Wisdom Tooth Removal in Harrisdale

Painful wisdom tooth

Erupting wisdom tooth can be painful sometimes. It’s important to see your dentist if you’re experiencing tooth pain or discomfort when chewing. They will assess if the problem is with the wisdom tooth or something else. Sometimes the acute pain goes away on its own and wisdom teeth extraction is not required.

Impacted wisdom teeth

A wisdom tooth that has not fully erupted from the gum line is known as an impacted wisdom tooth. It can cause pain, infection, and crowding of other teeth, among many other issues. In some cases, wisdom teeth extraction may be required.

Tooth decay

Partially impacted wisdom teeth are more vulnerable to dental decay (caries) than other teeth. Because it is more difficult to clean, food particles and bacteria collect quickly between the gum and a partially erupted tooth.

When teeth are not adequately cleaned, they might become decayed as a result of improper brushing or an underlying bacterial infection.

Tooth abscess

An abscess is an infection produced by pus in the pulp of a tooth. An abscess can grow between the root of a tooth and the gum tissue surrounding it, or between the root of a tooth and the gum flap that partially covers an impacted tooth.

Infection

Pericoronitis is a condition that needs the removal of wisdom teeth as soon as possible. It most commonly happens when wisdom teeth in the lower jaw have not fully erupted, but it can also occur in the upper third molars. A gum infection is identified by red, swollen gum tissue behind the last visible molar, an unpleasant or foul taste or odour, jaw discomfort when chewing with posterior teeth, and pus leaking from the region.

Swelling of the gums, cheeks, and other jaw areas is also an indication of this condition. A swelling may put pressure on neighbouring tissues and radiate to the ear, causing an earache. If an infection is detected, the ear or sinus problem must be evaluated and treated. They may cause considerable pain throughout the mouth if left untreated.

Your dentist or oral surgeon may use one of three types of anaesthesia depending on the severity and level of comfort of the wisdom tooth extraction.

Local anaesthesia

During an extraction, your dentist will administer a local anaesthesia to you by injection at the extraction site.

Sedation anaesthesia

Sedation anaesthesia is administered by your dentist through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. You are completely unconscious during the surgery while under sedation anaesthesia. You won’t feel any discomfort, and you’ll have minimal recall of the procedure. You will also be given a local anaesthetic to numb your gums.

General anaesthesia

In some cases, general anaesthesia may be necessary. You may have an IV line in your arm or inhale medication through your nose. You won’t remember anything about the surgery and won’t feel any discomfort when you lose consciousness. Local anaesthesia will also be used to alleviate post-operative discomfort.

Wisdom teeth are extracted by a dentist in the following way:

• A gum incision is made to expose the tooth and bone.
• The tooth root is accessed by removing the bone that blocks it
• Whenever possible, separate the teeth into pieces so that they will be easier to remove.
• Tooth removal
• The area around the tooth needs to be cleaned to ensure no debris from the tooth or the bone is present.
• In some cases, stitches are necessary to promote healing.
• A piece of gauze is placed on the extraction site to control bleeding and facilitate the formation of a blood clot.

Most patients have minimal to no pain after surgery. Mild swelling and discomfort may occur for a few days following the procedure. It may take several weeks for your mouth to totally recover.
To ensure a speedy recovery, make sure you follow your doctor’s advice. Here are some tips for the first three days following surgery:

Dos:

• Apply an ice pack to your face if you have swelling or changes in the color of your skin.
• For sore jaws, apply moist heat.
• It is beneficial to your jaw if you open and close your mouth gently.
• Soft foods like pasta, mashed vegetables, and soup are recommended to avoid damaging the extraction site.
• Keep hydrated.
• Brush your teeth starting from day two. Be careful not to brush against blood clots.
• In the event of pain or swelling, take your doctor’s medication.
• In case of fever or persistent pain or swelling, you should see your doctor.

Donts:

• Drinking from straws is not recommended since sucking loosens the blood clots in the mouth that help it heal.
• Avoid excessive mouth rinsing. The dentist may suggest gently rinsing your mouth with saltwater.
• It is best to stay away from crunchy, hard, and sticky foods.
  Smoking slows down the healing process, so it should be avoided.

It is important not to dislodge the blood clot after tooth extraction. The ADA advises people to avoid the following:

Using straw. Smoking and drinking through a straw creates suction. Clots can loosen or heal more slowly due to these substances and suction motion.

Tobacco products. Smoking can cause more bleeding because it slows healing and raises blood pressure.

Vigorously rinsing the mouth. People should refrain from rinsing their mouths too vigorously. It is important to rinse the mouth gently after tooth extraction to prevent disturbing the blood clot.

Alcohol. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and mouthwashes that contain alcohol for 24 hours to prevent blood clot dislodging. The bleeding may get worse and healing may be delayed.

Physical activities. To prevent bleeding and promote clotting, refrain from strenuous activities for 24 hours following extraction.