Wisdom tooth removal refers to a procedure that involves the removal of one or more wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, are often the last permanent teeth to develop. These teeth are located at the back corners of your mouth on the bottom and top. Read on to learn more about the procedure.
A dentist may recommend removing wisdom teeth due to several problems, including an infection or pain. The extraction can be performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. A patient’s experience depends on a variety of factors, including the number of teeth being removed and the position of the teeth. People need to learn about the procedure so that they can know what to expect. Here are four important things to know about the procedure.
A wisdom tooth extraction is most times performed as an outpatient procedure; therefore, a patient will go home on the same day. Before surgery, a person should arrange time off from school or work. This will allow the patient a day or more to rest and start to heal. The dentist should be informed of any medications a person is taking. A patient should follow all the dentist’s instructions on drinking and eating before surgery. It is also beneficial to wear comfortable, loose clothing and to arrange a ride home.
The dentist will recommend one of three types of anesthesia depending on the preference of the patient and the expected complexity of the procedure. Types of anesthesia include general anesthesia, a sedative and a local anesthetic. The general anesthesia puts a patient to sleep during surgery. Its use is recommended if the extraction may be difficult or if a patient prefers to sleep.
A sedative helps a patient to stay relaxed but awake during the procedure. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is one type of sedative. A local anesthetic helps to numb the area around the tooth that is to be removed. It is used even if another anesthesia option is also given to a patient.
The dentist will make an incision in the gum to expose the tooth and bone. The tooth may have to be sectioned. This involves cutting it into pieces. The bone around the tooth usually also needs to be removed. After the tooth is removed, the incisions made will be closed with sutures.
The mouth needs some time to heal. On the first day after the procedure, some bleeding is normal. During the first week, a patient may also see some swelling and bruising on the face. People are usually advised to get enough rest and to eat and drink nutritious foods to promote healing. Taking care of the extraction site is also important. A patient should follow all of the dentist’s special instructions.
Most times, dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth if they do not have enough room to grow, which may result in pain, infection or a variety of other dental problems. It is important to prepare in advance and to know what to expect during the procedure. After the procedure, patients can benefit from following all of the dentist’s post-care instructions. If you have any questions about wisdom tooth removal, talk to your dentist.
Are you considering having wisdom tooth removal in the Carmel area? Get more information at https://carmelsmilesdentist.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A cavity between teeth, clinically called interproximal cavities, develops on the contact surfaces where two teeth press together. Unlike cavities on chewing surfaces that you might spot in a mirror, interproximal decay hides out of sight. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach these tight spaces, so plaque and bacteria build up silently for months before anyone notices.Most…
If you live in Carmel or Hamilton County and want both a brighter and straighter smile, you're not alone. At Smiles in the Village Dentistry, patients regularly ask whether they should tackle teeth whitening or teeth straightening first. The answer depends on your starting point.Here's a practical rule of thumb: if you have moderate to…
Your rear molars sit deep in the mouth and endure immense chewing pressure every day. When one of those back teeth develops a problem that can't be fixed, the idea of having a tooth pulled can feel overwhelming - especially if you're not sure what the process involves or how long recovery takes.This guide answers…
Facing tooth loss is stressful enough without worrying about months spent without a complete smile. Same day dentures let you walk out of our Carmel, IN office with functional teeth on the very same day your remaining natural teeth are extracted.Same Day Dentures: Fast Relief and a New Smile in One VisitWhat Are Immediate Dentures…
A cavity between teeth, clinically called interproximal cavities, develops on the contact surfaces where two teeth press together. Unlike cavities on chewing surfaces that you might spot in a mirror, interproximal decay hides out of sight. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach these tight spaces, so plaque and bacteria build up silently for months before anyone notices.Most…
If you live in Carmel or Hamilton County and want both a brighter and straighter smile, you're not alone. At Smiles in the Village Dentistry, patients regularly ask whether they should tackle teeth whitening or teeth straightening first. The answer depends on your starting point.Here's a practical rule of thumb: if you have moderate to…