Wisdom Tooth Removal
At Aspen Dental Care we ensure you have hassle free and comfortable wisdom teeth extraction procedure.
The third and last molar is usually referred to as the wisdom teeth. It erupts between the ages of 17 to 24 ,although sometimes they may appear many years later. Problems associated with the incomplete eruption of the third molar may necessitate its removal.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth that is impacted or partially erupted needs to be removed because it may lead to infection in the surrounding tissues called pericoronitis, it can get decayed affecting the adjacent tooth aswell, can lead to cyst within the jaw bone and may also damage the roots of the adjacent tooth.
Some of the common signs of wisdom tooth problems include:
- Pain in the posterior region of the jaw
- Redness and swelling of the gums around the tooth
- Bad breath
- Bad taste when eating or drinking
- Impaction of food in the area while eating
- Swelling in the jaw bone due to cyst formation
Procedure for Removal of Wisdom Tooth
Now that you appreciate the importance of wisdom teeth removal, it is important to understand what to expect during the extraction procedure. The procedure of wisdom tooth extraction depends on the position and angulation of the impacted tooth. The removal may either be a simple procedure like removing any other tooth or may need some form of surgery.
Administering local anaesthetic : Anaesthetic is applied around the tooth and also injected into the gum.This numbs the entire area surrounding the tooth.
Sedative or general anaesthesia : In case of highly anxious patients, sedatives may be e administered intravenously or orally to make you more comfortable .
Surgical procedure : Incisions are made to gain access to the tooth. The tooth is elevated using a forceps or elevators. In some cases of deep impaction, some amount of bone removal around the teeth may be required. Stitches maybe required depending on the extent of cuts made.
The time for wisdom tooth removal procedure usually takes 20 to 30 mins but may extend in complicated cases. You may drive yourself home but it may not be possible if the sedatives have not worn off.
Administering local anaesthetic : Anaesthetic is applied around the tooth and also injected into the gum.This numbs the entire area surrounding the tooth.
Sedative or general anaesthesia : In case of highly anxious patients, sedatives may be e administered intravenously or orally to make you more comfortable .
Surgical procedure : Incisions are made to gain access to the tooth. The tooth is elevated using a forceps or elevators. In some cases of deep impaction, some amount of bone removal around the teeth may be required. Stitches maybe required depending on the extent of cuts made.
The time for wisdom tooth removal procedure usually takes 20 to 30 mins but may extend in complicated cases. You may drive yourself home but it may not be possible if the sedatives have not worn off.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Removal
Painkillers and antibiotics may be advised after the tooth removal procedure. Don’t take aspirin because this can make bleeding worse.
Once you are back home and there is still bleeding, fold a clean piece of cotton gauze, place it on your tooth extraction site and bite on it with gentle pressure for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t rinse your mouth or lie down until bleeding stops.
Keep your head elevated and try to lower your activity level as much as possible
Application of a cold pack to the side of the face helps with the post extraction swelling. Ice wrapped in a cloth or a pack of cold frozen peas can help serve as the cold pack. Apply every twenty minutes or as many times possible during the first day of extraction. After 36 hours moist heat helps with reducing the swelling
After meals rinse your mouth very gently with cold or regular water during the first 24 hours after having a wisdom tooth removed. Vigorous rinsing can disturb the blood clot within the extraction socket delaying the healing process. After 48 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of table salt dissolved in a glass of water).
Brush your teeth as usual, but keep your toothbrush away from the healing tooth extraction site for the first couple of days. At first, you may feel some rough edges with your tongue. These are the edges of the tooth socket and will soon disappear as your gum heals.
Eat soft foods for the first two days, gradually returning to your usual diet once your jaw feels less stiff.
Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, but do not drink through a straw for the next 6-7 days.
Refrain from using any form of tobacco for the next 3 to 4 days as it will delay the healing process and may cause a painful condition called dry socket.
There are usually no problems with wisdom tooth extraction. However, if you develop any of the following symptoms contact your dentist immediately:
Once you are back home and there is still bleeding, fold a clean piece of cotton gauze, place it on your tooth extraction site and bite on it with gentle pressure for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t rinse your mouth or lie down until bleeding stops.
Keep your head elevated and try to lower your activity level as much as possible
Application of a cold pack to the side of the face helps with the post extraction swelling. Ice wrapped in a cloth or a pack of cold frozen peas can help serve as the cold pack. Apply every twenty minutes or as many times possible during the first day of extraction. After 36 hours moist heat helps with reducing the swelling
After meals rinse your mouth very gently with cold or regular water during the first 24 hours after having a wisdom tooth removed. Vigorous rinsing can disturb the blood clot within the extraction socket delaying the healing process. After 48 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of table salt dissolved in a glass of water).
Brush your teeth as usual, but keep your toothbrush away from the healing tooth extraction site for the first couple of days. At first, you may feel some rough edges with your tongue. These are the edges of the tooth socket and will soon disappear as your gum heals.
Eat soft foods for the first two days, gradually returning to your usual diet once your jaw feels less stiff.
Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, but do not drink through a straw for the next 6-7 days.
Refrain from using any form of tobacco for the next 3 to 4 days as it will delay the healing process and may cause a painful condition called dry socket.
There are usually no problems with wisdom tooth extraction. However, if you develop any of the following symptoms contact your dentist immediately:
- Bleeding that lasts for more than half an hour and does not stop even after applying pressure with a gauze
- Severe pain that isn’t helped by painkillers
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Loss of sensation in lip or tongue
- High temperature
- Swelling that continues for more than three days after your operation
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting wisdom tooth removed hurt?
The wisdom tooth is always removed under local or general anesthesia and so you will not feel any pain. Any discomfort may be due to having to keep your mouth wide open during the procedure or from the pressure used to elevate the tooth.
Does it later hurt after getting wisdom tooth removed?
A little pain, swelling or bruising can be expected which is normal. The painkillers advised will help reduce most of the pain. Post operative instruction must be strictly followed.
I am still in pain, what could it be?
When post extraction instructions are not followed well, sometimes the socket could get infected, which can be very painful. It is called a dry socket .In some cases the pain is worse than the original toothache! In any case, if the pain persists, it is important to visit your dentist, who may place a medicated dressing in the socket and prescribe a course of antibiotics to help relieve the pain and infection.
Are there any medicines I should avoid?
Aspirin must be avoided as this can cause further bleeding. This happens because aspirin can thin the blood slightly. Asthma sufferers should avoid Ibuprofen-based painkillers.
Can I smoke after wisdom tooth extraction?
It is important that smoking or any other form of tobacco consumption must be avoided for at least 4 days post extraction. The harmful chemicals in it causes delayed healing or even a dry socket.
Should I take a leave the next day post wisdom tooth extraction?
It is advised to not perform any strenuous physical activity for at least 2 days post extraction. However it is not compulsory to take a leave the next day.That totally depends on your comfort based on the pain and swelling.
What are the complications of wisdom tooth extraction?
Complications are usually very uncommon. But as with any surgery, there may be a few possible complications .
These may include:
- Infection
- Accidental damage to other teeth and your jaw during the surgery
- Severe pain caused by dry socket numbness in your lower lip or tongue, or changes to taste
- Jaw stiffness for a while. It is possible that you may not be able to open your mouth fully
