wisdom tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the permanent teeth in the very back your mouth. These teeth usually appear,or erupt, between the ages of 17 and 25.
For some, wisdom teeth come in normally and cause no problems. For others, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to fully erupt causing impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can be fully or partially impacted. With partial impaction, part of the tooth can be seen in the mouth.
Impacted wisdom teeth erupt in a number of different orientations:
- Angled toward the tooth in front of it
- Angled toward the back of the mouth
- Horizontally in the jawbone
- Vertically in the jawbone
Problems with Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Some never have issues with their impacted wisdom teeth. However, others develop problems with theirs, such as:
- Pain
- Trapped food behind wisdom tooth
- Periodontal disease
- Cavities in partially erupted wisdom tooth
- Damage to a nearby tooth
- Development of a fluid-filled sac known as a cyst
- Complications with orthodontic treatment
What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal
- Your dentist will numb the tooth and the surrounding tissue.
- An incision will be made in the gums to expose the tooth and surrounding bone.
- Bone blocking access to the tooth will be removed, and the tooth may be divided into sections to make it easier to come out.
- Tooth is removed.
- Any infection or debris is cleaned out.
- Stitches may be placed.
- Gauze are placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help with blood clot formation.
Aftercare Instructions for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Be sure to follow the specific instructions that your dentist gives you after your extraction. Below are some general guidelines:
- Bleeding. Slight oozing of blood is normal the first day after wisdom tooth extraction. Replace gauze given to you after your extraction as directed by your dentist. You might even notice a little blood on your pillow when you wake up in the morning.
- Pain management. Your dentist will determine if it is necessary to prescribe you any pain medications following your procedure. You may be able to manage your pain with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin).
- Swelling and bruising. You may experience some swelling and bruising for a few days following wisdom tooth removal. Swelling typically decreases after 3 days, and bruising takes a few more days to go away.
- Activity. Rest for the remainder of the day following your surgery to prevent any excessive bleeding. You may resume normal activities the next day. However, avoid strenuous activity for at least a week.
- Beverages. Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, carbonated, or hot drinks for the first 24 hours.
- Food. Avoid crunchy, hot, or spicy foods. Eat soft, cool foods for at least the first 48 hours.
- Tobacco. Don’t chew tobacco for at least a week. Using tobacco products can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Cleaning your mouth. Do not brush over the extraction site, and be careful when brushing around the site. You may begin rinsing with warm salt water 24 hours after wisdom tooth removal.
- Stitches. If your dentist placed stitches, they will dissolve on their own in about a week and a half.
- Straws, smoking, and spitting. Avoid drinking through a straw for at least a week. Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours–wait longer if possible. Avoid spitting for at least 24 hours. Drinking threw a straw, smoking, and spitting can all cause the blood clot to dislodge from the socket, resulting in a dry socket.