Ā The extraction of teeth has been practiced for thousands of years. The pain from infection and diseases developed as a consequence of impactions lead patients to seek help from professionals. Although some dental professionals suggest wisdom tooth removal even if the impacted teeth arenāt currently causing problems to prevent future dental problems.
What is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction or removal is a surgical procedure to extract impacted third molar or molars (wisdom teeth) that causes pain or other dental issues to the patient.
There are many reasons to extract teeth, including the following:
- Caries, particularly those that extend through a significant portion of the crown.
- Non-vital teeth.
- Vertical root fractured or cracked tooth.
- Periodontal compromise.
- Treatment plan necessitates extraction (i.e., in preparation for a complete denture or partial denture).
- Pericoronitis or erupting third molars compromising the health of adjacent teeth.
- Teeth associated with other pathologies such as cysts and cancer, along fracture lines
- Teeth associated with fractures
Preparation
A general dentist or periodontist may operate the wisdom teeth extraction in the office but if the situation requires a more complex procedure, the dentist may recommend the patient to see an oral surgeon. To relieve the patient from the pain, the oral surgeon will apply local anesthesia and may suggest for the patient be sedated for comfort during the procedure. The professionals will monitor the patientās vital signs while under anesthesia during the surgery.
Types of Anesthesia
The dentist or oral surgeon may apply one of the three types of anesthesia depending on the expected complexity of the procedure and the patientās comfort level.
- Local Anesthesia
It is the application of local anesthetics via one or more injections near the site of each extraction. The dentist may apply topical anesthesia gel before local anesthesia, numbing the surface of the site, to relieve the patient from feeling the pain of the needle piercing the tissue. During the surgery, the patient is conscious.Ā
- Sedation Anesthesia
The patient will undergo intravenous (IV) sedation. The anesthetic will be inserted into the IV line in your arm. The anesthetic will subdue the patientās consciousness during the procedure. Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the tissue near the site of extraction.
- General Anesthesia
In some events, the patient may be offered general anesthesia. With the use of an inhalation mask, the patient may inhale the anesthetic through the nose. Another option is administered via an IV line in the patientās arm. The patient is unconscious, will not feel pain, and will have no memory of the procedure.
During the surgery
Wisdom teeth removal surgery is comprised of the operation techniques of āscalpel holding,ā āincision,ā āflap,ā ābone removal,ā ācutting,ā āgap increasing,ā and āfuture.ā
According to the impaction status and the anatomic structures around the wisdom teeth, the impacted teeth can be removed with the appropriate surgical techniques. The smooth surgical process constitutes the clinical technique of wisdom teeth surgery.
Generally during the surgery, the dentist or oral surgeon will:
- make an incision in the gum tissue to uncover the tooth and bone (if unerupted)
- extracts bone that blocks access to the tooth root
- divides the tooth into sections if it’s easier to remove in pieces
- extracts the tooth
- clean the site of the removed tooth of any debris from the tooth or bone
- stitch the wound closed to promote healing
Gauze is applied over the extraction site to control bleeding and to help blood coagulation.
Risks
These are some of the rare complications that may occur after the surgery:
- Painful dry socket, or exposure of bone when the post-surgical blood clot is lost from the site of the surgical wound (socket)
- Infection in the socket from bacteria or trapped food particles
- Damage to nearby teeth, nerves, jawbone, or sinuses
Precautions
adult) feels confident. The success of the surgical phase, especially under local anesthesia, depends on the relationship between the clinician and the patient established at the first appointment. Confidence in the clinician and the procedure is preferable to the prescription of anxiolytics.
During surgery: The patient should be monitored continually, and premonitory signs of faintness must be detected immediately (eg, sweating, dyschromia, finger dysesthesia).
After surgery: Follow the surgeonās instructions carefully.
- The patient will feel muzzy after the surgery due to the anesthesia.Ā
- Swelling, pain, and blood can be expected from the extraction site.
- Change yourĀ gauzeĀ
- Avoid excessive movement or suction gestures such as sucking using straws, spitting, or smoking.
- Let someone drive you home as you might still be disoriented for a certain duration after the surgery.
- The surgeon might advise you to not brush your teeth, and rinse or floss within 24 hours.
- You may use an ice bag over the operated area for the first 24-48 hours following surgery.Ā
- Elevate your head. This will help minimize swelling, bleeding, and discomfort.
- Analgesics are prescribed routinely within the first 24 hours, beyond that time, and used only when required.
Conclusion
As early as 18, it is recommended to consult dental professionals regarding your wisdom teeth.
