Wisdom teeth issues are common among people. They erupt usually without causing dental issues but many people do face dental problems because of wisdom teeth. These common issues surely make wisdom teeth removal necessary. Almost 80 percent of adults face wisdom teeth issues and removing the wisdom tooth is the only necessary solution.
Wisdom tooth often causes severe toothache and its extraction has many associated risks. Let’s have a look at the common wisdom tooth removal risks and methods to minimize these risks. It will surely help to make a well-informed decision to eliminate any problems in the future.
Reasons for wisdom tooth extraction
The removal of wisdom teeth is highly recommended when they cause problems. 76.4 percent of people have a reliable reason for wisdom teeth removal. If the wisdom tooth does not have enough room or causes teeth crowding, it is because it is impacted. It grows at an angle and may get stuck under the gum tissue or the jaw bone. The impacted wisdom tooth causes severe tooth pain, infection, crowding, or other oral health issues.
A dentist observes the risk of the teeth causing oral problems and recommends the extraction in such severe cases. The recommendation is based on the specific needs of the patient.
How the wisdom tooth is removed?
Wisdom Teeth removal surgery comprises of five stages:-
- Sedation or local Anaesthesia
The dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the area so the patient will feel comfortable. This makes the procedure pain-free. If patients feel too stressed or their anxiety level gets high, dentists often use sedation.
- Accessing the tooth
The dentist starts the procedure by accessing the tooth. The dentist cuts the gums that surround the tooth by using a scalpel. Then gums are peeled back from the bone.
- Tooth Extraction
Now the tooth is removed. If the tooth is broken, its pieces are removed one by one. Once the entire tooth is extracted, the socket is examined for the remaining fragments.
- After extraction
When the tooth is removed, the dentist now stitches the gum tissues back into the place. This covers the underlying bone and makes the healing faster.
- After surgery
The dentist advise to use gauze to stop bleeding from the socket.
Common issues after Wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure. The process is safe but still has some potential risks that need to be minimized with some essential tips.
- Pain and swelling
The extraction process is traumatic to tissue and gums. During the healing process, medications are necessary to reduce the toothache or swelling.
- Difficulty at opening jaw
It is a common issue right after wisdom tooth extraction. Patients feel difficulty while opening the mouth wide open. But the pain lessens with time.
- Dry socket
Wisdom teeth removal often makes the tooth socket dry. It is a condition when the blood clot is formed at the point of extraction. This leaves the nerve endings, bone, and tissue exposed leaving the socket dry, and may result in inflammation.
- Infection
Infection occurs due to the dry socket. When a patient is unable to clean the extraction bacteria often enter through the socket causing severe tooth pain, and swelling. It may cause severe pus which ends in the fever. If the infection is untreated it spreads to the adjacent areas causing severe oral issues.
- Nerve damage
Wisdom teeth are located in the sensitive area causing a high risk of nerve damage. If the patient is feeling numbness in the tongue, lip, or cheek even if the anesthesia wears off, the damage is permanent.
- Bleeding
After the extraction dentist advises and provides instructions on how to take care of the extraction area.
- Sinus exposure
The upper wisdom teeth extend to the maxillary sinus cavity and when it is extracted a hole often remains open where the roots get into the sinus. This enables the food and even the bacteria to get into the sinus which leads to infection. If a hole is developed after the extraction, the dentist has to perform another procedure to close the hole.
Tips for recovering
To avoid the complications of the wisdom teeth removal, proper care, and dental hygiene need to be followed for immediate recovery. The dentist provides proper instructions after the procedure which are as follows:-
- Keep the head elevated
After 24 hours of surgery, it is essential to keep the head up with the pillow support. This enables to stop the bleeding.
- Change the gauze
Extra gauze is required after the procedure which helps to keep the socket clean and helps to soak the blood. If bleeding or toothpain doesn’t stop after 24 hours just contact the dentist immediately.
- Use an ice pack
After wisdom teeth removal, use an icepack which helps to lessen the swelling or toothache.
- Do not smoke
Smoking is not allowed for at least a week because it slows down the healing process.
- Do not use straw
Dentists advise not to use straw for 3 or 4 days after the teeth extraction. It will disrupt the healing process or may cause toothache due to the pressure caused while drinking through straw.
- Eat soft foods
Eating soft foods and avoiding solid foods for some days is recommended. Patients cannot drink hot drinks such as coffee, tea, or soup.
- Carefully brushing and flossing
It is important to maintain dental hygiene even after the wisdom tooth removal. This eliminates the chances of bacteria formation. Make sure to use a brush with soft bristles and avoid hard brushing that will cause tooth pain.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental surgical method. It has many risks which can be lessened if the procedure is performed by a qualified dentist. After having an extraction of the impacted wisdom tooth, the dentist recommends many tips to avoid bigger risks.
If you are seeking medical help for wisdom tooth removal, look no further than Lycian Dental Clinic. Our friendly dentists have years of experience performing the extraction procedure. Get personalized procedures depending on your condition.
