Expert
Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal is a surgical procedure involving the third molars, which usually erupts between 18 to 23 years of age. Removing the impacted wisdom tooth is essential to avoid damaging the adjacent gums and teeth. An oral surgeon performs wisdom tooth removal.

What are the Potential Causes of Wisdom Tooth Removal?

You may experience pain due to any of the following reasons:

• Gum infection.
• Severe tooth decay.
• Periodontal diseases like bone loss.
• Cyst
• Stiffness of the jaw due to impaction.

How Should you Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Removal?

• It is a minimal surgical procedure performed on the chair side.
• The dentist takes an X-ray before the surgery to determine the tooth position.
• Depending on your comfort level, either local or general anaesthesia is given. Multiple extractions are usually performed under nitrous oxide sedation or general anesthesia.
• Inform the dentist before surgery if you are allergic to anaesthesia.
• Inform the dentist about your medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiac issues, etc.
• List out the medications taken for other systemic illnesses because anticoagulants interfere with the healing process.
• Clarify your doubts with the dentist regarding the procedure and the recovery time before starting with the procedure

How is a Wisdom Tooth Surgery Performed?

The time usually taken for wisdom tooth removal is 15 minutes to 45 minutes depending upon the position of the tooth.

• Sedation – After anaesthesia, you will not feel pain or discomfort. The wisdom tooth and adjacent gums go numb with a local anaesthesia
• Access – The surgeon removes the tissue covering the impacted tooth for access during the surgery. The bone is removed using a high-speed handpiece. It drills the partially or completely covered bone.
• Sectioning of teeth – The tooth is sectioned into fragments depending upon the accessibility of the tooth. Then the surgeon uses instruments to loosen and remove the tooth.
• Stitches – After the tooth removal, stitches are placed to close the extracted site. It provides better healing and places the blood clots in place.
• Aftercare – The surgeon places gauze over the extracted site. Remove the gauze after 30 minutes. Do not chew the gauze.
• Medication – A painkiller like Ibuprofen or Paracetamol is prescribed along with the antibiotics to prevent infection.

What are the Aftercare Instructions to Follow After the Surgery?

• Patient is advised have ice cream, smoothie, or yoghurt (anything cold) and use an ice pack to prevent excessive bleeding.
• Avoid hot drinks and spicy foods for three days. Eat soft or liquid foods.
• Do a gentle opening and closing of the jaw.
• Drink adequate fluids. Avoid using straws.
• Avoid brushing near the extracted site the next day.
• Do not gargle forcefully for 24 hours.
• Avoid smoking and weight lifting activities.

What are the Complications Associated with Wisdom Tooth Removal?

• Infection.
• Dry socket due to displaced clot.

There will be mild gnawing pain and bleeding after the surgery. It takes 7 to 10 days to open the mouth like before. The cost for wisdom tooth removal surgery depends on the position of the tooth in the jaw. Consult the dentist if you have radiating pain in the jaw, foul smell in the mouth or visible bone near the surgical site.