The removal of wisdom teeth is a very common dental surgery procedure. It is generally suggested as a preventative approach to safeguard your dental health and shield your other teeth from potential future issues.
However, not everyone requires wisdom tooth removal. One of the many criteria for deciding whether you need to remove your wisdom teeth is how frequently they can cause pain. You might need to visit a dentist’s office if it is bothersome.
The treatment is relatively rapid, and recovery is not too time-consuming. Still, there are some apprehensions regarding the treatment. So, we have enlisted some of the most frequent queries we get as a dental health clinic.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?
It is not absolutely necessary to remove wisdom teeth. However, most individuals remove them for one of the following reasons:
- They are impacted – The wisdom teeth may not generally erupt because they are located far back in the mouth. They may become entrapped in your gums or jawbone, which can be painful.
- They grow at an incorrect angle – They might irritate your other teeth by rubbing against them.
- Too little to fit in your mouth – You cannot hold an additional set of molars into your jaw.
- You have gum disease or cavities – Your toothbrush or dental floss might not be able to get to your wisdom teeth.
How to prepare for the surgery?
If you require a wisdom tooth extraction, you will be referred to an oral surgeon. Upon visitation, the surgeon will examine your wisdom teeth and take dental X-rays to pinpoint their precise location of removal. They will also ask you about your sedative options. Then, following your individual preferences, wisdom tooth extractions will be carried out.
Ensure that they also ask about any drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are currently taking. Everything should be disclosed to the surgeon. You may also use this opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding the procedure. Some of the questions you may ask the doctor are:
- Is the process very complicated?
- How long will the surgery take?
- Is there a possibility of permanent damage?
- How long does it take to recover?
Which Anaesthesia to Go for?
As the process is painful, it is not done without anaesthesia. Several options are available, like local anaesthesia, general anaesthesia, and sedation anaesthesia. However, the recommended one is local anaesthesia, which numbs the local area of the procedure, but the patient stays awake. The patient doesn’t experience any pain as a result.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The removal of wisdom teeth involves pulling out the four permanent adult teeth known as third molars, which are found at the very rear of the upper and lower jaws. The average age at which wisdom teeth start to grow is between 17 and 21.
Once you are sedated or put under anaesthesia, the doctor starts the procedure. The process goes as follows:
- An incision is made in the gum tissue to access the tooth and bone.
- The bone obstructing the access to the tooth root is removed.
- The teeth are divided into sections for easier removal.
- The teeth are taken out.
- Any dental or bone debris from the tooth extraction area is also removed.
- The wound is stitched.
- Gauze is applied to the treated area to stop bleeding and prevent blood clot formation.
Recovery after The Procedure
If you have opted for general or sedation anaesthesia, then you are taken to the recovery room until consciousness comes back. However, if you are only under local anaesthesia, your recovery will be in the dental chair. Once the effects of anaesthesia are gone, the doctor will instruct you about aftercare and what to expect.
There is no minimum pain after surgery but there can be discomfort for three to four days. Here are some suggestions given by the dentist at Complete Smiles.
- Some blood oozing may occur the first day following wisdom teeth removal. Avoid spitting too much to avoid dislodging the blood clot from the socket. Replace gauze over the extraction site as advised by your dentist or oral surgeon.
- An over-the-counter pain treatment like acetaminophen or a prescription painkiller from your dentist or oral surgeon may help you manage pain. If bone were removed during the treatment, prescription pain medication would be required. A cold pack applied to your jaw may also help provide pain relief.
- Avoid meals that require chewing for the first several days after surgery, such as chewing gum or sticky candies. These could get impacted, which would hurt and harm the healing wounds. Aside from hot or spicy foods, stay away from items that are hard and crunchy, such as chips, pretzels, nuts, and seeds. Consume only liquid food for 24 hours after surgery.
- Drink plenty of water following surgery. For the first 24 hours, refrain from consuming any alcoholic, carbonated, or hot beverages. For at least seven days, refrain from drinking using a straw since the sucking motion could push the blood clot out of the area.
- Do not brush till 24 hours after surgery. Use mouthwash, and be gentle around the wound.
- Take rest the day of the surgery and resume work the following day.
The Time Period of Recovery
The length of time it takes to recover entirely from wisdom tooth removal treatment is determined by how well the individual follows the instructions given by the doctor. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully.
The number of days required to recover depends upon the reason for wisdom tooth removal. In most circumstances, the healing process might take anything from a few days to a week.
Complications like pus discharge, fever, or agonising pain may appear in some instances. The best course of action is to speak with your physician right away. If you are thinking about wisdom teeth removal, contact Complete Smiles to book an appointment.
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