Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the third molar, found at the back of the mouth. They often begin to emerge or erupt during the late teens or early twenties. It is very common for these wisdom teeth to become impacted when they fail to completely erupt into the oral cavity. Whether due to misalignment or lack of available space in the mouth, impacted wisdom teeth will often need to be extracted.
Extraction of wisdom teeth is a routine and extremely common procedure. The process begins with a thorough dental examination, including x-rays or other scans in order to determine the wisdom teeth’s position, angle, and potential complexities. The dentist or oral surgeons will discuss their findings with the patient, and may recommend either extraction or vigilant monitoring in less severe cases.
Before the extraction, the patient will receive pre-operative instructions. These may involve fasting before surgery if general anesthesia is to be used. Additionally, a responsible adult will be needed to provide transportation after the procedure as the effects of anesthesia will prevent the patient from being able to do so themselves.
While general anesthesia is often an option for the procedure there are a number of other options that your dentist or oral surgeon will discuss with you before the procedure. Local anesthesia is a common choice for less complex cases. Sedation or general anesthesia may be preferred for more intricate situations. Sedation induces a state of deep relaxation where the patient is still conscious but may not remember the procedure. General anesthesia renders the patient unconscious. All of these options are meant to ensure comfort and minimize pain during the procedure.
The surgical procedure for wisdom teeth extraction varies based on factors such as the position and orientation of the tooth and degree of impaction. For partially erupted teeth, a small incision may be made in the gum tissue to fully expose the tooth. In cases of complete impaction, the gum tissue is gently lifted to fully expose the tooth.
Dentists or oral surgeons will employ specialized instruments to carefully extract the impacted wisdom tooth. Depending on the tooth’s condition, it might be removed in one piece or sectioned into smaller fragments for easier extraction. The dentist or surgeon will take the utmost care to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues.
After a successful extraction, the surgical site is meticulously attended to. Dissolvable stitches are placed to seal any incisions made during the procedure. Gauze pads are applied to control bleeding and facilitate the formation of blood clots that aid in the healing process. Clots will normally form within a few hours after the procedure and are necessary to begin the healing process.
Following post-operative care instruction is crucial for a smooth recovery. Patients are typically advised to apply ice packs to manage swelling, take prescribed antibiotics and pain medications as directed, and maintain proper oral hygiene. A soft-food diet is highly recommended to prevent irritation. Ice cream, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs are common, but the most important thing is to avoid straws or slurping as the motions and suction created from sucking on a straw can dislodge the blood clot, leading to dry sockets and a much more painful recovery.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor the healing progress. Dental professionals will assess this progress and ensure that healing is on track, addressing any other concerns that may arise.