What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, even known as third molars, are the last set of molars to emerge in the back of the mouth. These teeth typically appear in the late teens or early twenties, but they may not always have enough space to grow properly.
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Why do you need to remove wisdom teeth?
Due to their late arrival and potential lack of space, wisdom teeth can often cause problems such as overcrowding, misalignment, impaction, and infection. Removing wisdom teeth can help prevent these issues and maintain optimal oral health.
What is the Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that involves several steps to safely and effectively remove problematic wisdom teeth.
Preparation and Anesthesia
Before the procedure begins, the dentist will administer anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free throughout the extraction process. The type of anesthesia used may vary depending on your preference and the complexity of the procedure.
Gum Tissue Resection
In cases where the wisdom teeth are partially covered by gum tissue, the dentist may need to make an incision and remove a portion of the gum tissue to access the tooth.
Bone Resection
If the wisdom tooth is impacted, meaning it’s trapped beneath the gum line or surrounded by bone, the dentist may need to remove a portion of the bone to access and extract the tooth safely.
Tooth Loosening and Sectioning
Using specialized instruments, the dentist will gently loosen the wisdom tooth from its socket and may need to section it into smaller pieces for easier removal, especially if it’s impacted or tightly positioned.
Tooth Extraction
Once the tooth is adequately loosened and prepared, the dentist will carefully extract it from the socket using forceps or dental elevators.
Wound Closure
After the tooth is removed, the dentist may need to place stitches to close the surgical site and promote proper healing. Depending on the type of stitches used, they may dissolve on their own over time.
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What happens during wisdom tooth extraction?
During the extraction procedure, you’ll be kept comfortable with anesthesia while the dentist carefully removes the problematic wisdom teeth from their sockets. You may feel some pressure or tugging, but you shouldn’t experience any pain.
What happens after wisdom teeth removal?
After the extraction, you’ll be given post-operative instructions to follow, including guidelines for managing pain, swelling, and bleeding, as well as instructions for oral hygiene and diet. It’s essential to follow these instructions carefully to promote proper healing and minimize complications.
Dos and don’ts after wisdom tooth extraction
Dos
- Follow all post-operative instructions provided by your Sunnyvale dentist Dr. Bhawna Gupta DDS.
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed to manage discomfort.
Don’ts
- Smoke or use tobacco products, as they can interfere with healing.
- Drink through a straw or rinse vigorously, as this can dislodge blood clots and delay healing.
What are the benefits of removing wisdom teeth?
Removing problematic wisdom teeth can prevent various dental issues, including overcrowding, misalignment, impaction, infection, and discomfort. It can also help maintain optimal oral health and prevent future complications.
What are the problems associated with Wisdom Teeth removal?
While wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure, some problems associated with wisdom teeth removal may include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, and prolonged healing. However, these risks are relatively rare and can often be minimized with proper care and follow-up.