Surgery to remove the third set of molars is known as wisdom tooth removal. Usually developing between the ages of 17 and 25, these molars are referred to as “wisdom teeth,” The process is also known as a wisdom tooth extraction. Although recovery from wisdom tooth extraction might last up to six weeks, most patients can resume their regular activities in a day or two.
What Is Wisdom Tooth Removal?
An oral surgeon or dentist often performs outpatient procedures to remove wisdom teeth.
The tooth will either be removed entirely or fragments after the surgeon cut the gums. You’ll be sedated while under anesthesia, which may involve laughing gas or intravenous (IV) sedation. Your comfort level, the complexity, and the number of necessary extractions will all be taken into consideration by your surgeon when determining which sedative to utilize.
What Are The Causes Of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
The American Dental Association states that you may require wisdom teeth removal if you experience changes in the region of those teeth, such as:
- Pain
- recurring soft tissue infection behind the lower last teeth
- Fluid-filled cysts
- Tumors
- damage to the adjacent teeth
- gum disease
- significant teeth decay
It can be challenging to decide whether to get wisdom teeth removed. Discuss your circumstance’s position, health, and the best course of action with your dentist or an oral surgeon.
What Is The Age For Wisdom Tooth Removal?
If a person’s wisdom teeth are causing issues, they can be removed at any age. The optimum age range, however, is between 18 and 24. The root of a wisdom tooth can only be securely removed when it has grown to around two-thirds of its full size. Depending on the patient, that could be earlier or later than 18. By this age, the development of wisdom teeth is typically apparent. Age 24 is a recommended cut-off point since, at that point, wisdom teeth’s roots have fully developed, making extraction more difficult. You are still young enough to recuperate quickly at this age. When wisdom teeth are removed at an older age, the procedure may be more complex, and the recuperation process may take longer.
How Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Performed?
Before Removal
- A dentist or a qualified surgeon working in a hospital can remove a wisdom tooth. If your dentist advises removing your wisdom teeth, they will take an X-ray of your mouth to identify who should perform the treatment.
- You will receive an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area before removing your wisdom teeth. Your dentist or surgeon may provide a sedative if you are highly concerned about the treatment to help you relax.
During Removal
- A small cut (incision) will be made in the gum to gain access to the tooth if it hasn’t broken through it. If the tooth has already penetrated the gum, an incision is not as necessary. Removing a tiny portion of the bone surrounding the tooth can also be essential. It could be divided into smaller pieces to make removing the tooth through the incision simpler.
- Before the tooth is pulled, you may experience some pressure because your dentist or oral surgeon needs to enlarge the tooth socket by rotating the tooth back and forth. Because the area will be numb, you shouldn’t experience pain as your wisdom teeth are removed. However, let your dentist or oral surgeon know if you have discomfort so they can administer additional anesthetic if necessary.
After Surgery
- Dissolving stitches are used to close any incisions and seal the gum. Your dentist will disclose how long the stitches take to dissolve (usually 7 to 10 days).
- Your dentist could cover the extraction site with gauze and instruct you to bite your jaws together for up to an hour to apply pressure to the area. This gives the empty tooth socket time to cover itself with blood. Try not to disturb blood clots because they are essential to healing.
- If you have an ongoing infection, antibiotics may occasionally be advised.
When To See My Dentist After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away if you experience any of these following your procedure:
Bruising that becomes worse after a few days
- Fever
- Ineffectiveness of prescribed painkillers in treating pain
- A nasty or lasting aftertaste is not removed from your mouth by rinsing with saltwater.
- The injured socket with pus accumulating inside of it or seeping from it
- A prolonged loss of sensation or numbness
After your wisdom tooth extraction, settling back into a routine usually takes about a week, but soon you’ll smile painlessly! Keep up with your routine dental exams so your dentist can monitor the eruption of your wisdom teeth. Although having these molars removed can sound intimidating, the procedure is relatively simple and can give your smile a chance for a long and healthy future.
