The last set of teeth are known as wisdom teeth or just third molars that grow when people are 18-26. . They’re situated at the back corners of your mouth and can cause complications. Often at a later time than other first and second molars, they may become obstructed. This obstruction can cause them to hurt, but sometimes impacts prevent them from being able to do their work—causing complications such as pain and infections.
A dentist would recommend removing these problems at your next visit as its effects can lead to increased discomfort if nothing is done about it immediately.
What is wisdom teeth extraction?
Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure involved when removing wisdom teeth or third molars from a person’s mouth. This is a simple surgical procedure that is performed by a trained and experienced oral surgeon.
Why are wisdom teeth extracted?
When healthy and properly positioned in the mouth, wisdom teeth can be valuable to anybody. However, we have some cases where these teeth need to undergo extraction. Instances, where wisdom teeth extraction is a must, are:
Wisdom Tooth is impacted
Since they are far at the back of your mouth, growing wisdom teeth may become trapped in the jawbones or gums ‒ a harrowing ordeal.
Wisdom Tooth growing at the wrong angle
When growing, some wisdom teeth may come in from the wrong angle or position, therefore force-pushing the rest of the neighboring teeth, damaging your entire dental structure.
Cavities or gum disease
Since it is quite challenging, at times, to clean the back of your mouth, bacteria can build up, causing cavities. If this happens, the only best solution would be to extract the affected teeth.
Overcrowding
Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow in areas that have already been covered with other teeth. As a result, the neighboring teeth are pushed aside. This pushing away of the neighboring teeth then leads to misalignment which calls for extraction.
Inflammation and infection
Inflammation and infection is another reason that will force you to extract your wisdom teeth. Inflammation is brought about by impactions and the limited space in between the teeth leading to pain in the gums. Painful gums can easily attract other disease-causing pathogens. Therefore, the tooth needs to be extracted to avoid the spread of the infection to the other teeth and the gums.
Tumors
When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can lead to a tumor in the jawbone, which causes extreme pain in the jaw joint. In this case, the tooth should be checked out by a specialist to determine the depth of the tumor, before being extracted. Also, the development of a fluid-filled sac (cyst) around the wisdom tooth can be a result of tumors.
Poor dental hygiene
If you are unable to keep up with the required dental hygiene like brushing, chances of getting cavities are high. Cavities can be handled through fillings or extractions based on your preferences. Furthermore, cavities are a result of poor eating habits.
Damage to the other teeth like the molars. Damage in most cases is caused by the existence of an extra set of molars that push the other teeth and therefore causing one to have problems with biting.
The Process of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
DO NOT Eat 12 Hours Before Wisdom Tooth Extraction
On the day of the wisdom tooth extraction, It is best for the patient to not eat or drink for at least 12 hours before the process.
X-Ray Before Before Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Before the process takes place the dentist takes an x-ray of the mouth to be able to know if the process of extraction is necessary. After the dentist has identified the damage then he or she makes it clear that the affected wisdom tooth has to be extracted.
Anaesthesia Administration
The dentist will administer an injection with anesthesia to the gums. This numbs the area around the tooth and the tooth. In some cases, the patients are given sedatives to help them relax. The teeth should come out through the gum. Once the local anesthesia has taken effect the dentist loosens the connective tissues using special dental tools. Then he or she further use other dental tools to remove the teeth. A lot of pressure is felt during the process but no pain is experienced due to the anesthesia.
When extracting wisdom teeth, some patients may need to undergo a surgical operation. Surgery is necessary in cases where the tooth has not emerged from the jawbone. The teeth might also be broken and therefore, they can’t be removed without leaving a single piece of it in the gums.
An incision in the gums
The dentist makes a small incision in the gum to expose the teeth. Sometimes during the extraction of the tooth, it might be impacted and it is covered by a bone. In this case, the dentist uses a drill to clear the bone around the tooth.
Caution in case of a broken wisdom tooth
If a wisdom tooth breaks in the process of extraction then all the broken pieces should be removed using special equipment. The tooth is then popped out if not broken from the tissues and thereafter the dentist might put gauze over the holes to promote clotting that will help with healing.
Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
After the process of tooth extraction, it’s normal for one to have swelling and feel pain. In some cases, dissolvable stitches can be used to increase enhance the healing process. Sometimes one might feel groggy after the process has just happened. After the extraction, you are advised to observe some practices to aid the healing process like eating soft foods, do exercise by opening your mouth gently and closing it, in case of swelling you can use ice cubes to reduce the, take the drugs prescribed by the doctor and drink a lot of fluids and water.
After extraction of the teeth avoid the following;
- Stop using a straw while drinking. In the process of using a straw, you suck the drink and that might loosen the blood clots that aid in the healing of the mouth.
- Do not eat hard and sticky foods that might scratch your wounds in return complicating the healing process.
- It is advisable to rinse your mouth, or use mouthwash during the first 24 hours after surgery. One can resume brushing of teeth gently the next day after the process of extraction.
- Use warm salt water to rinse your mouth after every two hours and after eating. Repeat this process for almost a week.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco after the extraction as it can derail the process of healing of the wound.
After the process of tooth extraction you can call the doctor only if you experience the following complications which can be due to infection or possible nerve damage:
- The swelling around the gums does not get any better after the extraction process. Your dentist will advise you on further treatment or guidance.
- Additionally, if you have excessive bleeding that does not seem to reduce when you experience fever, difficulty in swallowing food, persistent numbness, and loss of feeling around the area of the mouth you will reach out to a specialist.
Probably there will be no need to contact your dentist if, you don’t experience pain when there were no complications that arose during the process of extraction.
What does the dentist need to know before wisdom tooth extraction?
Before surgery, the doctor will talk to you about some things that are looked into before you can go ahead with the surgery.
You must inform the dentists about the following before the wisdom teeth extraction:
- Your medical history
- What medication you’re currently on
- The type of anesthesia that you’re comfortable with
- The best time to plan for the extraction
Our dentists at Dr. Ismail Healthcare Group will also answer all the questions regarding the procedure, payment structure, and healing process before you get started.
How long does the tooth extraction take?
In most cases, wisdom teeth extraction takes approximately 45 minutes or even less. The oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to help numb the pain.
What is the most common type of anesthesia for wisdom tooth extraction?
Local anesthesia
The doctor might numb your mouth to help you relax or even sleep through the surgery. You might stay awake through your procedure, but you won’t feel any pain. Besides numbing your mouth, the surgeon will also administer some drugs through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy. You may sleep during the procedure of wisdom tooth extraction.
How to tell if I have a wisdom tooth?
If you’re yet to get your third molars, they can show up during your regular visits to the dentist through an X-ray. Your dentist will analyze your dental and jaw structure to advise if there’s enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt. If you do not have enough room for growth, there’s a high likelihood that they’ll become impacted. Your dentist will thereafter recommend having them extracted to save you from pain and discomfort.
Do dentists cut the gums for wisdom tooth extraction?
Dentists cut through the gums to get to extract a wisdom tooth. They might stitch the wounds shut after the removal to aid in a faster healing process. At times, they may also stuff gauze pads in your mouth to help in soaking up excessive blood.
Does it hurt after a wisdom tooth extraction?
While everyone responds differently to anesthesia, most people that have had local anesthesia can go back home and continue with their normal activities. Those that have had general anesthesia may require to rest a little longer, so they may have to get some take them home afterward.
You’re likely to experience swelling and mild discomfort for about three days. Fortunately, you’ll get some drugs to help alleviate the pain. It may take a few weeks before you’re completely healed. Following all your dentist’s instructions is best for a quicker recovery process.
Get your wisdom teeth extracted today By Specialist Dentists In Dubai
Wisdom teeth do not serve much of a purpose in our lives today. Do not let discomfort or pain hinder you from enjoying your time. Reach out to us and have your wisdom teeth extracted in Dubai.