Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of your mouth. Many people experience issues with their wisdom teeth, such as impaction, crowding, or improper alignment, which may necessitate their removal.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
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Impaction: Wisdom teeth may not fully emerge through the gum line, leading to impaction. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
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Crowding: Lack of space in the jaw can cause wisdom teeth to emerge at an angle, leading to crowding and misalignment of nearby teeth.
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Decay and Gum Disease: Due to their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can be challenging to clean properly, making them susceptible to decay and gum disease.
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Pain and Discomfort: Wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort, especially during their eruption.
Diagnosis
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When you present to your oral surgeon with symptoms of wisdom tooth pain, your surgeon will examine your mouth and teeth to determine if the pain is caused by your wisdom teeth or if something else is causing your symptoms.
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Dental x-rays are then taken to see where your wisdom teeth are and if they are impacted. X-rays are also used to check for any signs of damage to your teeth or bone.
Removal Process
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Evaluation: Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your wisdom teeth through X-rays and a clinical examination to determine if removal is necessary.
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Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity and the patient's preference.
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Extraction: The dentist or oral surgeon will extract the wisdom teeth. This may involve cutting through the gum tissue and, in some cases, removing a portion of the bone.
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Stitches: Stitches may be required to close the incisions. These are usually dissolvable and don't need removal.
What is the recovery process like?
After extraction or surgery, you will experience some discomfort such as pain, bleeding, and swelling. Your oral surgeon will provide you with antibiotics, pain medications, and instructions on how to care for your wound.
Aftercare for your wisdom tooth removal
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Bite down on the gauze for one to two hours; change the gauze if it becomes soaked with blood
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Do not consume food or drinks for a few hours after surgery
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Do not smoke
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Consume only soft foods for two to three days after surgery
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Rinse your mouth with salt water or antiseptic mouthwash after
