Getting a wisdom tooth extraction involves having surgery to remove your wisdom teeth. These are the permanent teeth in the very back of the mouth. If the tooth has no room to grow or is very crooked, it might cause pain and eventually an infection. You might be recommended to have the tooth removed even if it is not causing problems. Keep reading to find out more about getting a wisdom tooth extraction.
The wisdom teeth are the last teeth that come in. The wisdom teeth might come in normally, or the teeth could be impacted. This means there is not enough room for them to develop. They might grow at an angle to the other teeth. As a result, the teeth begin to push the other ones out of alignment.
No matter how the wisdom teeth grow, they might cause some problems in the mouth. This can include pain or trapping debris and food behind the wisdom teeth. That can result in gum disease or an infection since the teeth are hard to clean in many cases. Sometimes, tooth decay may result, and it can damage the nearby bone. A sac filled with fluid, or a cyst, might also develop in the area.
The oral surgeon might use one of a few different kinds of methods. This will depend on how complicated the procedure will be. For example, the patient may have only local anesthesia. This will be given near the area where the tooth is being taken out. The patient will be awake during the procedure but will not feel pain.
With general anesthesia, the patient will likely inhale a substance that will make them fall asleep. The surgical team monitors the medication and the patient’s vital signs, such as temperature. The patient will not remember the procedure afterward. Patients do not experience any pain either.
During an extraction, the oral surgeon will first make a small cut in the gum. This exposes the bone and tooth. Then the surgeon will remove any bone that is blocking the tooth, if applicable. In some cases, the tooth may need to be divided to remove it into pieces. The tooth can then be removed.
The surgeon will clean the area well and get rid of any bone or tooth. In some cases, the wound might need to be stitched closed to allow it to heal better. A gauze might be placed over the area to allow a blood clot to form. It can also control the bleeding better.
Any form of surgery may result in complications. Infection can develop right away if the patient does not take the prescribed antibiotics. This can lead to delayed healing. Damage to the maxillary sinus is also possible. Dry socket and nerve injury can happen as well.
Getting better from a wisdom tooth extraction depends on the patient’s case. In normal cases, the patient can feel better enough to return to routine activities in 48-72 hours. The jawbone will take many weeks to heal. Recovery from dental implant surgery will need planning and waiting.
Recovering from a dental extraction can happen quicker if the patient follows proper aftercare practices. Keeping the dental extraction site clean with an antimicrobial mouthwash two or three times each day can kill any bad bacteria. Avoiding the site during brushing can prevent irritation and removal of the blood clot. Taking pain relievers and antibiotics can ease the pain and remove bad bacteria that can delay the healing.
A soft diet is necessary for healing. Pasta, eggs, applesauce, and yogurt are some of the soft foods capable of providing the patient with nutrients for healing. Crunchy foods will only hurt the site and even cause more bleeding. Avoiding the use of straws can keep the blood clot intact. This will prevent dry sockets and delayed healing.
Going back to regular activities can happen quickly for some people, especially if it involves only one tooth. Several extracted teeth will need more days of healing. Lifting heavy objects and working out at the gym will have to wait. Resting and avoiding stressful activities for about two days can reduce the bleeding and pain. The dentist can tell the patient when to return to working out and work.
If you feel that your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, it is a good idea to make a consultation. Your oral surgeon can determine if extraction is the right choice for you. The surgeon can also answer any questions you have about the procedure. Making an appointment today is your first step.
Request an appointment here: https://arroyogrande.centralcoastoms.com or call Wilson Oral Surgery at (805) 476-2567 for an appointment in our Arroyo Grande office.
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