Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure in which one or more wisdom teeth are removed. Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth at the top and bottom corners of your mouth. This procedure can be done by a dentist or an oral surgeon. Even if impacted teeth aren't creating difficulties now, some dentists recommend wisdom tooth extraction to avoid future complications.

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Why are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Some people don't get wisdom teeth at all. Others have wisdom teeth that erupt naturally, exactly like their other molars, and cause no issues. Many people have impacted wisdom teeth, which are teeth that don't have enough room to erupt or develop correctly in the mouth. Impacted wisdom teeth erupt partially or not at all.

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A wisdom tooth that has become impacted may develop at an irregular angle, i.e., in the front or back of the surrounding teeth or a right angle to the surrounding teeth as if it was "lying down" within the jawbone. It can also grow straight up like other teeth, but it will remain stuck within the jawbone. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause problems such as pain, tooth decay, periodontal disease, damage to the surrounding bone or tissue, or any other dental infections.

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What to Expect During the Surgery?

On your first visit to the clinic, do not forget to discuss your medical condition or any medications that you take with your dentist so that necessary precautions are taken, and adjustments are made. Your surgery would take no more than 45 minutes. You'll be given one of the following types of anesthetic to keep you pain-free during the procedure:

 

Local anesthesia: Your doctor will give you a dose of a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. You will be able to feel alert shortly afterward.

 

IV sedation: To make you sleepy, the surgeon will inject anesthetic medicines through your vein. During the operation, you may fall asleep.

 

To remove the teeth, your surgeon may have to make an incision on your gums and expose the jawbone. If that's the case, the wounds will be stitched shut so they can recover soon. After a few days, the stitches normally fall out. Gauze pads will be placed in your mouth to absorb some of the blood. After surgery, some patients experience mild to no pain. You will probably experience mild swelling or discomfort for some days. Follow your dentist's instructions properly for fast recover

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