What The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure Is Like
If you have a wisdom tooth that is bothering you, an oral surgeon can extract it for you. Typically this type of surgery can be done right in the oral surgeon's (or dentist's) office. Occasionally, it may be necessary to have it done in the hospital.
First, here are some reasons why you might want to get your wisdom teeth removed:
Reasons
- Crowded back teeth: Your teeth could come in in strange positions that are unsightly or even painful.
- A wisdom tooth that is stuck in your jaw and doesn't show through your gums: This can cause a sensitive flap of skin right above your wisdom tooth to become red and sensitive.
- Pain in your gums due to a sensitive area around your wisdom tooth when it has only partly broken the gums: This can cause infections.
- Gum disease or decay that requires wisdom teeth removal.
Here is what you can expect from the procedure:
Prep
Your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. If you are having multiple teeth taken out, you might receive a general anesthetic to numb more of your mouth. The general anesthetic protects you from pain all over and makes you go to sleep. You may need to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before the removal if general anesthetic will be used.
The Surgery
The dentist will need to open the gum tissue surrounding your tooth in order to remove any bone that is covering your tooth. They will separate your bone from your tooth and then take out the tooth. They could also cut your tooth into smaller pieces to make it more efficient to remove.
After the Surgery
If necessary, they will stitch your gums back up. Many types of stitches will naturally dissolve and others may need to be removed days after being sewn. You might experience some gum swelling around your removed tooth socket. There will be bleeding that you'll want to stop with a gauze pad for a period after the surgery. Also, some of the numbness from the anesthesia may still affect your mouth for some time after the procedure.
There are many reasons you might want to get your wisdom teeth removed. If you speak with your dentist and decide it is a good idea, then plan accordingly. Take care of your mouth and be prepared for the events after your surgery.