Wisdom tooth removal is a type of dental procedure where a dentist extracts the wisdom tooth from the last molars located at the back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth grow in the late teenage years or in adult life. It’s quite painful and often becomes susceptible to infections in the mouth. Wisdom teeth are also damaging to neighboring teeth and can affect the alignment of the teeth and the jaw. This is why so many adults end up getting their wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom tooth removal is a popular oral surgery that can be administered when the patient is experiencing severe pain and discomfort due to the emergence of the wisdom tooth.
Did you know that about 5 million people have gotten their wisdom tooth removed? A lot of people are intimidated by how painful the wisdom tooth removal procedure is but it is a necessary dental procedure that can prevent a great deal of pain, discomfort, and dental problems in the future.
Here’s what you need to know about the procedure.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
This is a step-by-step guide that will help you prepare for the surgery.
1. Examination and X-Ray
Before starting any dental treatment, your dentist will recommend getting an X-ray to determine the issue that you are facing and spot any possible complications that may arise. This will allow you to be prepared for any allergic reactions and complications from underlying infections that can complicate your wisdom tooth removal surgery.
2. Anesthesia
While the experience of an emerging wisdom tooth is painful enough as it is, tooth extraction can be even more painful and invasive. The good thing is that dentists will administer this surgery under anesthesia so that you can have a comfortable wisdom tooth removal procedure. Your dentist might use a local anesthetic, which roughly lasts between 4 and 6 hours.
3. Incision & Extraction
The next step is the incision of the gum tissue. The dentist will have to expose the emerging tooth to extract it from the source. That will require using a specialized tool that disconnects the tooth from the socket. The procedure allows the dentist to easily remove the tooth from the gum, without it getting broken into smaller pieces during the process.
4. Closure
Once the wisdom tooth is removed, the dentist will clean up the areas and try to stitch the gum tissue so that your gums can heal. The extraction process does lead to a lot of bleeding so in some cases, the dentist will be involved in controlling the loss of blood. The surgery is followed by administering pain medication and antibiotics to ensure that the gums heal and there is no risk of infection.
5. Recovery
The invasive procedure will take some time to recover from. After your wisdom tooth removal, your doctor will suggest you take some precautions when consuming food. They’ll also recommend rinsing the mouth with salt water as it can prevent infections and also promote healing.
Your dentist will suggest that you avoid consuming foods that are hard or crunchy or require a lot of chewing. Be sure to follow all the aftercare steps given by the dentist because it is crucial to heal from a wisdom tooth removal surgery without complications.
While the wisdom tooth removal surgery is quite straightforward, there are many complications that can arise after the surgery. This is why it is so important to understand the different steps and to prepare for aftercare.
Tips On Recovering From Wisdom Tooth Removal
Once the wisdom tooth removal surgery is over, the dentist will recommend aftercare tips so that you can prevent further complications and heal from the surgery successfully. There are certain things you need to consider in order to better manage the pain, overcome the swelling and ensure there are no infections.
1. Follow The Recovery Instructions
The instructions given by the dentist should be followed precisely. If your dentist instructs you to complete a course of antibiotics, do not skip the dosage; otherwise, you will make yourself susceptible to infections. And that is something you want to avoid after a very invasive surgery. In order to better follow instructions, keep in touch with the dentist and ask as many questions about aftercare as you can.
2. Pain Management
The pain you experience after a wisdom tooth removal surgery is quite intense. You will be given pain medication as well as antibiotics. This will help you manage for the most part. Using an ice pack will also help you reduce swelling and numb the pain after the surgery.
3. Time To Rest
Surgery of any kind will take a toll on the body, so it is important to listen to your body and give it time to rest and recuperate. If you have work or school, prepare for aftercare by taking a few days off. This will give much-needed recovery time after the wisdom tooth removal.
4. Schedule Follow Ups with Your Dentist
It will take you some time to heal from your wisdom tooth removal surgery. You might even have to make an appointment with the dentist for follow-up after the surgery. A trusted dentist will guide you through the recovery process by answering all your questions and being diligent in offering treatment if any complications arise.
If you need to schedule an appointment with a trusted dental practitioner, Chase Oaks Family Dentist is just a call away. It is a trusted dental clinic that provides a wide range of services for the oral health of your family. They offer root canal, oral surgery, Invisalign, preventative dentistry, and family dentistry services in Plano.
Contact their dentists today for wisdom tooth removal Plano.
