Wisdom Teeth Removal (Extraction)
Impacted Teeth
Are you in need of wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. While these teeth served our ancestors well, they often pose problems in the modern world due to changes in our diet and oral hygiene practices. Moreover, wisdom teeth can become impacted, causing pain, infection, and other dental issues. Wisdom teeth removal (extraction) is a common dental procedure designed to address these problems.
It involves the surgical extraction of one or more wisdom teeth. Typically an oral surgeon or dentist performs this procedure and it’s crucial for maintaining your oral health.
Improve Your Oral Health
Wisdom teeth removal (extraction) is a common dental procedure that can greatly improve your oral health and quality of life. By addressing issues like impaction, crowding, and infection risk, this procedure ensures a brighter, healthier smile.
The Importance of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Preventing Dental Issues:
Wisdom teeth are often located at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. This can also lead to the accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and food particles, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Alleviating Pain and Discomfort:
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant pain, swelling, and discomfort. Wisdom teeth removal (extraction) can provide much-needed relief and improve your overall quality of life.
Prevent Crowding:
Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, leading to misalignment and crowding. Removing them can help preserve the alignment of your existing teeth.
Reducing the Risk of Infection:
Impacted wisdom teeth can become breeding grounds for infection. Removing them reduces the risk of infections that can spread to other parts of the mouth and body.
Wisdom Teeth Removal (Extraction) Procedure
Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery procedure. The procedure typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. Before the procedure, the patient will be given anaesthesia to numb the area and keep them comfortable. The most common type of anaesthesia used for wisdom teeth removal is local anaesthesia, which numbs the gums and teeth.
Once the patient is numb, the dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth. If the tooth is impacted, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to remove some of the bone that is blocking the tooth. The tooth may also need to be divided into sections to make it easier to remove.
Once the tooth is removed, the dentist or oral surgeon will clean the area and stitch the gum tissue closed. The patient may be given a gauze pad to bite on to help control bleeding.
What to Expect After Treatment
After wisdom teeth removal, it is important to follow the dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions carefully to promote healing. This may include:
- Taking pain medication as prescribed
- Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing on the side of the mouth where the teeth were removed
- Applying ice to the area to reduce swelling
- Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water several times a day
- Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol
Wisdom teeth removal may sound intimidating, but it’s a routine procedure performed by skilled oral surgeons. If you’re experiencing discomfort or have been advised to remove your wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to consult with a dental professional. Remember, a little proactive care can lead to a healthier, pain-free smile in the long run.
Most people make a full recovery from wisdom teeth removal within two weeks. However, it is important to see the dentist or oral surgeon for a follow-up appointment to make sure that the healing process is going well.
Definition of Dental Terminology
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. These teeth typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When there is not enough space in the jaw for wisdom teeth to properly emerge, they can become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully erupt through the gums.
Extraction
Dental extraction refers to the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure.
Dry Socket
Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur after tooth extraction, including wisdom tooth removal, when the blood clot that normally forms at the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves prematurely.
Local Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area around the wisdom tooth before extraction. It ensures the patient doesn’t feel pain during the procedure.
Incision
An incision is a small cut made in the gum tissue to access and remove an impacted wisdom tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that typically erupt in a person’s late teens or early twenties.
Wisdom teeth often need to be removed because they can become impacted, causing pain, infection, or damaging nearby teeth. They may also lead to overcrowding in the mouth.
During the procedure, you’ll typically be under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel pain. However, you may experience some discomfort and swelling afterward, which can be managed with pain medication.
Recovery time varies, but most people can resume normal activities within a few days to a week. Full healing may take a few weeks.
You should stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soup for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the surgical site.
Follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions. You’ll likely need to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the surgical area.
No, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery, as the anaesthesia can impair your ability to drive safely.
The cost can vary depending on factors like the complexity of the extraction, your location, and whether you have dental insurance. It’s best to consult with your oral surgeon or dentist for a specific estimate.
Most people experience no long-term issues after wisdom teeth removal. However, some individuals may have minor changes in their bite or mouth sensitivity.
Not always. Some people may have only one or two wisdom teeth, while others may have none at all. The decision to remove them depends on factors like their position and impact on oral health.
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