Teeth Removal

WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION

A wisdom tooth is the last molar tooth in the mouth that appears at a later age. Wisdom teeth are usually four in number two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. Often wisdom teeth do not have enough space to erupt straight in the mouth. Due to this, they get decayed, also posing a threat to neighboring teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can be very painful and can cause nagging pain, ear/jaw ache, difficulty in opening the mouth /chewing, etc. If left in the mouth for a long time they can develop an infection that spreads to surrounding gums and bone.

WHO IS THIS TREATMENT FOR?

Wisdom tooth extraction is recommended in cases of decayed, un-erupted, or wrongly erupting last molar teeth. Symptoms of the above may be pain while opening their mouth or chewing food, severe or dull nagging toothache, ear/jaw pain, difficulty in eating due to swelling of gums around the tooth.

PRE-TREATMENT PREPARATION

A detailed consultation should be done with the dentist to understand why wisdom tooth extraction is a must for everyone. Not removing a potentially troublesome wisdom tooth may lead to many complications:

- Tilted or wrongly erupting wisdom teeth are very difficult to clean and will most definitely get decayed of extraction is prolonged

- Decay will spread to neighboring teeth leading to cavities or even root canals.

- swelling and infection around the tooth and gums may spread to the bone.

- In extreme cases, an infection may lead to cyst formation.

- Pressure from the wrongly erupting wisdom tooth causes the front teeth to become crooked or crowded, hence affecting smile symmetry.

OPG X-ray is advised to check the presence and alignment of the wisdom tooth to the adjoining bone and nerves. Both medical and dental histories are taken to avoid any complications.

Antibiotics are advised before the extraction to avoid infection and ensure smooth healing of the area

Don't forget to ask your Dental Surgeon for His/ Her qualifications and experience in the field of Wisdom Teeth Extractions.

PROCEDURE

When carefully executed by skilled and experienced doctors it is a very safe and predictable procedure. Local anesthesia is used and the teeth are carefully and delicately removed. In some cases surrounding bone may need to be trimmed to remove the tooth. The opening left after the extraction is sealed with stitches to avoid any bleeding and ensure healing.

POST-TREATMENT CARE

- When the anesthesia wears off there may be jaw stiffness, difficulty in opening the mouth, pain.

- Don't rinse, spit forcibly or drink from a straw for 24 hours.

- Analgesics/pain killers are prescribed for controlling the discomfort.

- Eat soft foods/liquids like smoothies, yogurt, shakes, pudding, soups, pureed foods, etc.

- Avoid spicy foods, nuts, popcorn, smoking, tobacco, etc.

- Avoid brushing and flossing on the extraction site for a day.

- After 24 hours, rinse with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt mixed with 1 glass of warm water.

- After a week you should come for a checkup and stitches are removed on that day.