Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth, also known as third molars, which usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. In some people they do not develop at all, while in others they erupt normally and do not cause any problems. However, in many people, the wisdom tooth does not erupt partially or at all.

The growth angle of the impacted wisdom tooth varies widely, such as towards the second molar, upside down or lying in the jawbone. Wisdom tooth extraction can be planned by dentists if it causes problems such as pain, infection that damages a nearby tooth or surrounding bone, cyst development around the wisdom tooth, decay in a partially erupted wisdom tooth, or complications related to orthodontic treatments performed only to correct other teeth.

What is the wisdom tooth extraction procedure like?

The wisdom tooth procedure depends on the position of the tooth. If it has erupted, it can be done like a normal tooth extraction. However, if the wisdom tooth is impacted, a surgical approach may be required. Intraoral and radiographic examination by the dental surgeon determines the wisdom tooth extraction approach.

If there is infection in the area, the wisdom tooth is usually postponed until the infection is cleared. Often prescribing antibiotics will help cure the infection. Local anesthesia is often used to numb (freeze) the area for both normal and surgical wisdom tooth extractions.

The chair time during wisdom tooth extraction can vary from 30 minutes to several hours. Most wisdom teeth do not cause long-term complications. However, rare complications include; painful dry tooth extraction socket or bone exposure due to the loss of the blood clot after surgery, infection of the wisdom tooth extraction socket from bacteria or food debris, damage to nearby teeth, nerves, jawbone.

What are the steps of surgical wisdom tooth extraction?

Radiographic examination is important before surgical wisdom tooth extraction. Because of its anatomical location, the wisdom tooth may be associated with the sinus in the upper jaw and the mandibular nerve in the lower jaw. Surgical wisdom tooth removal involves cutting the gum and removing the surrounding bone.

In some cases, cutting the tooth into smaller pieces makes it easier to remove. Local anesthesia prevents pain during surgery, but the equipment used in the surgery, such as the drill, and the forces used by the surgeon to extract the tooth can create a negative sensation.

It is important to be aware of pain and discomfort. After wisdom tooth removal, the gum is sutured to promote healing, but this is not always necessary. Folded gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help the blood clot. In most cases, the healing time takes about a week.

How to relieve the pain of wisdom teeth?

Pain is usually caused by advanced caries, but can also be caused by injury to the dental pulp caused by extensive or faulty dental work or trauma. Problems can be reversible or irreversible. When heat or cold is applied, the pain can last for a minute or more.

Pain can be present without any stimulus. Pulp inflammation often causes the tooth pulp to die. As the pulp becomes necrotic, the pain subsides for a short time (hours to weeks). Pain may persist when the tissue around the tooth root becomes inflamed (apical periodontitis) or when a collection of pus (abscess) forms.Normal Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If a tooth is broken or damaged by decay, your dentist will try to fix it with a filling, crown or other treatment. A wisdom tooth is the removal of a tooth from the alveolar space of the maxillary or mandibular bone. But sometimes the tooth is very damaged and cannot be repaired. In this case, it needs to be removed. A very loose tooth will need to be removed if it cannot be saved even with bone replacement (bone graft) surgery.

Other reasons; Some people may have extra teeth that prevent other teeth from erupting, sometimes baby teeth may not fall out in time for permanent teeth to erupt. Also, people who need braces may need to have their teeth extracted to make room for braces, people who receive radiation to the head and neck may need to have teeth extracted in the radiation area, and people who take anticancer drugs can get dental infections because the drugs weaken the immune system. Infected teeth may need to be extracted.

Recovery after surgical wisdom tooth extraction;

• Blood may leak for the first three days. Excessive spitting can dislodge the blood clot from the socket and increase bleeding.
• It is important to use the prescribed medication as directed by the dentist for pain management. Using an ice pack as directed also helps to control pain, swelling and bruising. Afterwards, the swelling resolves within three days. Bruising may take a few more days to resolve.
• Strenuous activities that may cause the blood clot in the socket to be removed should be avoided for at least a week.
• Alcoholic, caffeinated and hot drinks should not be drunk for 24 hours. Also, using a straw and sucking can dislodge the blood clot. In the first week, semi-soft foods should be preferred so that hard, sharp, spicy and hot foods do not irritate the wound.
• It is not recommended to brush your teeth, use mouthwash or rinse in the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Tobacco use may delay wound healing.