Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth, also called third molar, is the final tooth that erupts in the mouth. It is located in the last corner of each quadrant and there is no tooth posterior to it. In a set of milk teeth, there is no wisdom tooth. It usually erupts between the age of 16 to 25, when an individual is assumed to have gained some "wisdom". Hence, it is named as wisdom tooth. In general, there are four wisdom teeth; however, it is possible to have more or less. The main function of wisdom teeth is to masticate food, which is the first step of digestion.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure to remove the wisdom tooth from its socket. It is commonly removed, as it affects other teeth, due to failure to erupt or improper angulation. Wisdom tooth impaction is mostly referred to as coming in sideways. Impacted wisdom tooth is classified into many types, based on the direction of eruption.

The most common type is mesial impaction, in which the wisdom tooth is angled forward. The other types of impacted wisdom tooth are vertical, horizontal and distal. In addition to these types, there are the bony impaction and soft tissue impaction. In bony impaction, the wisdom tooth is encased in the jaw bone, partially or completely, causing pain. Whereas, in case of soft-tissue impaction, the crown of the wisdom tooth passes the jaw bone, but does not erupt through the gum.

Wisdom tooth decay and damage are other reasons for tooth extraction. As it is difficult to reach wisdom teeth during brushing, they are vulnerable to decay. In some cases, there is bacterial infection in the tissues surrounding the wisdom tooth, which can spread to other teeth. To avoid such problems, a dentist may recommend removal of the wisdom tooth.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Procedure

Wisdom tooth can be extracted by simple or surgical extraction. In most cases, surgical procedure is practiced for removal of wisdom tooth. Before the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to the patient, in order to numb the area. In case, more than one wisdom tooth is to be extracted, your dentist may recommend general anesthesia.

The dentist then elevates the overlying gum to expose the tooth and bone. Sometimes, the bone tissues that are covering the tooth are removed, so as to separate and extract the tooth. Very often, wisdom tooth is split into smaller pieces for easy removal. After completion of the procedure, the dentist places a folded cotton gauze pad over the wound to stop the bleeding of the gums.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Complications

Bleeding, pain, jaw stiffness and swelling are commonly observed after the procedure of wisdom tooth extraction, which usually subsides after a couple of days. However, in addition to these, there may be certain complications that arise after the removal of the wisdom tooth.

Some common risks involved are infection, paresthesia and dry socket. Paresthesia is characterized by numbness of tongue, lip or chin. It may occur, in case of nerve damage during the extraction of the wisdom tooth. Dry socket is another side-effect of wisdom tooth extraction. It is caused when a blood clot is not formed properly or is dislodged. Symptoms of dry socket may vary from mild pain to severe pain.

In case, such complications arise, the concerned dentist may recommend antibiotics and other medications. Before undergoing the procedure for wisdom tooth extraction, one has to understand its risks and complications. It is always advisable to discuss and seek advice regarding the pros and cons of removing wisdom tooth to avoid further complications.