Wisdom teeth removal is a necessary surgical procedure that helps prevent severe oral complications caused by impacted wisdom teeth. Since wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge at the back of the mouth, they have to squeeze themselves out through the little spaces left in the gum. Unfortunately, not all of them can emerge fully. Some get stuck underneath the gum while others grow sideways, called impacted wisdom teeth.
This complication is what experts refer to as impacted wisdom teeth. If impacted wisdom is not removed immediately, it can cause other serious complications, including gum disease, teeth decay, bacterial infections, among others. To avoid this problem, dentists advise people to remove their wisdom teeth as soon as they emerge, whether they are impacted or not.
Because they are located at the end of the mouth, wisdom has no benefit to your mouth. So, getting rid of them won’t affect your life in any way. If you are wondering how wisdom teeth are extracted, this article explains the entire process.
Preparing for the Surgery
In most cases, the wisdom teeth removal procedure is performed in the dentist’s office, but if your teeth are deeply impacted, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon. The severity of the problem also determines the type of sedation you get. Here are some of the important things you need to do before the surgery.
- Avoid nonprescription drugs
- Avoid smoking and heavy drinking
- Make arrangements for a driver to drive you home after the surgery
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Anesthesia
Most wisdom teeth removal procedures require local anesthesia, which numbs the affected tooth and surrounding area. So, you will be completely awake throughout the procedure. However, if the tooth is severely impacted, you might be given general anesthesia to put you to sleep.
Tooth Removal
If the wisdom tooth hasn’t fully emerged through the gum, your dentist will make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. The wisdom teeth may be broken into small pieces for easier removal. If it has fully emerged, you won’t need an incision. However, you will experience some pressure as the doctor widens the tooth socket. A simple wisdom teeth removal procedure takes just a few minutes.
After Surgery
If the procedure involves making an incision, your doctor will close it with dissolving stitches. The dentist will also place a gauze over the empty socket and ask you to bite your jaw for about an hour to allow a blood clot to form in the socket. The clot is essential for faster and successful healing.