Wisdom Teeth Removal

What problems can a wisdom tooth cause?

Many people have impacted wisdom teeth, due to lack of enough room for tooth to emerge properly. These teeth may grow at odd angles, potentially damaging adjacent teeth or remaining trapped in the jawbone.

Crowding:

As wisdom teeth try to emerge in a mouth with limited space, they can cause crowding of existing teeth. This potentially means undoing years of orthodontic corrections.

Pain and Discomfort:

Wisdom teeth while erupting causes significant pain. This pain is even more if they’re impacted or growing at an angle.

Infections and Abscesses:

Partially erupted wisdom teeth create pockets where bacteria thrive. This further leads to infections or abscesses.

Gum Disease:

Their positioning in the oral cavity makes it difficult to clean. Eventually, lack of oral hygiene maintenance leads to increased risk of gum diseases.

Cysts or Tumors:

Tooth development occurs within individual sacs. In some rare cases, it gets filled with fluid. This in turn leads to the formation of cyst that can damage the jawbone, teeth and nerves.

Tooth Decay:

Wisdom tooth that are partially erupted are more susceptible to decay. This is because of their hard to reach location.

Complications with Orthodontic Treatment:

Emerging wisdom teeth interferes with:

• Ongoing orthodontic treatment
• Reverses previously done dental work
• Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor wisdom teeth development and address any issues early. Your dentist can assess whether preventive removal might be beneficial to avoid these potential problems.

Symptoms Indicating The Need For Wisdom Teeth Removal:

Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge. They can sometimes cause problems due to limited space in the mouth. While it’s not always necessary to extract wisdom tooth, certain situations may demand it. Having a better understanding of the associated symptoms and factors helps you make an informed decision.

Common Situations Requiring Removal:

• Impacted teeth causing pain and swelling
• Infections in the gums (pericoronitis)
• Food trapping and tooth decay
• Gum disease or dental abscesses
• Cyst formation around the tooth
• Damage to nearby teeth or bone

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s crucial to consult with your dentist. They may recommend removal based on your specific situation.

Recognizing Symptoms:

Pay attention to these signs that might indicate a need for wisdom teeth removal:

• Persistent pain near the back of the mouth
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Bad breath or unpleasant taste
• Visible signs of infection or inflammation

Long-term risks of not removing problematic wisdom teeth can include increased risk of:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Potential damage to adjacent teeth

In some cases, cysts may develop around untreated wisdom teeth..

Factors to Consider:

When deciding whether to remove wisdom teeth, dentists take into account:

• Current symptoms and their severity
• X-ray results showing tooth positioning
• Age and overall dental health
• Potential impact on existing dental work
• Risk of future complications

Many dental professionals recommend preventive removal in late teens or early 20s, as the procedure is often easier and recovery is typically faster at this age. However, if wisdom teeth are fully erupted, functional, and can be cleaned properly, removal might not be necessary.

Remember, each case is unique. Your dentist provides personalized advice based on your individual situation. Early detection helps to prevent potential complications & ensures optimal oral health maintenance.

Types of Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal procedures can be categorized into two main types: simple extraction and surgical extraction. The method used depends on the position and condition of your wisdom teeth.

Simple Extraction:

• Used for fully erupted wisdom teeth visible in the mouth
• Typically performed by general dentists
• Usually requires only local anesthesia
• Less invasive and generally quicker procedure

Surgical Extraction:

• Used for impacted wisdom teeth or those broken at the gum line
• Often performed by oral surgeons, but some general dentists also do this
• May require local or general anesthesia
• More complex and may require longer recovery time

What to Expect:

• Your dentist will determine the best approach based on X-rays and examination
• General anesthesia might be recommended for multiple extractions or anxiety
• Surgical extractions may involve small incisions and removal of surrounding bone
• Recovery time & post-operative care is dependent on the type of extraction

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

The wisdom tooth extraction process involves several steps, usually completed within an hour. It begins by administration of the agreed upon anesthesia, be it local or general. This ensures your comfort throughout the procedure.

The extraction process then follows these general steps:

1. Anesthesia Administration:
Your oral surgeon will administer the agreed-upon anesthesia, which may be:

• Local anesthesia
• Nitrous oxide
• IV sedation
• General anesthesia

2. Tooth Exposure:

If necessary, the surgeon makes small incisions in your gums to expose impacted teeth.

3. Tooth Removal:

The wisdom tooth is carefully loosened and lifted from its socket. In some cases, the tooth may be divided into sections for easier removal.

4. Site Cleaning:

The area is cleaned thoroughly to prevent infection.

5. Closing the Site:

If needed, stitches are placed to close the surgical site.

6. Bleeding Control:

Gauze is placed over the sockets to manage bleeding.

Duration: The entire procedure typically takes an hour or less. Though few of the complex cases may require more time.

Pain Management: The chosen anesthesia ensures comfort throughout the process. Post-procedure pain management will be discussed during your consultation.

Preparing for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

1.Consultation:

• Inform your surgeon about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
• You may need to stop or adjust certain medications a few days before surgery, particularly blood thinners.
• Do not stop any prescribed medications without consulting your surgeon first.

2. Anesthesia Decision:

Choose your preferred sedation method in consultation with your surgeon.

3. Pre-Procedure Instructions:

• Fast after midnight the night before surgery if undergoing IV sedation or general anesthesia.
• Discuss any medications that need to be stopped or adjusted prior to surgery.

4. Day of Surgery Preparation:

• Arrange for transportation home post-surgery.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
• Remove jewelry and contact lenses.

5. Home Recovery Setup:

• If you get mouth ulcers often

Remember to follow all specific instructions provided by your oral surgeon, as they may vary based on your individual case and chosen anesthesia method.

Recovery And After Care Tips:

The recovery after wisdom tooth extraction requires careful attention and proper care. While the speed of recovery varies depending upon the complexity of the extraction, few tips to ensure smoother healing:

Right After Your Procedure:

• Bite down on clean, damp gauze for about an hour to stop bleeding.
• Don’t rinse, spit, or make sucking movements for 24 hours. This helps keep blood clots in place.
• Use cold packs on your face (10 minutes on, 20 off) to reduce swelling.

First Day:

• Managing Pain:
• Take medicines as your dentist told you. This might be what they prescribed or regular pain relievers.
• If you got antibiotics, take all of them.
• What to Eat:
  • Drink only liquids until you can feel your mouth again.
  • Then try soft foods. Avoid hot drinks and alcohol.

  Keeping Your Mouth Clean:

  • Brush your teeth, but stay away from where the tooth was taken out.
  • Don’t use store-bought mouth rinses – they might hurt the area.

After the First Day:

• Switch to warm, damp cloths on your face (20 minutes on, 20 off) for swelling.
• Start washing your mouth gently with warm salt water after you eat and before bed.
• Watch out for a very painful feeling in the spot where your tooth was. If this happens, call your dentist.

Later On:

• If you have stitches that don’t dissolve, your dentist will take them out in about a week.
• It might take a while to heal completely, but you should feel much better in a week or two.

Remember, early intervention can help manage symptoms more effectively and identify any potential underlying issues. Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you’re concerned about your mouth ulcers.

Dos and Don’ts for a Smooth Recovery:

Signs of Complications:

Be alert for the following symptoms and contact your oral surgeon if you experience:

• Excessive bleeding that doesn’t subside with gauze pressure
• Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medications
• Swelling that worsens after 2-3 days
• Fever or signs of infection

Remember, each patient’s road to recovery is different. Through your healing phase, pay close attention to the detailed instructions given to you by your oral surgeon. Also don’t at all be afraid to ask questions. You’ll quickly return to your regular schedule with the right care and attention!

Wisdom Tooth Removal Risks & Benefits

Although wisdom teeth extraction is a common and safe treatment, there are certain possible risks to be aware of. Understanding these help you recognize when to seek additional care during recovery.

Common Risks and Complications

Dry Socket:

• Occurs in 2-5% of extractions
• Typically develops 3-4 days after the procedure
• Symptoms include:
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Foul mouth odor
  • Delayed healing
• Caused by dislodged or improperly formed blood clot
• Treatment involves medication placement by your dentist

Infection:

• Usually occurs about two weeks post-procedure
• Signs include:
  • Pus from the socket or incisions
  • Persistent pain and swelling
  • Fever
• May require antibiotic treatment

Nerve Damage (Paresthesia)

• A rare but potentially serious complication
• Can result in numbness or tingling in the tongue, lip, or chin
• Duration varies:
  • May last a few days to several months
  • In rare cases, can be permanent
• Caused by bruising or damage to nearby nerves during extraction

Other Potential Complications:

• Damage to nearby teeth, jawbone, or sinuses
• Prolonged bleeding
• Fracture of the jaw (extremely rare)

Management of Complications:

• Most complications can be effectively managed with prompt attention
• Your oral surgeon will provide specific instructions for post-operative care
• Regular follow-up appointments help monitor healing and address any issues early

1. Prevention of Oral Health Issues:

• Reduces risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and damage to neighboring teeth
• Helps avoid bone loss around wisdom teeth
• Minimizes potential for jaw damage

2. Alleviating Existing Problems:

• Can provide immediate relief from pain caused by impacted or infected wisdom teeth.

3. Long-term Oral Health:

• Improves overall oral hygiene by eliminating hard-to-clean areas.

4. Cost-Effective

• Removing wisdom teeth preventatively can be more cost-effective than treating problems that develop later.

5. Simplified Dental Care

• Makes it easier to brush, floss, and maintain good oral hygiene.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost at Clove Dental

Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause problems. If you’re planning for wisdom tooth removal, Clove Dental offers an services at affordable cost.

Our cost of wisdom teeth removal starts from Rs. 6,790. With our dental experts and Oral Surgeons, you can expect the best in class treatment.

The final cost of the treatment may vary based on case to case.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.1.Do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

It depends on how they have erupted and grown. In many cases, the mouth lacks enough space, causing crowding and impacted of tooth. In such cases, the wisdom teeth need to be removed. If they have grown without any hassle, then there is no need.

Q.2.Do they put you on anesthesia for the procedure?

Dentists numb the area before wisdom tooth extraction, and generally recommend local anesthesia.

Q.3. How long does the pain last after the removal of wisdom teeth?

The wisdom tooth pain may be there for at most a couple of days. If all the necessary precautions suggested by your dentist are followed, it leads to faster recovery.

Q.4.Common Problems that a patient faces with impacted wisdom teeth?

Common Problems with impacted wisdom teeth:

• Pain and swelling
• Gum infection
• Tooth decay
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Cysts or tumors (rare)

Q.5.How many wisdom teeth need to be removed?

It depends on your case. Some people need all four removed, others might need fewer. This is determined upon the basis of x-rays and clinical examination.

Q.6. What kind of anesthesia will I get?

You have three choices:

• Local anesthesia
• Sedation
• General anesthesia

Your dentist will help you pick the best one for you. They’ll consider factors like how tricky your teeth are to remove and how nervous you might be.
Remember, you can always ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. Your dentist wants you to feel good about your choice.

Q.7.How long is the wisdom tooth removal procedure likely to last?

It usually takes between forty-five and an hour. The duration may vary a/c on the number of teeth being extracted and their level of difficulty.

Q.8.How to know if the impacted wisdom teeth has caused damage to other teeth?

Your dentist will use clinical examination and radiograph to look for any signs of damage.

Q.9.Is there a risk that I might have nerve damage?

There’s a small associated risk, but it’s rare. With correct techniques used, the risk of nerve damage is minimal. If there is associated risk due to tooth positioning, your dentist will discuss it with you before the procedure.

Q.10.What other dental treatments might I need at a later date?

The need for further dental treatments depends upon a varied number of factors. The removal of wisdom tooth helps you in reduced occurrence of few of them.

Q.11.How long does it take to heal after getting a tooth extracted?

In most cases, healing starts within 3-4 days, but complete healing might take few weeks.

Q.12.Will I need to make arrangements for someone to drive me home after the procedure?

Yes, if you’re having sedation or general anesthesia. It’s not safe to drive yourself home.
Q.13.When do I need to arrive at the dental clinic or hospital?

Your dentist’s office will tell you when to arrive. It’s usually about 15-30 minutes before your appointment time.
Q.14. Do I need to avoid eating food or drinking fluids or both (fast)? If so, when do I begin?

The type of anesthesia you are having will determine this. Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions on when to reduce your intake of food and drink.

Q.15.Can I take my prescription medications before the surgery?

Usually most medications can be taken before surgery. But few medications such as blood thinners are seen to be associated with delayed blood clot. So during consultation make sure to brief your dentist about all your prescription medication, so that they can suggest accordingly.

Q.16. Should I avoid any nonprescription drugs before the surgery?

Some over-the-counter medications are seen to cause delayed blood clot. During your consultation, your dentist will brief you about which ones to avoid and how long before surgery.

Medically Reviewed

Last Reviewed by Clove Clinical Team on Aug 05, 2024 | Written by Dr. Shreya Singh