Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth (one of a patient's four third molars), so called because of their development when a patient gets older (and supposedly "wiser") are not always the useful evolutionary product that they are supposed to be. Wisdom teeth used to protrude after some of the mouth's teeth were lost or worn away and are a throwback to ancestors who used them to help grind down plant matter. However due to better dentistry and oral hygiene care; wisdom teeth are now often popping into a mouth still filled with teeth. This can cause overcrowding and may cause the wisdom tooth to become impacted or remain submerged or partially submerged within the gum line. This can also cause pericoronitis, particularly in young adults and is caused by bacteria invading the inflamed gum caused by wisdom teeth being impacted or partially submerged within the gum, and can be quite painful. Apart from pain and overcrowding, problematic wisdom teeth can also cause infection in the tooth, gum, and root due to being difficult to keep clean, if partially, or fully submerged or impacted. Impaction of a wisdom tooth can also cause bone and structural bone damage to the jaw bone and surrounding teeth. If one or any of these problems is present, a dentist may offer extraction as a way to treat the pain and wisdom tooth problem.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

Before the dentist or dental surgeon begins, the site area will be numbed with local or general anesthetic (depending on the patient, and the patient's medical history) and the wisdom teeth or individual tooth may be taken out at hospital depending again, on patient, patient history and dental practice. The dental surgeon or local dentist depending on situation will then make an incision into the gum to prepare for the removal of the wisdom teeth, and will also remove any bone and tissue surrounding or connecting the wisdom tooth, as it may harbor infection or hinder the extraction if left. The wisdom tooth or teeth is then extracted, either as a whole using careful force, or in some cases, having the tooth divided into smaller pieces and having them taken out individually. The gum tissue is then stitched back together and these stitches can be removed after a few days, or depending on the type, the stitches may dissolve of their own accord.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare

After a wisdom tooth (or teeth) extraction your dental surgeon or dentist (depending on circumstance) may ask you to bite down on gauze pad to help stem any bleeding and help it clot faster. However if the bleeding increases or does not stop for more than twenty four hours then you should consult your local or dentist. Try not to lie completely flat after a wisdom tooth extraction, and avoid strenuous activities as this can increase blood flow to the healing area and prevent the bleeding from stopping or from starting anew. Try propping up the head with a pillow if lying down. Do eat soft and easy to chew food after having wisdom teeth out as any undue stress to the healing area may damage stitches and prolong the healing period. If the bleeding has stopped, it may be useful to wash the mouth out gently with water with a small pinch of salt in it to kill any bacteria that may cause infection. Another option is to use a mild mouthwash, as stronger mouthwashes may cause a burning sensation if the extraction site is still partially open, and it will hurt! Obviously, it is a wise idea not to drink alcohol or smoke for some days afterwards until the extraction site has healed sufficiently.

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