Wisdom Tooth Extractions Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to emerge, typically in your late teens or early twenties. However, for many people, they do not have enough room for the teeth to come through properly. This means the wisdom teeth may emerge crooked, or they could shift other teeth out of the way. Sometimes, they get stuck (impacted) and don't emerge from the gums.Why Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?If the wisdom teeth aren't causing any issues, there isn't any reason to have them removed. However, you will need to have them monitored regularly to make sure they don't become a problem. This can happen later on in life and wisdom teeth may erupt in your 30s, 40s or even later. Are Wisdom Teeth Removed By General or Local Anesthetic?Wisdom tooth removal can be carried out under a local anaesthetic. You will need to have x-rays taken to show the position of the tooth and its roots. If the extraction looks complex, or if you are having all of your wisdom teeth removed, it may be advisable to have a general anesthetic. What Is the Procedure for Wisdom Teeth Removal?A local anesthetic or conscious sedation is given to numb the area around the tooth that is going to be extracted. The tooth will need to be loosened by applying pressure to the tooth and rocking it backward and forward. Once it is loose, forceps are used to pull the tooth out. Cutting the tooth into smaller pieces may have to be carried out if the tooth is too large to remove easily. Once all of the pieces are extracted, the wound is closed with dissolving stitches. Recovery and Healing TimeAfter your wisdom tooth extraction, you should take things easy for a day or two and take any antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed. Immediately after the procedure, a piece of gauze is placed over the extraction site to encourage a blood clot to form over the wound, which stops the wound from bleeding and provides protection. You may have to bite down gently on the gauze for an hour or so until the bleeding stops. It's important not to dislodge the blood clot, so your diet might have to be modified for a few days so as you don't disturb it. Gently rinse your mouth with salt water during the first 24 hours. Doing this frequently helps to eliminate dental bacteria, increases the pH levels in the mouth, and contributes to the healing process. You are likely to experience swelling and bruising. You can reduce the swelling by applying ice packs regularly to the area during the first 48 hours. Brushing the teeth may be difficult so you should do it as best you can, but taking care not to brush too near the extraction site. After around three days, you should be able to return to your normal everyday activities, although it may take a week or so for swelling and bruising to completely dissipate. If you'd like to find out more about wisdom teeth removal at Jerome Riddle DDS call 480-991-4410 to schedule an appointment. |
