dietary restrictions - Consume a light and soft diet during the initial 2-3 days.
Bleeding - Slight redness or oozing is not unusual. Biting firmly on the gauze pad reduces the same. A tea bag may also help during such episodes.
Brushing Routine - You should continue to brush normally but avoid disturbing the extraction site until your sutures are removed.
Follow-up Visit - Sutures are removed approximately after a week. The appointment is shorter, and no anesthesia is administered to remove the suture. Your dentist also examines the initial recovery at this visit.
FAQ’S
When should I remove the wisdom tooth? You should get your wisdom tooth/teeth removed if you have pain, discomfort, swelling, or a deep cavity. Also, wisdom tooth removal is done as a preventive measure to avoid dental problems in the future. Is wisdom tooth removal painful? NO! Before starting the dental procedure, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to make it a painless experience for you. How does a dentist assess the need for removing wisdom teeth? A clinical check-up at a dental office helps in understanding your problem (symptoms). Then the dentist confirms the same with a radiographic assessment. An OPG (a full mouth 2d image) is also required to trace the tooth and associated structures.
Should I take a leave or rest at home? Well, it’s a choice as per your comfort. If you want some rest, then you may take a day off. There might be a little discomfort that will subside within three days. You must follow the dentist’s instructions- the combination of medications, food modifications, and routine dental care. Will smoking relieve the discomfort of wisdom tooth removal? Smoking is a big NO after wisdom tooth extraction! Avoid alcohol and smoking. Soft drinks with straws or consuming anything overly hot is also prohibited. How much is the cost of wisdom tooth extraction? It can be like other simple extractions if it’s in the correct position and fully erupted. However, wisdom tooth removal is usually higher than normal extraction due to its location and positioning in the oral cavity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· Third molar extraction is one of the most common oral surgery procedures.
· Do not worry and talk about your concerns to your dentist.
· Your treatment planning will vary according to your symptoms.
· The skill of your dentist also plays a significant role in your smooth experience.
At Clean and Correct Dentistry, we have multi-specialty work culture. So, only an oral surgeon will perform the third molar removal. If you wish to know more or have queries on third molar extraction, we are a text/call away.
If you have already got your wisdom tooth removed, we would love to know about your experience! Please feel free to share your story in the comments below.
SOURCES
1. Ness, G.M., Blakey, G.H. and Hechler, B.L., 2022. Impacted teeth. Peterson’s principles of oral and maxillofacial surgery, pp.131-169.
2. Samsudin, A.R. and Mason, D.A., 1994. Symptoms from impacted wisdom teeth. British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 32(6), pp.380-383.
3. Ghaeminia, H., Perry, J., Nienhuijs, M.E., Toedtling, V., Tummers, M., Hoppenreijs, T.J., Van der Sanden, W.J. and Mettes, T.G., 2016. Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease‐free impacted wisdom teeth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
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