Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical process that is used to remove one or four of the wisdom teeth. These are four permanent teeth that are located at the back covers of your mouth (top and bottom). They are usually developed during the late teens and early twenties (17-25). The main reason why these teeth are removed is because of the impact they cause. Most times, these teeth don’t find space to grow as some grow under the gum while some grow under another tooth. Wisdom teeth may grow at an angle towards the next tooth or grow at an angle towards the back of the mouth. They can also grow like other teeth but remain trapped within the jaw bone. These complications cause serious pain and other oral problems. Some of which include:
(1) Trapping of food and debris behind the wisdom teeth –
As a result of incorrectly positioned wisdom teeth, food particles tend to remain behind these teeth and reaching these areas for cleaning with a toothbrush is challenging.
(2) Infection or gum diseases –
They can harbor bacteria that might cause infection due to the decomposition of food particles. This is a great concern as this can cause further infection.
(3) There might be complications with orthodontic treatments to straighten other teeth –
If there is a need for dental veneers or even braces, wisdom teeth can be a setback and patients will experience difficulty receiving these treatments.
Preparing for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
When you feel there is a need for you to have your wisdom teeth removed, there are certain steps that need to be taken. Firstly, you need to see a dentist for an examination/consultation. This is a very important step because it determines how the extraction process will be carried out by the dentist. If your dentist seems to find out that the teeth are deeply impacted, you may be asked to see an oral surgeon. You will receive instructions on what to do, what to eat and what not to eat before and on the day of surgery.
During the Surgery
For the process to be painless, you will be administered anesthesia. Depending on the severity of your case, there are two types of anesthesia given. The first is local anesthesia and the second is sedative anesthesia. When you take local anesthesia, you are awake and you don’t feel any pain during the whole process but for some cases, sedative anesthesia is used to put the patient to sleep. He or she won’t remember anything that happened.
The surgeon will then make an incision in the area of the affected gum tissue, removes the bone that blocks the tooth and then the actual wisdom tooth. After this, they will clean the area and place gauze to control bleeding and enhance blood clot formation for quick recovery. If you are looking for tooth extraction in Edina, contact our dental clinic.
After The Surgery
If you were administered local anesthesia, you won’t need to make arrangements for a ride home, but if you received sedative anesthesia, you will need help getting home. Some of the post-procedure experiences include bleeding from the site. This can be controlled by replacing the gauze to enhance blood clots. You may also need to have an ice pack in place to control swelling.
Follow your dentist’s instructions. Drink lots of water and don’t consume alcohol or caffeine. Refrain from drinking with a straw also, as this prevents blood clotting.
However, in the case of severe complications caused by post-surgery, make sure to call your dental office as soon as possible for treatment provided by a dentist near you.