Wisdom Teeth Removal
What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom tooth removal, oftentimes called wisdom teeth extraction, is a surgical process wherein the wisdom teeth are pulled out due to complications found by an oral care professional. Wisdom teeth are the third molar teeth located at the back corners of the mouth. The extraction procedure is considered when the wisdom tooth is impacted, which means it can be trapped, or stuck, in your gums or jawbone, or against nearby teeth.
There are other factors that dentists might consider to determine if patients are in need of a wisdom tooth removal procedure. These include harmful possibilities for your oral health, such as the teeth growing at the wrong angle, lack of room in the jaw for extra molars, cavities, or gum diseases around your wisdom teeth, among others.
The best way to know if an extraction is needed is to regularly consult your dentist, as there are a variety of ways to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted or are affected by complications.
Procedure
How does a wisdom tooth removal procedure go?
A wisdom tooth removal procedure requires a step-by-step process to ensure a successful surgery. It may take more than a single visit to help you prepare for the day of the extraction.
Before the surgery day:
- During the initial visit, a set of examinations, such as assessments of your dental records and x-rays, will be conducted on you by your dentist to confirm if you need to undergo a wisdom tooth removal procedure. Once confirmed, your dentist will give you instructions and recommendations on how to prepare for the surgery.
During the surgery day:
- Before the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb you and help lessen the discomfort throughout the process.
- During the surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon will perform the necessary steps to successfully perform a wisdom tooth extraction. Usually, the extraction process involves:
- Removing the gum tissue in order to expose and access the tooth and bone.
- Taking out the bone covering the tooth.
- Loosening the tooth from the connective tissues in the socket. Sometimes the tooth may also need to be cut off and divided into pieces for easier extraction.
- Removing the tooth.
- Cleaning the area to get rid of any debris that may be left out.
- Stitching up the area to close the wound to let it heal.
- Placing gauze over the area to control the bleeding.
What are the alternatives to a wisdom tooth removal procedure?
If the patient is now comfortable with the procedure, wisdom tooth removal can be avoided through:
- Operculectomy, or the removal of the gum tissue over the tooth, or
- Coronectomy, or removing the crown of the tooth. This is only considered if the root of the tooth is close to the nerve supplying the feeling to the patient’s lower lip.
- Getting adult braces is also an alternative to a wisdom tooth removal procedure, as it helps move teeth that are close to the wisdom tooth away, reducing possible pain. If extraction is apparently considered, it will be easier to perform.
Cost
What is the cost of a wisdom tooth removal procedure?
Wisdom tooth extraction could cost between $250 and $680 per tooth. The cost would depend on various factors, such as the type of treatment needed and operating materials, among others. Feel free to reach out to us by phone at 416-223-7711 or by email at admin@dynastytowerdental.ca for more details.
What are the risks involved in getting a wisdom tooth removal procedure?
Just like any procedure, risks are bound to be experienced by patients. However, rest assured that your dentist will ensure that you’ll be comfortable during the procedure and provide you with professional advice post-surgery. However, you may experience changes in the extraction area, such as pain, swelling, and bleeding. Other risks include damage to nearby teeth and nerves, allergic reactions, and infection.
What is the recovery process after a wisdom tooth removal procedure?
In the recuperation period, you would be expected to return to doing normal activities after a day or so. However, you might feel discomfort and swell for about 3 days. Full recovery is expected after a few weeks. It is best to consult with your dentist for medication to help manage the discomfort, especially after the anesthetics wear off.
In the meantime, it is advisable to do the following for a successful recovery:
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Hydrate yourself frequently
- Eat soft foods for the first few days
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages and smoking
- Avoid doing excessive physical activities for a week
What are the things that you need to consider before getting a wisdom tooth removal procedure?
If you’re considering getting your wisdom teeth extracted, it’s important that your dentist has you checked first to know the proper treatment needed for your case. It’s also important to discuss your personal medical concerns, such as allergic tendencies and the type of anesthetic you will be given. Before your surgery day, it’s advisable to prepare the things needed during and after the procedure, such as the proper diet to eat, storing medicine, and more. It’s also the best time to rearrange your work or school schedules and ask for the number of rest days/s as advised by your dentist to help you recover.
FAQs
1. Is wisdom tooth removal a major surgery?
Although it is not a complicated procedure, wisdom tooth removal is considered major surgery.
2. Is getting wisdom teeth removal painful?
Before the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the extraction area. You might experience some discomfort after the surgery, so consult your dentist on how to manage it through proper medication.
3. How long will wisdom teeth removal procedure take?
In most cases, wisdom tooth removal is considered an outpatient case, meaning the entire surgery will be done in a day.
4. Will wisdom teeth removal affect my speech?
In most cases, your speech will return to normal after the numbness from the anesthetics wears off.
5. How can I take care of my wisdom teeth?
Constant practice of good oral hygiene is one effective way to prevent cavities and infection in your third molar. Also, regular dental check-ups are advisable to prevent the worsening of impacted wisdom teeth.
6. What are the common side effects of wisdom tooth removal?
You might experience discomfort, pain, swelling, and bleeding after the surgery. Your dentist will provide a piece of cotton or gauze to help control the bleeding. It’s best to get their professional advice after the procedure on how to manage the pain.
7. Can I eat properly after the wisdom teeth removal procedure?
It is advisable to stick to a soft diet after the procedure to promote healing of the extraction area. Too much pressure could result in further damage to the area.
Check if you need wisdom teeth removal with the best dentist in North York for FREE!
Looking for a reliable dental office to help you with wisdom teeth extraction? Feel free to reach out to us at Dynasty Tower Dental. We’ll help you get the best oral care services from our team of experts.