As a patient it’s understandable that you may have concerns about the wisdom tooth extraction process. It’s a procedure that not many people look forward to but it’s often necessary in order to maintain optimum dental health. The wisdom teeth are the molars at the very back of your mouth and there’s often not enough room within the jaw for them to erupt normally. They may become impacted and this can lead to pain, cysts, tumours and damage or even infection of neighbouring teeth. Wisdom tooth removal is generally considered an essential preventative measure and should be performed early in life in order to avoid complications.
There are a number of signs to look out for that will indicate it’s time to have your wisdom teeth removed. You might experience tooth pain or sensitivity in the back of your mouth that won’t go away, even after brushing and flossing or taking an over-the-counter painkiller. Pain in the back of the mouth can also be a sign that your wisdom teeth are coming in at an angle, crowding or impacting the other teeth and gums.
When you’re having your wisdom teeth removed, the oral surgeon will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area. You’ll be able to communicate with the oral surgeon at this point and they will inform you of how long it will take for the anaesthetic to kick in. Some patients decide to be sedated during their wisdom tooth removal and this is an option that can be discussed at your initial consultation.
Once the local anaesthetic has kicked in, you’ll be placed into a semi-reclined position and the oral surgeon will make sure you are comfortable before administering a cocktail of intravenous sedative and analgesic medications that will put you in a comfortable sleep state. You’ll be able to talk with the oral surgeon at this stage and ask any outstanding questions before you drift off into a restful sleep.
Depending on your level of impaction and the number of wisdom teeth to be removed, the surgical procedure can vary but it is usually a relatively simple procedure. During the surgery the oral surgeon will open up the gum tissue and the bone covering the tooth (if present) and the tooth is then removed. The oral surgeon may cut the wisdom teeth into sections in order to remove them easier.
The surgical site is then sutured and it’s important to remember that your mouth will be swollen. It’s advisable to have someone drive you home after the procedure and it’s important that you don’t drink alcohol or smoke on the day of surgery.
After the procedure is completed you’ll be allowed to wake up. Your recovery will begin and it’s important to follow the instructions your oral surgeon provides to ensure a speedy and smooth recovery. You’ll be given instructions on how to care for your wounds, what to eat and not eat and any other relevant information that will help your recovery.extraction dent de sagesse
