Wisdom teeth called “third molars”, usually develop before 25 years. The extraction of wisdom tooth is a surgical method performed by an oral surgeon who removes either one or say, more of the wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are four permanent adult teeth situated on the back side of your mouth on the top and the bottom. These teeth are the third and final set of molars most people get in their late teens or early 20s. They may have to be removed based on the recommendations of your dentist.
How you will know if you need a wisdom tooth extraction
Seeing a dentist twice in a year for routine check-ups will help to evaluate the progress of your teeth. If they find something troublesome about your wisdom teeth, they will then examine the teeth, take X-rays and discuss about the treatment process. Wisdom teeth are generally removed through a wisdom tooth extraction when there is a proof of:
- Healthy teeth adjacent to wisdom teeth which can be damaged
- Risk of impacted teeth
- Tumuors or cysts
- Risk of infection
Removing impacted wisdom teeth lessens the risk of future problems, and people who want to perform wisdom tooth removal in London rarely may have serious complications. Though it is difficult to predict future problems, the reasons for getting a wisdom tooth extraction than leaving wisdom teeth in the mouth may be healthier in the long run:
- Wisdom teeth without any symptoms may still harbor disease.
- If there is not sufficient space for the tooth to erupt, it is usually difficult to get to it and clean it properly.
- Serious complications with wisdom teeth occur less often in younger adults.
- Older adults might suffer from difficulty with surgery and complications after surgery.
Risks for a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Though most wisdom tooth extractions do not lead to complications for a long-term, problems may take place after the procedure:
Dry socket occurs when the post-surgical blood clot dislodges from your surgical wound and exposes the bone. Dry socket might be painful and postpone with the healing process.
- Bacteria or small food particles lead to an infection in the socket
- Sinus problems due to inflammation
- Weakening of lower jawbone
- Nerve damage to the chin, lower lip or tongue
If you are extremely worried about the risks during wisdom tooth extraction, visit a dentist to discuss about your concerns. They will explain the procedure in details and walk through the process to know if it is the right option for you.
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How you can prepare for wisdom teeth extraction
If you need to extract your wisdom teeth, you must be thinking how to prepare for the procedure. Speak with the dentist for a tooth extraction and know if you are the suitable candidate for it. Ask about possible risks or other concerns you might have. The dentist may conduct the process at the practice but when the tooth gets deeply impacted or the extraction seem to be more difficult, you may need to consult with the oral surgeon.
How to prepare for the surgery
Wisdom tooth extraction needs staying overnight and most procedures are treated as an outpatient procedure. This means you can get back home on the same day. The staff performing tooth extraction will inform you about what you need to do before and after the surgery and answer any question related to the procedure.
Before the procedure
You will have to do necessary arrangements for someone to drive you from the surgery. Make sure you know how soon you should visit the practice and any dietary restrictions to follow the night before. If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, ask whether you can take them before the surgery.
What to expect before the procedure
Local Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia can be administered with injection at the site of tooth extraction. Before giving the injection, your oral surgeon uses a numbing agent. You will remain awake during this anaesthesia and feel some pressure and movement but won’t experience any pain.
Sedation Anaesthesia
This anaesthesia may be administered through intravenous line directly into one of your arm veins. The sedation will suppress your consciousness during the procedure which means you remain asleep while the surgeon works. You will not feel any pain during the surgery. He will numb your gums with local anaesthesia or numbing agent.
General Anaesthesia
If you are not eager about the needles, general anaesthesia may be suitable to you as you inhale the medication then administer it intravenously. You will remain asleep throughout the procedure and your medication, body temperature, blood pressure, breathing and heart rate will be monitored by the surgical team.
What to expect during the procedure
Your oral surgeon creates an incision in the gum line by preparing flaps to expose the tooth and underlying bone area. The dentist removes the tooth and clears away leftover debris around the bone or the gum line. The wound is stitched up and dentist puts gauze over the extraction site to control excess bleeding and help with clotting.
What to expect after the procedure
You will be taken to the recovery room which allows anaesthesia to wear off which means you will recover in the same chair.
Some Do’s:
- Follow the instructions of your dentist on recovery. As there is a wound in the mouth, it is important to listen to oral surgeon so that your mouth heals faster.
- Take proper rest after the surgery and do not perform strenuous activity for a week till the wound heals completely.
- Eat soft foods for one or two days after the surgery. Apple sauce and yogurt keeps you nourished and these are easy to flush from the mouth to avoid infecting your extraction site.
- Take OTC medications containing paracetamol when you have pain after the surgery. If the pain continues, see a dentist or use an ice pack against your cheek to lessen minor pain.
- Rinse mouth with warm salt water after taking every meal and once in every couple of hours for a week.
When you need to visit a dentist
If you experience any signs or symptoms of teeth problems after the surgery, see a dentist without delay. It may denote a dry socket, nerve damage, an infection or other serious complications:
- Swelling which worsen after several days
- Pain medication which remain ineffective against pain
- Fever
- Socket having pus within or oozing from the wound
- Loss of feeling or persistent numbness
You may not need a follow-up appointment after the wisdom tooth extraction unless there are any complications. You can even experience other persistent problems such as swelling, numbness, bleeding and pain which denote nerve damage or infection and you need to remove your stitches.
In the case you develop further complications, feel free to contact an oral surgeon at Dental Clinic London immediately and discuss about appropriate treatment options.
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