Everything You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth extraction is a procedure that almost everyone goes through at some point in their life. These teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth can cause many problems such as overcrowding, misalignment, infection, and decay. Fortunately, wisdom teeth removal is a straightforward solution to these problems.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about wisdom teeth extraction. We will examine the reasons for their removal, the procedure itself, and what to expect during and after the surgery.

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
As mentioned earlier, wisdom teeth can create a host of problems; hence, removal of these teeth is necessary. Below are some common reasons why people have their wisdom teeth removed:

1. Overcrowding: Wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding, leading to impacted teeth, misalignment of teeth, and even pain.

2. Gum Infection: Wisdom teeth that grow partially or fully can create a gum infection, leading to red or swollen gums, pain, and discomfort.

3. Cysts: Wisdom teeth can cause the formation of cysts around the teeth. This can damage your jawbone or the surrounding teeth.

4. Decay: If the wisdom teeth are not properly cleaned or maintained, they can cause tooth decay.

The Procedure of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure performed by a qualified dentist or oral surgeon. The steps involved are:

1. Anesthesia: The dentist will administer a local or general anesthesia depending on the patient’s preference.

2. Incision: The dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and the bone.

3. Tooth Removal: The dentist will gently move the tooth back and forth to loosen it from the socket, and remove it.

4. Stitches: The dentist will then stitch up the incision site to promote healing.

What to Expect During and After the Surgery
During the surgery, you will be under anesthesia and will not experience any pain or discomfort. However, after the surgery, you may expect:

1. Bleeding: It is normal to experience bleeding from the extraction site for a few hours after the surgery.

2. Swelling: You may experience swelling around the extraction site, which typically lasts for a few days.

3. Pain: You will experience pain and discomfort after the surgery. The dentist will provide you with pain medication to alleviate the pain.

4. Diet: You need to stick to a soft or liquid diet for a few days after the surgery. Avoid hard or crunchy foods and carbonated drinks.

In conclusion, wisdom teeth extraction is a common surgical procedure that is necessary for most people. It is a simple and straightforward procedure that provides relief from wisdom teeth-related problems. Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon to find out more about the procedure, and how they can help you manage your wisdom teeth-related problems.