Wisdom Teeth Removal | Dental Treatment Guide

Definition of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that erupt among late teenagers or early adults. Often, they grow crooked or misaligned and have to be removed. This can be among the complicated dental procedures depending on the situation of your teeth.

Even if your wisdom teeth have not erupted, it is recommended to find a dentist you can consult with. X-rays may be done so you and your dentist can plan the best thing to do. If you do not yet have a dentist to consult with, simply use a dental directory to find a dentist in your area.

Why They Should be Removed

Wisdom teeth can cause many problems when misaligned. They can grow horizontally or angle themselves inward or outward. This misalignment can be bad for the surrounding teeth. Another problem is that wisdom teeth are sometimes completely trapped within the soft tissue of the gum or not fully erupt. This is likely to cause an infection. Teeth that are not fully erupted are more likely to decay and cause gum disease because it is harder to brush or floss teeth in that area.

Problems Associated with Removal

The procedure is generally safe, but it is important to note some possible complications.

Side-effects

You may feel sick after getting your wisdom teeth pulled due to bleeding from your gums or because of the anesthetic. Another problem is that sometimes the face may swell up or the jaw may stiffen.

Complications

As with every surgery, there is the risk of bleeding after the operation takes place. There is also the risk of infection and, sometimes, a negative reaction to the used anesthetic procedure.

There is also a condition called dry socket that you may get after surgery. This can happen when the wound is exposed and the bones and nerves come in contact with food, air, or liquids.
Sometimes nerves are damaged by surgery or by the swelling the follows the surgery. This can feel like pins and needles in your lip or tongue or sometimes it can be completely numb.
Extraction Procedure

Your tooth and the area around it will be numbed by an anesthetic before your wisdom tooth is taken out. In some cases, a sedative will be used in a combination with the anesthetic.

It is simpler to remove wisdom teeth that have erupted completely. If your tooth is still underneath the gums or embedded in the jawbone, it may be a little harder because your dentist will have to make an incision. Sometimes, the tooth will be removed in smaller parts rather than in one piece to minimize how much bone will need to be taken out.