Wisdom Teeth Removal
The removal of wisdom teeth is a frequent dental surgery treatment. It’s frequently suggested as a preventative approach to safeguard your dental health and shield your other teeth from potential issues. Most patients recover quickly and may resume their regular activities within a few days.
Teeth removal can be a painful experience, especially when it comes to adult teeth. Third molars, more commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the hardest to remove since they’re located at the very back of the upper and lower jaws. The average age for wisdom teeth to come in is between 17 and 21. Wisdom teeth removal is a rather common procedure since a majority of people have all four wisdom teeth. However, there are some adults who only have part, or none at all, of their wisdom teeth.
How can I determine whether I need to have my wisdom teeth extracted?
All four wisdom teeth may occasionally emerge naturally and provide no issues at all. However, wisdom teeth frequently erupt at an angle or remain partly or completely impacted in the jawbone or beneath the gum line. Many different issues may result from this. Getting rid of your wisdom teeth may be advised by your dentist if you:
- you have tooth ache at the back of your mouth.
- Keep dirt and food from getting near your wisdom teeth.
- Get gum disease, especially in the area surrounding your teeth.
- have cavities in a wisdom tooth that has partially erupted.
- develop a cyst (a fluid-filled sac) around a single or many wisdom teeth.
- have neighbouring teeth or surrounding bone suffered damage.
In many circumstances, healthcare practitioners advocate wisdom teeth extraction as a prophylactic step. As a consequence, even if you are symptom-free, your dentist may advise to have your wisdom teeth removed. This can lessen your likelihood of developing issues along the road, such as infections and tooth decay.
How old should I be while getting my wisdom teeth removed?
One can have their wisdom teeth removed at any age. Nevertheless, a lot of dentists advise to have them removed in your late teens or early 20s. Your wisdom teeth are still growing at this point in their development. They could be simpler to remove and less likely to cause difficulties as a result.
What occurs prior to having your wisdom teeth removed?
You will be referred to an oral surgeon by your dentist for a consultation. The surgeon will examine your wisdom teeth and take dental X-rays to pinpoint their precise placement during this appointment. They’ll also talk to you about your sedative alternatives. Depending on your particular circumstances, wisdom tooth extraction is often done under local anaesthetic, IV sedation, or general anaesthesia.
Any drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are currently taking should be disclosed to your surgeon. You should use this opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding the operation.
What occurs after wisdom teeth are removed?
Your surgeon will apply local anaesthetic to numb the teeth and gums after sedative drugs have been delivered. Wisdom teeth that have impacted (get stuck in the gums or bone) can be removed with sufficient access thanks to incisions. Your dental surgeon gently separates and pulls the wisdom teeth from their sockets once they are visible, cleans the affected areas, and applies sutures thereafter. The sutures will often disappear on their own within a few days.
How long does it take to remove wisdom teeth?
The average time for wisdom tooth removal is one hour or less. Complex instances could require more time.