Wisdom Tooth Extraction

A wisdom tooth is the last molar tooth in the mouth that usually appears at a later age.

Wisdom teeth are mostly four in number, with two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw.

Sometimes wisdom teeth do not have enough space to erupt straight in the mouth. Due to this they get undergo decay posing a threat to neighboring teeth and gums as well.

Impacted wisdom teeth can be very painful and can cause constant nagging pain, ear/jaw ache, difficulty in opening the mouth /chewing etc.

When left in the mouth for a long time they can develop infection which spreads to surrounding gums and bone.

Who is Wisdom Tooth Extraction recommended 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 tooth ache, ear/jaw pain, difficulty in eating due to swelling of gums around the tooth.

Steps in Wisdom Tooth Extraction:

1. Pre Treatment Procedure

A detailed consultation is provided by your expert Dentotsav dentist to understand why wisdom tooth extraction may be needed.

Not removing a potential troublesome wisdom tooth may lead to severe complications, including but not limited to:

• Tilted or wrongly erupting wisdom teeth. These are very difficult to clean and will almost definitely get decayed if extraction is prolonged.
• Decay will spread to neighbouring teeth leading to cavities needing further fillings or even a root canal.
• Swelling and infection around the tooth and gums, which may spread to the bone.
• In extreme cases infection may lead to cyst formation in or over the jawbone.
• Pressure from the wrongly erupting wisdom tooth causes the front teeth to become crooked or crowded, hence affecting smile symmetry.

OPG X-ray, or in complicated cases a CBCT is advised to check the presence and alignment of the wisdom tooth in relation to the adjoining bone and nerves. Both medical and dental histories are taken to avoid any complications.

Antibiotics may be advised prior to the extraction to avoid infection and ensure smooth healing of the area.

2. Procedure

When carefully executed by a skilled and experienced dentist Wisdom Tooth extraction is a very safe and predictable procedure.

Local anaesthesia 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 limit any bleeding and ensure smoother healing.

3. Post Treatment Care

• When anesthesia wears off there may be jaw stiffness or temporary difficulty in opening mouth.
• Don’t rinse, spit forcibly or drink from a straw for 24 hours.
• Analgesics/pain killers may be prescribed for controlling the discomfort.
• Eat soft foods/liquid 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 at least a day.
• After 24 hours, rinse with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt mixed with 1 glass of warm water.
• A follow-up consultation is usually recommended after a week.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Tips to Remember (FAQ’s):

• Maintain oral hygiene by regular brushing twice a day and flossing.
• Visit your dentist every once every 6 months.
• Diabetics should maintain recommended healthy blood sugar levels. Oral health is amongst the first victims of high blood sugar.
• Eat healthy foods like green vegetables, fruits and dairy products like milk, cheese.
• Drink plenty of water before and after meals so the unwanted food particles are flushed out.
• Limit the consumption of acidic foods and beverages like tea, coffee, fizzy drinks.
• Limit the consumption of sticky foods like pizza, candies, chocolates etc.
• Avoid biting finger nails, pen’s cap, pencils etc and avoid using your teeth to open bottles or to tear packets.T

Contact Us

If you wish to discuss Wisdom Tooth Extraction and how it could give you painsless oral health while maintaing a healthier smile, please pick up the phone and call us. We can arrange an appointment or for one of our dental professionals to call you back to discuss your requirements.