Wisdom teeth are the third molars typically emerging in our late teens or early twenties. Some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth. While others experience pain, swelling, or infection due to lack of space in the mouth. Many of us have heard about dental wisdom tooth removal from our friends or family including the stories of pain and swelling. If you’re facing wisdom tooth removal, you’re not alone. Millions of people undergo this common dental procedure each year.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about dental clinic wisdom tooth removal. You’ll get to know why it’s necessary and the recovery process.
Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, in many cases extraction is necessary. Common reasons behind this are:
1. Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Many wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow properly because they are far back in your mouth. In this case, they get trapped in your jawbone, which is called impaction. Impacted teeth can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. However, dental wisdom tooth removal is not required if impacted teeth are not causing any problems.
2. Crowding
Sometimes, when your mouth does not have room to accommodate wisdom teeth they can push against your existing teeth. This can cause misalignment and can undo years of orthodontic work.
3. Pain and Discomfort
Many people experience pain in their jaw, headaches, or soreness in the gums when their wisdom teeth try to erupt. If teeth don’t emerge properly this discomfort can worsen.
4. Preventive Removal
Many dentists recommend dental wisdom tooth removal before it causes any problems. Preventive removal is recommended especially in younger patients whose roots haven’t fully developed, making extraction easier.
5. Decay and Gum Disease
Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, they are difficult to clean. This leads to plaque and buildup increasing the risk of cavities and gum infections.
When you go to a dentist they will take an X-ray to evaluate your wisdom teeth and determine if removal is necessary. Before making a recommendation they’ll look at the position of the teeth, your jaw structure, and your current oral health.
The Process of Dental Wisdom Tooth Removal
Dental wisdom tooth removal is a day procedure and you can go home the same day. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Consultation
Before Dental Care clinic wisdom tooth removal surgery, you’ll meet with an oral surgeon or dentist to discuss the procedure. They will take X-rays to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and discuss different anesthesia options.
Anesthesia
Your dentist might recommend the following options based on your situation:
- Local Anesthesia: Local anesthesia numbs just the area around the teeth.
- General/ Sedation Anesthesia: General or sedation anesthesia will make you completely unconscious. This is generally recommended if you are getting multiple teeth removed.
The Extraction Process
- After giving you anesthesia, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone.
- Any bone covering the tooth is removed.
- If necessary, the tooth will be removed in sections for easier extraction.
- Then the tooth is extracted.
- The site is closed and cleaned.
- The wound is stitched closed (often with dissolving stitches)
- A gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help a blood clot form.
This entire process takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of teeth being removed and their position. If you’re having all four wisdom teeth removed, the process will naturally take longer.
Aftercare of Dental Wisdom Tooth Removal
You should take proper care for speedy dental wisdom tooth removal recovery to avoid any complications.
Immediately After Surgery
Here’s what you’ll do after surgery:
- You’ll rest in the recovery room until the anesthesia wears off.
- You’ll need someone to drive you home.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions for taking pain medications.
- Apply ice packs to your cheeks to reduce swelling.
- Keep the gauze pad in place for the first few hours and replace it as needed.
DOs
- You should rest for at least 2-5 days at home.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes.
- Take prescribed pain medications as directed.
- Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the extraction sites.
- Keep your head elevated when lying down to reduce swelling.
DONTs
- Avoid rinsing or spitting to prevent dislodging the blood clot that forms in the socket.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
- Avoid hot, spicy, and hard foods that could irritate the wound.
- Do not use a straw for at least a week, as the suction can cause a painful condition called dry socket.
Most people return to normal activities within a few days, though complete healing takes weeks. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check your healing and remove any non-dissolving stitches. Proper post-surgical care can minimize the side effects of wisdom tooth removal, such as swelling, dry socket, and infection.
Complications of Dental Wisdom Tooth Removal
Dental wisdom tooth removal is generally safe, but complications can sometimes occur. One of the key concerns during wisdom tooth removal recovery is preventing complications like dry socket and infections. Understanding these side effects of wisdom tooth removal can help in proper aftercare and timely intervention if needed.
Dry Socket: Dry socket is one of the most common of all post-extraction risks. It occurs in 2-5% of all dental wisdom tooth removal and is most common in the lower wisdom teeth. A dry socket occurs when a post-extraction blood clot is dissolved or dislodged, exposing a bared bone and nerves. This is followed by severe pain and a delay in healing. A dry socket can be prevented by avoiding smoking, sipping on a straw, or vigorous rinsing.
- Infection: Infection may develop if bacteria enter the wound. Signs include swelling, persistent pain, fever, and discharge from the site. Good oral hygiene and prescribed antibiotics can prevent and treat infections.
- Nerve Damage: Nerve damage is a rare but possible complication, usually affecting the lower jaw. It can cause temporary or permanent numbness in the tongue, chin, or lower lip. This is more common when the tooth is close to the nerve.
- Sinus Issues: Sinus issues can arise when removing upper wisdom teeth. In rare cases, it may create an opening into the sinus cavity, leading to discomfort or infection.
- Excessive Bleeding: Excessive bleeding is normal for a few hours after extraction, but prolonged bleeding should be addressed by a dentist.
- Jaw stiffness: Jaw stiffness may occur due to muscle soreness, making it difficult to open the mouth. This usually resolves in a few days.
Following post-op care, avoiding hard foods, and keeping the area clean can help recovery. Contact your dentist if you notice severe pain, swelling, or prolonged bleeding.
Conclusion
Dental wisdom tooth removal, while not something most people look forward to, is a common and generally straightforward procedure. It prevents long-term dental problems. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after extraction can help ease anxiety and prepare you for a successful recovery. Remember to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully and reach out if you have concerns during healing. With proper care, most people recover quickly and without complications. The tools and materials used in the dental process impact the outcomes of the procedure. Aidite provides dental products offering unmatched quality that both professionals and patients can feel confident about.