Extractions/Wisdom Teeth Removal
Why Remove your Wisdom teeth?
Why Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as 3rd Molars, are the last adult teeth in the mouth to develop, usually around age 18. Often there is not enough space for these teeth, even after the completion of bone growth and development, or they may be growing in at an odd angle. As a result, they may become partially or fully impacted within the bone.
Over time these trapped teeth can develop problems and affect other teeth and tissues in the mouth. Some people may never experience problems with their wisdom teeth, while others will require that they be removed.
If there is not enough space for your wisdom teeth, we will likely recommend having them removed. Your dentist can help you with everything from preparation to aftercare and recovery.
Having doubts about wisdom tooth extractions?
The thought of wisdom tooth extractions will throw an array of questions spiralling through your mind. Should I do it? What do I get from it? We have the answers to your questions!
Why have your wisdom teeth removed?
Anytime you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth becoming impacted, you’ll most likely need them removed. The longer impacted wisdom teeth are left untreated, the more likely you will experience issues, including:
- Damage to other teeth if the wisdom teeth stay hidden under the gums
- Gum disease or infection from wisdom teeth growing out only partially, creating an opening for bacteria
If you’re experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, this is a sign that it’s time to have your wisdom teeth extracted.
Are your wisdom teeth impacted?
When your wisdom teeth grow crooked or on an angle, or if there is not enough space for them, it can result in an impacted tooth. Some people experience uncomfortable symptoms due to impacted wisdom teeth, while others do not.
When your wisdom teeth grow crooked or on an angle, or if there is not enough space for them, it can result in an impacted tooth. Some people experience uncomfortable symptoms due to impacted wisdom teeth, while others do not.
Are my wisdom teeth really that important?
Wisdom teeth are designed to crush and chew raw, harder, or bigger pieces of food. In today’s world, with the ability to cook and cut our food, our wisdom teeth have become less important than, say, 200 years ago. The extraction of wisdom teeth has become a very common practice to maintain your overall oral health and protect other teeth.
What happens during a wisdom tooth extraction?
Your dentist or surgeon will start by administering one of three different types of anesthesia.
Local anesthesia – after applying a topical numbing agent to the area, you will receive an injection at the extraction site.
Sedation – your dentist or oral surgeon will administer either orally or intravenously. This method will suppress your consciousness, and you will feel no pain. You will also receive local anesthesia in your gums for additional numbing.
General anesthesia – if your situation requires, you may be given general anesthesia either via inhalation or IV in your arm, and you will awaken once the surgery is finished. You will also receive local anesthesia to prevent any post-surgical pain.
All wisdom teeth surgeries are different, but the following may be involved:
- An incision may be made in the gum, exposing the tooth and bone.
- They may remove any bone that is blocking access to the tooth root.
- The tooth might then be divided into sections for easier extraction, after which the pieces will be removed.
- The extraction area will be cleaned, and any remaining debris will be removed.
- The wound may be stitched, and gauze will be applied to control bleeding and allow a blood clot to form.
What to expect after surgery:
Once the sedation wears off, you will most likely experience mild discomfort and slight bleeding and swelling. We recommend having an available friend or relative drive you home from the appointment.
Once the sedation wears off, you will most likely experience mild discomfort and slight bleeding and swelling. We recommend having an available friend or relative drive you home from the appointment.
If after four hours, you cannot control the bleeding with gauze, it’s time to call your dentist or surgeon.
Anticipate a one-to-two-week recovery time:
This is the average total recovery time, however generally, you can resume daily activities within three to five days. Still, your dentist or surgeon will have detailed instructions for you to practice, following the extraction.
This is the average total recovery time, however generally, you can resume daily activities within three to five days. Still, your dentist or surgeon will have detailed instructions for you to practice, following the extraction.
6 important things to remember for after your procedure:
- Do not remove the gauze that has been placed in your mouth for up to one hour after surgery. Be sure to replace with new clean gauze as needed, but not before one hour. Once the bleeding has slowed or stopped, you may stop using gauze.
- Keep the area around where the wisdom teeth were removed clean.
- The Canadian Dental Association recommends rinsing your mouth with warm water one day after your procedure, four or five times daily for three or four days.
- Do not swish and do not spit. Any swishing or spitting may result in dry socket.
- Place an ice pack in a clean towel on your face for 20 minutes to help with any swelling.
- Don’t drink through a straw, spit, smoke, or drink any carbonated or alcoholic beverages, as they can cause dry socket.