Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure that many people undergo. But do you really need wisdom teeth removal? In this article, we discuss this question and describe the procedure of wisdom teeth extraction.
Do I Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth to be removed. In fact, wisdom teeth can function just as the rest of your teeth without causing any issues. Wisdom teeth removal is typically recommended in one of the following cases:
Impacted or Partially Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are fully hidden under the gumline and can not erupt to the surface, while partially impacted wisdom teeth are partially hidden underneath the gum. Both conditions can cause significant discomfort and lead to gum irritation and swelling. Also, partially impacted wisdom teeth often become infected because they are difficult to clean effectively on a regular basis. Thus, impacted and partially impacted wisdom teeth are often recommended for extraction.
Infected or Decayed Wisdom Teeth
Depending on your anatomy, wisdom teeth may be challenging to clean properly on a regular basis. Thus, they can be prone to cavities and infections. Cavities in wisdom teeth can be treated in the same way as cavities in any other teeth. However, if your wisdom teeth are often reinfected or if decay is severe and requires root canal therapy, extraction is usually recommended to avoid future repeated treatments.
Preparation for an Orthodontic Treatment or Alignment Issues
Wisdom teeth are often removed in preparation for an orthodontic treatment to create space in the mouth for the rest of the teeth to move (especially in cases of crowded teeth). Also, when wisdom teeth erupt after orthodontic treatment, they may be removed to prevent changes in tooth alignment.
What Is the Procedure of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Any procedure of wisdom teeth removal is performed using a local anesthetic that completely numbs the surgical area and prevents the patient from feeling pain. For complex extraction procedures, your dentist might recommend sedation.
If wisdom teeth have erupted through the gum, extraction is typically uncomplicated and takes only a couple of minutes. The majority of patients do not experience any pain or significant discomfort during the procedure due to the anesthetic.
In cases of impacted wisdom teeth, your doctor will make an incision in the gum first to access the tooth. This type of procedure might take longer than a simple wisdom tooth removal due to additional steps.
Once the tooth is extracted, your doctor might apply stitches to close the socket. However, not every case of extraction requires stitches.
What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery Like
Typically, recovery after wisdom teeth extraction takes 7 to 10 days. In this period, you can expect the following symptoms:
- Slight bleeding in the first hour after extraction
- Swelling in the jaw and face
- Moderate aching pain
- Difficulty opening your mouth and chewing food
The intensity of the symptoms depends on the complexity of the extraction. However, in most cases, symptoms can be managed effectively with over-the-counter painkillers, cold compresses, rest, and a soft diet.
If you experience bleeding for longer than 1 to 2 hours after the procedure and intense pain, contact your doctor immediately.
Get a Safe Wisdom Teeth Extraction at TruGlo Calabasas
If you need wisdom teeth extraction, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at TruGlo Calabasas. At our dental office, we strive to make every procedure safe and stress-free for our clients. We are looking forward to your visit.
