Wisdom teeth extraction is a procedure performed by a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon to remove the teeth appearing behind the back molar. The removal of these teeth is necessary if there is no room in the mouth for them to grow. If pain, infection, swelling of the face or swelling of the gum line occurs then the teeth should be removed before they become impacted and destroy the second molar.
What is it?
Wisdom teeth extraction is performed by doctors and dentists when the removal of wisdom teeth is necessary to fix or prevent problems. Some of the issues that can be avoided with wisdom teeth extraction include crowding in the back teeth, wisdom teeth becoming stuck but not penetrating the gums, swelling, pain, redness of the gums, gum disease, and tooth decay of wisdom teeth. The teeth must be removed if there is no room for them to grow.
What should I do to prepare?
Individuals should not consume food within twelve hours before the procedure and may need to avoid certain dietary supplements and medications as well.
What happens during the process?
This procedure may involve local or general anesthesia, depending on whether the patient is having one or multiple wisdom teeth removed. First, the gum tissue over the tooth will be opened, and bone may be removed. Tissue connecting the tooth to bone will be separated before the tooth itself is removed. It may be necessary to cut the tooth into fragments to make its removal easier. Stitches are often needed after removal.
What are the risks and potential complications?
This procedure involves risks, as with any surgical treatment. There is the specific possibility of pain and swelling in the gums and socket of the removed tooth, bleeding, jaw pain, inflammation, numbness, and infection. General anesthesia also comes with risk factors, including pain, nausea and vomiting, soreness of the throat, teeth damage, and more; however, these complications are very rare.
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