February 27, 2024
Are your wisdom teeth causing pain, sensitivity, оr persistent bad breath? If so, you might be considering wisdom teeth removal. This routine procedure, typically performed by a dentist оr oral surgeon, can alleviate discomfort and potential future complications.
During the extraction, an incision іs made іn your gum tissue, and sometimes bone material іs removed, tо access and remove the wisdom teeth.
Impacted Teeth
Many dentists recommend extracting wisdom teeth as a preventive measure, because impacted third molars become harder to remove later and may cause damage to surrounding teeth and gums. Though complications with wisdom teeth occur less frequently in young adults, the risks increase with age.
Impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean effectively, leading to gum disease, tooth decay and cysts. Furthermore, the tooth may become crooked or push against another molar which requires orthodontic treatment in order to straighten.
If you suspect an impacted tooth, visit your dentist and oral surgeon immediately for an exam and x-rays. An oral surgeon will then assess where your wisdom teeth are located and suggest removal as necessary. When performing the procedure, local anesthesia or sedation will be provided before using a surgical tool to open up tissue and bone covering the impacted area and extract part or all of the tooth from its socket. Finally, the surgeon will close and sew any wounds.
Tooth Crowding
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge at the very back of your mouth and tend to come in at an angle and press against their neighboring molars, causing dental crowding and discomfort. For optimal oral health, wisdom molars should be removed before they cause further issues like pain, an abscess or damage to front teeth.
If the wisdom tooth has already erupted but remains fully or partially covered by bone, a surgeon may need to make a small incision in the gum to reveal and extract it through a socket opening. They may also need to remove some surrounding bone.
After an extraction, there may be some blood oozing out. It's important to eat soft foods and avoid dislodging or spitting out your blood clot. Stitches typically dissolve after about a week. To manage pain effectively, over-the-counter acetaminophen or prescription medications from your dentist/oral surgeon are available as alternatives.
Tooth Sensitivity
If your wisdom teeth have become impacted, visiting an oral surgeon could be the solution to alleviating pain, swelling and stiffness in your jaw and gums. Under local anaesthesia in a dental clinic, tooth removal procedures tend to be quick and painless.
After an extraction, it is normal for some oozing of blood or pus to occur postoperatively. It's important not to spittle excessively as doing so could dislodge the protective blood clot that protects an empty tooth socket from becoming exposed and exposed again. To help minimize this possibility, avoid drinking carbonated beverages and alcohol, while replacing your blood clot regularly.
Saltwater rinses can also help kill bacteria and wash away food particles that contribute to swelling, infection and pain after tooth removal. For optimal results, we advise using it 2-3 times daily or several times each week until pain and swelling subside - this will keep the wound clean and dry, speeding healing; especially helpful in high-activity jobs like construction.
Pain
Your dentist may conduct an X-ray examination to ascertain whether wisdom teeth need removal. If they do, he or she will likely refer you to an oral surgeon for the process.
After wisdom tooth extraction, it's normal to experience pain and swelling. Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend pain medication; over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen can provide mild relief; while hot saltwater rinses or antibacterial mouthwash may also provide temporary relief from discomfort.
After wisdom teeth extraction, it's essential to keep the wound clean and protect it. A blood clot forms at the site like a scab; so it's vital that this clot doesn't dislodge. Smoking, spitting or chewing on this area must not occur; soft foods should gradually return before returning to hard foods again; brush your teeth but be gentle in this area; avoid using mouthwashes with alcohol which could dislodge or infect it;