Everything you need to know about wisdom tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure our dental professionals carry out at Purity Dental, involving the removal of a tooth from the mouth to maintain overall good oral health. Wisdom tooth extraction, in particular, is a type of tooth removal often necessary to prevent further damage or complications.

What is a Wisdom Tooth?

A wisdom tooth, known as a third molar, is located at the back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth typically emerge in one’s late teens or early twenties, but their late eruption can continue up to the mid-twenties or later.

Wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, infection, and other oral health problems when they do not erupt properly or have enough room to grow. In such cases, our dental professionals may recommend wisdom tooth extraction to prevent such complications and promote good dental hygiene.

What issues are caused by Wisdom Teeth?

Many people may need to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent pain, infection, and other oral health problems. Here are some of the issues that wisdom teeth can cause:

1. Overcrowding: The emergence of wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding and misalignment of other teeth, leading to bite problems and difficulty cleaning teeth properly.

2. Impacted teeth: Wisdom teeth can become partially or fully impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gum tissue and cannot emerge properly. It can lead to swelling, pain, and infection.

3. Infection: Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can create gum flaps that trap food and bacteria, causing infection and inflammation.

4.Cavities: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to brush and floss properly. It can lead to the build-up of bacteria and plaque, which can cause decay and cavities.

5. Cysts or Tumors: Wisdom teeth that are impacted or trapped below the gum line can cause cysts or tumors to form. In some cases, tumors and cysts grow and press against neighboring teeth, nerves and the jawbone, leading to severe dental issues.

Do I need to remove my wisdom tooth?

Whether or not you need to remove your wisdom teeth depends on the severity of your case. Our dentist or oral surgeon is the best person to advise you on whether your wisdom teeth need to be extracted. They will assess your dental health, age, and medical history to determine if extraction is necessary.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth can be left in if they are healthy, aligned correctly, and do not cause problems. However, if problems are likely to occur in the future, it may be recommended to remove the teeth as a preventative measure.

Wisdom tooth extraction procedure

1. Preparation: Before the extraction, you are given local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used to make you more comfortable and to prevent any pain.

2. The Procedure: Once the anesthesia has taken effect, our dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. They will then remove the tooth using specialized tools. The tooth may need to be cut into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.

3. Closing the wound: After the tooth has been removed, the gum tissue is stitched together to help it heal properly. Your stitches may dissolve on their own, while in certain cases, they will need to be removed by your dentist.

What are the Risks of the Procedure?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction. These risks include:

1. Infection: The risk of infection is always present in any surgical procedure. Infection can occur in the extraction site or the surrounding tissues unless you carefully maintain your oral health.

2. Bleeding: There may be bleeding during or after the procedure, which can be controlled through pressure and the use of medication.

3. Dry socket: When a blood clot fails to form or becomes dislodged from the extraction site, it can cause a painful condition called a dry socket.

5. Anesthesia complications: There is always a possibility of an allergic reaction to the anesthesia used during the procedure. This is why our dentist takes into account your age and medical history before continuing.

6. Delayed healing: Some patients may experience delayed healing or dryness in the mouth that could cause discomfort during the recovery period.

Our dentist will discuss any potential risks with you, as well as how you can mitigate these risks by adhering to the right after-care instructions.

Wisdom tooth Recovery

The recovery time after wisdom tooth extraction varies depending on the individual, the number of teeth removed, and the type of extraction performed. Generally, it takes about 7 to 10 days for the initial healing process. However, it may take several weeks to fully recover and resume normal functionality of your teeth.

How long does the pain last after wisdom tooth extraction?

Most people experience some pain or discomfort after the procedure, but this typically subsides after a few days. Pain and discomfort after surgery are normal and can be controlled with proper care and medication effectively during the healing process.

It is important to follow the recovery instructions given by our dentist and attend follow-up appointments to avoid complications.

Signs to look out for the following symptoms of an infection after tooth extraction:

It is not uncommon for patients to experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort after tooth extraction. However, if an infection develops, it can cause severe pain and delay the healing process. Here are the common signs and symptoms of an infection after tooth extraction:

1. Pain that worsens: After the first few days, pain should gradually decrease with conservative treatment. If the pain intensifies or persists, it could indicate an infection.

2. Fever and chills: An oral infection after surgery can cause the body temperature to rise, leading to fever and chills.

3. Bad breath and taste: The buildup of bacteria in the extracted tooth socket can cause an unpleasant or bad taste in the mouth, and give off an unpleasant odor.

4. Swelling and redness: A normal amount of swelling and redness is to be expected after tooth extraction, which should decrease 2-3 days after surgery. However, if swelling and redness persists or worsens, it could indicate an infection.

5. Difficulty opening the mouth: Patients who have trouble opening their mouth or jaw after surgery may be experiencing nerve or muscle damage, bleeding, or infection.

6. Discharge: Pus-like discharge from the extraction site is a sign of infection.

If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms, contact our dentist as soon as possible. We will be able to evaluate the situation and provide you with the appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, cleaning of the extraction site, or other measures to prevent further infection.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction aftercare tips

After a wisdom tooth extraction surgery, it is recommended to follow certain aftercare tips to reduce the risk of complications and promote proper healing.

Here are some tips we have:

1.Get plenty of rest the first couple of days after surgery.

2. Keep the extraction site clean

3. Stick to soft foods

4. Take painkillers as prescribed

5. Attend all scheduled follow-up visits

6. Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously, spitting, or using a straw for the first few days after surgery.

Where Can I Get My Wisdom Tooth Extracted?

Purity Dental is Mulgrave’s trusted clinic when it comes to wisdom teeth extraction and other dental treatments. Your procedure will be performed by a licensed and experienced dentist using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure a safe and effective extraction.

If you need tooth extraction services in and around Mulgrave, Purity Dental is a reliable option with skilled dental professionals. Contact us to schedule your consultation today!