All You Need to Know About Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth, or the third molars, are the large back teeth in the oral cavity. These are the last teeth to erupt and usually come out between the age of 17 to 25; however, they can come out even later. Third molars tend to erupt at unusual angles, erupt partially, or sometimes, they may not erupt at all and become embedded in the bone. They tend to get affected by dental caries, gum diseases, and even pathological lesions such as cysts. Therefore, they have to be removed. 

How are wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth either erupt partially or remain embedded in the bone completely. In either scenario, a simple extraction procedure will not suffice for their removal. Therefore, wisdom teeth have to be removed surgically. 

At Valley Wide Dental, Huntsville, AL, wisdom teeth removal is performed under local anesthesia combined with sedation so you can be comfortable, calm, and pain-free during the entire procedure. 

After adequate anesthesia, a small incision is made through the gum in the region of the wisdom tooth to access the tooth. In most cases, some amount of bone must be removed to access and adequately remove the tooth. After bone removal, elevators are used to luxate the tooth, following which the tooth is removed with the help of forceps. 

The extraction socket is checked for any remaining debris or infected tissues; these are removed as well, and the socket is cleaned. After thorough irrigation, the wound is closed with the help of sutures.

Following your wisdom tooth extraction, you will be put on antibiotics and painkillers. 

Post-operative care after wisdom tooth removal

It is essential to follow all the post-operative care instructions diligently to ensure your extraction wound heals well and without any complications. 

• Please do not spit, swish, or drink with a straw for up to 48 hours after wisdom tooth removal. 
• Maintain good oral hygiene by rinsing your mouth gently with chlorhexidine mouthwash. Rinse your mouth with water after every meal and let the water drip into the sink from your mouth rather than spitting forcefully. 
• Eat foods that are soft and consume drinks that are cold or at room temperature. 
• It is normal to have some swelling post-third molar removal. Use an ice pack and gently compress on the outside. This will reduce the swelling faster and ensure you are comfortable and heal well. 
• Please do NOT put any clove oil or balms or eat anything hot, as it can increase swelling. 
• You may experience some oozing from the surgery site for up to 48 hours. However, if you have frank bleeding, report it to our office immediately. 
• Make sure you are taking your antibiotics and painkillers on time. 

Wisdom tooth removal is a relatively regular dental procedure and is done to relieve painful symptoms and prevent oral diseases from occurring. If your wisdom tooth is giving you trouble, it is time to schedule an appointment with us at Valleywide Dental, Huntsville, AL. If you have any more questions, please reach out to us. Our team of excellent dental professionals is here to assist you and your family a perfect health.