Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that appear rather late in life, anywhere from the age of 16 onwards. Also, they may not appear at all, in some cases. These are called ‘wisdom’ teeth because of the fact that they appear quite late compared to the other teeth; at an age when one is supposed to be ‘older and wiser’.

Wisdom teeth are 4 in number, two in your upper jaw and two in your lower jaw.

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

There are several reasons for when a dentist suggests a wisdom tooth extraction.

If you have a small jaw which will not be able to accommodate these wisdom teeth, then your dentist will often advise you to get them extracted.

The wisdom teeth erupt rather slowly compared to other teeth. This may often cause a flap of gum tissue to grow over them. Food particles may get stuck in this flap and cause an infection. In this case, a dentist may suggest a wisdom tooth removal.

Your wisdom teeth may often erupt at difficult angles and may put pressure on the surrounding teeth. In this case as well, a dentist will suggest wisdom teeth removal.

Process of Wisdom Teeth Removal

More often than not, the process of wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure. You will be given a local anesthetic which will make the area numb. If you are going to remove all your wisdom teeth at the same time, you may also be given a general anesthetic and may even need to spend a day at a hospital.

Usually, the dentist will take an x-ray beforehand to know which teeth, if any, are impacted. Then, during the procedure, the dentist will remove the surrounding gum tissue and bone that may cover the tooth. Once the tooth has been separated from the gum and the bone, the tooth is removed. Sometimes, a dentist may even break the wisdom tooth into smaller pieces for easy removal.

Sometimes, you may need stitches. These stitches can either be the ones that dissolve over a period of time, or may need to be removed by the dentist after a few days. The dentist will inform you which stitches have been used.

The dentist will also put a cotton gauze pad over the removed tooth. This helps to stop the bleeding.

Care to be taken after a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Take care not to bite the inside of your cheek or lip or tongue after the surgery and during the time when the area is still numb.

Bite on to the cotton gauze pad and change these gauze pads once they become soaked with blood. Bleeding is a normal process after a tooth extraction, but if it continues, call your dentist immediately.

Put an ice-pack on your cheek. This helps reduce the swelling and provides a lot of relief from the pain.

Don’t lie flat on the bed as this may cause more bleeding. Don’t exert yourself right after a dental surgery as this may also cause bleeding. Take it easy and relax.

For the first 24 hours after the surgery, avoid smoking and drinking liquids with straws as this may loosen the blood clot over the extracted tooth.

For few days after the surgery, eat soft foods such as pudding or soup. Slowly start eating solid food as you progress with your healing.

Don’t touch or rub the area with your finger or tongue.

Do brush your teeth and tongue – but gently and carefully!