How Is a Wisdom Tooth Extracted?
For many people, wisdom teeth are a rite of passage into adulthood. These third molars typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, they grow without causing any problems. However, for many people, wisdom teeth can lead to pain, crowding, and other complications, making extraction a necessary solution.
Having a wisdom tooth extracted may sound intimidating, but understanding the process can ease your concerns and help you feel more prepared.
At Gander Smiles Dentistry, we’re here to guide you through every step of the procedure and hopefully answer all your questions. In this blog post, we’ll explain how wisdom teeth are extracted and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop, and they often don’t have enough space to grow properly. This can lead to issues such as impaction (where the tooth is trapped beneath the gum or partially erupts), crowding, or even infection.
When wisdom teeth grow at an angle or fail to emerge fully, they can cause pain, swelling, and damage to nearby teeth. In some cases, they may create pockets where bacteria can accumulate which increases the risk of gum disease or tooth decay.
Dentists recommend extracting wisdom teeth when they pose a risk to your oral health or if they’re likely to cause problems in the future.
Preparing for the Extraction
Before your wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will conduct a thorough examination to assess the position and condition of the teeth. This may involve taking X-rays to determine the exact location of the wisdom teeth and their relationship to surrounding structures like nerves and other teeth.
During your consultation, your dentist will discuss the procedure with you, including the type of anesthesia that will be used. Most extractions are performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth. For more complex cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be recommended to ensure your comfort.
How Is a Wisdom Tooth Extracted?
The actual extraction process varies depending on whether the wisdom tooth is fully erupted, partially erupted, or impacted. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what typically happens during the procedure:
- Anesthesia: Before the extraction begins, your dentist will administer anesthesia to numb the area around the wisdom tooth. If you’re receiving sedation, you’ll be in a relaxed state or asleep throughout the procedure.
- Accessing the Tooth: For wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, the extraction is straightforward. The dentist uses special tools to loosen the tooth from its socket and remove it.
For impacted wisdom teeth, the dentist may need to make an incision in the gum to access the tooth. If the tooth is embedded in the bone, a small amount of bone may be removed to free the tooth. - Sectioning the Tooth: In some cases, the dentist may section the tooth into smaller pieces. This technique is used when the tooth is difficult to remove as a whole, and it allows for a more controlled extraction.
- Removing the Tooth: Once the tooth is loosened or sectioned, the dentist carefully removes it. This step is performed with precision to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues.
- Closing the Site: If an incision was made, the dentist will close it with dissolvable stitches to promote healing. Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help form a blood clot.
The entire procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
What to Expect After the Extraction
After the procedure, you’ll be given specific instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. It’s normal to experience some swelling, mild discomfort, and minor bleeding for the first few days. Pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or medication prescribed by your dentist.
The formation of a blood clot in the extraction site is crucial for healing, so it’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare advice. Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously, using a straw, or smoking, as these activities can dislodge the clot and lead to a condition called dry socket.
Eating soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes is recommended during the initial recovery period. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as you feel comfortable.
Most people recover from a wisdom tooth extraction within a week, but it may take longer for the surgical site to heal completely.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While complications are rare, it’s important to know when to seek help. Contact your dentist if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, swelling that doesn’t improve after a few days, or signs of infection such as fever or pus at the extraction site. Prompt attention can address these issues and ensure a smooth recovery.
Protect Your Oral Health With Gander Smiles Dentistry
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure that can prevent pain, infection, and other complications down the road. By understanding the process and following your dentist’s guidance, you can approach the procedure with confidence and peace of mind.
At Gander Smiles Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile. If you’re experiencing discomfort from your wisdom teeth or have been advised to consider extraction, book an appointment with us today!