In the journey of dental health, wisdom tooth extraction emerges as a crucial decision in terms of several health issues. This removal procedure opens a door to an extensive exploration of oral health and the various factors which contribute to the decision-making progress of this procedure.
What is wisdom tooth extraction? Who can prefer it?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a dental procedure that many people might undergo at some point in their lives. Wisdom teeth are called third molars and they usually come at the ages of 17-25.
Wisdom tooth extraction is the removal of the impacted wisdom teeth which can cause pain, infection and damage to other teeth.
If you have the following, you can have the wisdom teeth extraction:
- If your tooth becomes infected
- If there is not enough space in your jaw for the tooth to grow properly
- If your tooth pushes and causes damage to other teeth
- If your tooth is impacted
- If your tooth grows in an awkward position
- If a cyst develops around your tooth
What are the benefits of having the wisdom tooth extraction?
Getting your wisdom tooth removed has several benefits in terms of improving your quality of life and health:
One of the most popular reasons for wisdom tooth extraction is to prevent the overcrowding inside the mouth caused by the wisdom tooth. Most people do not have enough space in their jaws for another tooth which can cause a deterioration in straight teeth. Moreover, the removal procedure can be beneficial if the tooth causes damage to other teeth.
Another reason can be reducing the pain and discomfort your wisdom tooth may cause. Also, because of their location, wisdom teeth can be hard to clean properly and this may cause infections, cysts and tumors. The removal of your wisdom tooth can prevent these discomforts.
The removal of the wisdom tooth can make you stress-free from the thought of having sudden pains or infections which can improve the quality of your life. Additionally, because it will save you from going to the dentist more often than usual, it can have financial benefits in the long run.
How is wisdom tooth extraction performed?
Wisdom tooth extraction is typically done under local anesthesia by an oral surgeon. After you are given the anesthesia, your surgeon will start the procedure by making a small incision in the gum tissue covering the wisdom tooth. Then your surgeon will carefully extract the wisdom tooth while taking care of your bones. Finally, your surgeon will stitch your gums back together which will require you to go back to the office again to get your stitches removed.
🕒 The procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes to finish.
Recovery after the wisdom tooth extraction
Post-wisdom tooth extraction procedure can bring some swelling, pain and bleeding. Since the wisdom tooth extraction recovery takes 3-4 days, the previous won’t last long. You can follow the do’s and don’ts after wisdom tooth surgery:
Take the painkillers that your doctor will prescribe
Apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes several times a day to prevent the swelling
Keep your head high to reduce swelling while sleeping
Rest for at least 24 hours after your procedure
Avoid smoking or alcohol for at least 48 hours after your procedure
Don’t touch or rinse the extraction area
Eat soft foods that are easy to chew and avoid straws a few days after your extraction.
