Has your dentist recommended that you undergo wisdom tooth extraction surgery? It’s understandable that you may be feeling somewhat apprehensive about the prospect of having one or more teeth removed.
The more that you know about the process, including the reasons it’s important not to delay the procedure, the more confident you can feel about getting this dental treatment completed.
Why is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?
Some patients never experience a single issue with their wisdom teeth. Others may however need to have their wisdom teeth extracted. Quite often there isn’t ample room in our mouths for our wisdom teeth to erupt fully. This leads them to partially erupt, or to come in at an odd and potentially troublesome angle.
Wisdom teeth, particularly if they erupt at an angle, can push against your otherwise healthy second molars. This can lead to shifting, cracking, and the eventual loss of what were once perfectly healthy teeth. The primary reason to remove wisdom teeth is to keep them from damaging those healthy teeth next to them.
Wisdom teeth can also be more prone to cavities and gum infections. This is due in large part to partial eruption and the odd angles that they come in at. It can create hard to reach areas that brushing, flossing, and even mouthwash simply can’t treat. Removing the teeth today can prevent an infection down the road.
When is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
Many dental professionals will recommend that the wisdom tooth extraction surgery is completed as soon as is possible. Many adolescents who get braces often have their wisdom teeth removed prior to being fitted with the braces, in order to ensure that their teeth are straightened in the best way possible.
Adults can get their wisdom teeth removed at any point, but it’s advisable to get them removed if they are prone to infection, or if they are causing shifting in the molars next to them.
What to expect during wisdom tooth surgery?
No surgery is without the potential risk for complications, but wisdom tooth surgery is widely considered to be safe. Prior to your procedure, your dentist will present to you the anesthesia options that are the best choices for your overall health, and for your anxiety levels.
For most patients, a local anesthetic is injected into the gum that surrounds the wisdom tooth slated for removal. It can be unnerving, even for the most confident of patients. However, keep in mind that your dentist and team of professionals working with you will ensure your comfort during all steps of the procedure. You will not feel any pain or discomfort during the extraction of your wisdom teeth.
Once you are numbed, your dentist will begin by removing any tissue or bone that may be covering the wisdom tooth. This is often needed when a tooth is impacted. Dental forceps are used to grip the tooth firmly, and rock it back and forth. This will loosen it from the tissue that is surrounding it.
Some teeth will simply pop right out when they are gripped. Other teeth may need to be removed in pieces. Remember that your dentist will ensure you don’t feel any pain or anxiety during the extraction.
You may experience some bleeding once the tooth has been extracted. A piece of gauze will be put in place to help encourage clotting in the socket. This blood clot forming is an important aspect of your gum healing. If the clot breaks free, you could experience a condition that is known as dry socket.
Be certain that you follow all of your home-care instructions, so that you can avoid dry socket and avoid the potential for infection. It’s also important that you provide your dentist with a complete medical history prior to your procedure. This should include a list of any medications or supplements that you take. Wisdom tooth extraction is considered to be a safe procedure. There are however some complications that could become a reality if you take certain medications, or if you have some specific underlying medical concerns.
Don’t delay, call Ideal Smiles Dental at 718-535-1196 to schedule your wisdom tooth extraction.
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Reference links:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_tooth
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_extraction