Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Understanding The Procedure

Wisdom teeth are a set of molars that are usually last to erupt, around the age of 17 to 25. Though these often do not contribute to any of the oral functions, they can be troublesome if infected or impacted.

The dentist in Wichita Falls, TX provides wisdom teeth extractions of those third molars that can lead to debilitating symptoms like pain, infection, and discomfort. This helps to improve your overall quality of life.

An insight into wisdom teeth extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction, also known as wisdom tooth removal, is a common surgical procedure performed by the oral surgery department. It involves the removal of one or more wisdom teeth which are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth in the maxilla and mandible.

Indications for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is often indicated for the following reasons:

One or more impacted (partially or fully trapped in your gums or alveolar bone) wisdom teeth
Crooked wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth growing sideways
Severe pain near the back of your mouth
Trapped food and debris around the wisdom teeth that increase the risk of plaque and bacterial accumulation
Gum disease around the third molars
Dental decay or caries in a partially erupted wisdom tooth
The presence of a cyst (fluid-filled pouch) around the third molar

The procedure involved in wisdom teeth removal

Your dentist will:

Administer local anesthetic to numb your wisdom tooth and gums to ease pain and discomfort
Make an incision (cut), especially for an impacted molar, to expose the trapped tooth
Carefully loosen the tooth and lift it from the socket (tooth sectioning may be required for easy removal)
Irrigate the extraction site to ensure there is no residue or debris
Close the extraction site through suturing
Pack the extraction site with a surgical site to arrest bleeding and enable clot formation

Post-extraction care

Leave the sterile gauze in place for about 30 minutes after the extraction
Use an ice pack to help reduce swelling
Keep the extraction site clean
Brush and floss your teeth regularly
Take all the antibiotics and painkillers as prescribed
Do not drink through a straw to avoid clot dislodgement and dry socket
Do not eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
Avoid smoking, carbonated drinks, and alcohol until the extraction site heals

Keynote

Dentists recommend extractions to free you from the painful symptoms associated with wisdom tooth impaction and infection. However, this can also be recommended as a preventive measure to avoid future oral health issues like gum disease, and decay.