Wisdom Tooth Extraction
What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth are a set of third molar teeth in the oral cavity, so named because they tend to erupt at 17 – 21 years of age. They most commonly require extraction between 20-30 years of age due to pain or infection. Their extraction is usually a minor surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia.
Why Wisdom Tooth Extraction Is Done?
Wisdom teeth are evolutionarily redundant, usually ill-aligned and rarely aid in chewing. Their presence, in fact, mostly results in:
- Recurrent infection (pericoronitis)
- Severe oral pain
- Reduced mouth opening
- Jaw joint (TMJ) pain
- Decay of adjacent teeth
- Facial swelling
It is prudent to get wisdom teeth extracted before or immediately after these symptoms arise to prevent damage to adjacent oral tissues.
What Wisdom Tooth Extraction Can / Can’t Do
- Can
- Prevent decay in adjacent teeth from progressing
- Relieve pain in the jaw joint
- Can’t
- Permanently change the way your face looks
- Impair your eyesight
- Permanently decrease your chewing efficiency
- Weaken the adjacent teeth
How You Should Prepare For Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
- Have a light meal before your appointment
- Discuss any medical illnesses, if you have, with your doctor
- Have someone accompany you for the appointment if you’re planning to drive back
What is the Procedure of Wisdom Tooth Extraction ?
It is a safe and simple day-care procedure performed painlessly under local anesthesia. It involves raising a small gum flap to remove a small amount of bone covering the surface of the tooth followed by cutting the tooth into sections for its smooth removal.
The wound is thoroughly washed and closed with a couple of stitches. The complete procedure takes roughly 30-40 minutes.
It is possible to get more than 1 wisdom teeth, even all 4 of them, extracted in a single sitting. This is usually performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the anticipated length of the procedure, for greater patient comfort.
Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
- Wisdom tooth extraction is a simple procedure, with a speedy recovery
- You can resume work the very next day
- Mild facial swelling may be seen for up to 10 days after the procedure
- Solid foods and heavy exercise are to be avoided for 24 hours after the surgery
- Normal diet and lifestyle may resume after 24 hours
- Regular saline rinses are advised to maintain wound hygiene
- Mild sensitivity may be felt in the adjacent teeth for up to 2-3 days
- You may experience some numbness of the lip in rare cases for up to a few weeks
Risk involved in Wisdom Tooth Extraction ?
If not performed by an expert, it may lead to:
- Permanent lip numbness
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Wound infection
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