Wisdom teeth removal, or the extraction of third molars, is a common dental procedure that many people undergo, Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They often need to be removed because of diffrent reasons such as:
Impaction: Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to erupt properly and can become impacted, which means they are trapped under the gum or bone. This can lead to pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.
Crowding: The eruption of wisdom teeth can cause crowding or shifting of other teeth, especially if there is limited space in the mouth.
Tooth Decay or Gum Disease: Since wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, they are harder to clean, making them more susceptible to decay and gum disease.
Cyst Formation: In some cases, a cyst can form around an impacted wisdom tooth, potentially causing damage to the jawbone and nearby teeth.
Common Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal:
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to erupt properly and can become impacted, which means they are trapped under the gum or bone. This can lead to pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.
- Crowding: The eruption of wisdom teeth can cause crowding or shifting of other teeth, especially if there is limited space in the mouth.
- Tooth Decay or Gum Disease: Since wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, they are harder to clean, making them more susceptible to decay and gum disease.
- Cyst Formation: In some cases, a cyst can form around an impacted wisdom tooth, potentially causing damage to the jawbone and nearby teeth.
The Procedure:
- Preparation: Before the extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will take X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and plan the extraction. Local anesthesia is commonly used, but sedation options are available for anxious patients or for more complex cases.
- Extraction:
- Simple Extraction: If the tooth has fully erupted, it can usually be removed like any other tooth.
- Surgical Extraction: If the tooth is impacted or partially erupted, a small incision is made in the gum, and sometimes a portion of the bone covering the tooth is removed to extract it.
- Aftercare:
- Swelling and discomfort are common in the days following the procedure.
- Soft foods, cold compresses, and pain medication can help manage discomfort.
- It’s important to avoid strenuous activities and follow specific instructions regarding oral hygiene (such as avoiding straws, smoking, or spitting) to prevent complications like dry socket, which can occur if the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges.
Recovery:
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal typically takes about a week. Swelling and discomfort generally peak within the first few days and then gradually improve. Our surgeon will usually schedule a follow-up to ensure proper healing.