Removal of Wisdom Tooth: What You Need to Know
Removal of wisdom tooth is a common dental procedure in which a dentist or oral surgeon removes one or more of your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people’s wisdom teeth grow in without causing any problems, others may experience pain, infection, or other complications that require their removal.
If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, it is natural to feel anxious or nervous. However, understanding the process and what to expect can help ease your fears and ensure a successful outcome.
The Procedure
Before the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic or may offer you sedation or general anesthesia to help you relax. Once you are comfortable, they will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and may need to remove some of the surrounding bone to extract the tooth. If the tooth is difficult to remove, they may need to break it into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
Once the tooth is out, your dentist or oral surgeon will clean the socket and place a gauze pad over the area to control bleeding. They may also stitch the gum tissue back together if necessary.
After the Procedure
After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, pain, and bleeding for a few days. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you instructions on how to manage these symptoms and may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics if necessary. You should avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, or eating hard, crunchy foods for at least 24 hours after the extraction to allow the socket to heal.
It is also important to practice good oral hygiene after a wisdom tooth extraction to prevent infection and promote healing. Brush your teeth gently and avoid the extraction site for the first day or two. After that, you can gently clean the area with a soft-bristled brush and warm saltwater rinse.
When to Call Your Dentist
While most people recover from a wisdom tooth extraction within a week or two, it is important to call your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive bleeding
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with pain medication
- Signs of infection such as fever, swelling, or pus
- Numbness or tingling around the extraction site
In some cases, complications such as a dry socket or nerve damage can occur after a wisdom tooth extraction. Your dentist or oral surgeon can diagnose and treat these issues to ensure a full recovery.
Conclusion
If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, it is important to understand the procedure and what to expect before, during, and after the extraction. While it is natural to feel nervous, knowing that you are in good hands with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon can help ease your fears. By following your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions and practicing good oral hygiene, you can ensure a successful and speedy recovery.