What You Should Know About Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Some dentists are of the opinion that wisdom tooth should be removed because they prove to be problematic at some time in the future. If you are lucky enough to have wisdom tooth that grow straight and do not exert pressure on the other teeth then there is no need for removal. However, in majority of cases the tooth has very little space to grow and can emerge at an angle, not emerge at all or grow horizontally, all of which are prime candidates for wisdom tooth extraction. Is it like any other teeth removal procedure or is it different?

Wisdom tooth extraction procedure varies

Wisdom tooth extraction procedure varies according to the condition of the tooth. Dentists take extra precautions before they advise tooth extraction and carry out thorough checks before deciding on a procedure.

X-ray is necessary to know the direction of the tooth and, more importantly, to find out just how many roots the tooth has. Normal teeth have two. However, there are quite a few cases in which the wisdom tooth may have several roots diffusing into the jawbone. This necessitates an extended surgical procedure under heavy local anesthetic and sedation since the gums will have to be opened and then a drill used to break up the tooth and roots into small pieces. This procedure may take an hour or even more.

If the wisdom tooth is normal and has two roots then it is a relatively simple procedure. As with any other tooth extraction procedure your wisdom teeth dentist injects the gums with a local anaesthetic and rocks the tooth back and forth to loosen it before pulling it out. This procedure may last for a half hour at the most.

Impacted wisdom tooth extraction

Impacted wisdom tooth may be stuck to the jawbone. The tooth may be partly stuck to the bone or the tooth may be covered by gums. It is relatively simple to remove a tooth covered by gums. Your dentist specialising in tooth extraction will give a local anaesthetic, incise the gums and extract the tooth after which the gums are sewn back in place.

Teeth that are fused to the bone require extended surgical work like opening up the gums and then using a drill to chip away at the impacted tooth stuck to the jawbone. This procedure leaves a considerable gap that will take days to heal so post-surgical care is vital.

Horizontally growing wisdom tooth

Where the tooth grows horizontally and is fused to the jawbone, partly or otherwise, then the procedure of tooth extraction may be carried out in the dental clinic or, if required, in a hospital under general anaesthesia. You will want to have someone from your family by your side. You may have to stay in the hospital for a day after the extraction procedure. The procedure leaves a hole that will take time to heal so post operative care is important.

The right time for wisdom tooth extraction is when they put in an appearance. A checkup will reveal defects and help your dentist decide on tooth extraction.