Wisdom Teeth Extraction | Saipan SDA Dental Clinic

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth, otherwise known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop. Sometimes these teeth emerge from the gum line and the jaw is large enough to allow room for them, but most of the time, this is not the case. More often, one or more of these third molars fails to emerge in proper alignment or fails to fully emerge through the gum line and becomes entrapped or “impacted” between the jawbone and the gum tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in swelling, pain, and infection of the gum tissue surrounding the wisdom teeth. Therefore, dentists recommend people with impacted wisdom teeth have them surgically removed.

Why do my wisdom teeth need extracted?

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that assists to eliminate the pain caused by problematic wisdom tooth development. If left in place, difficult wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, infections and serious damage to the surrounding jawbone and teeth.

What is the process?

Here is an outline of what you can expect during your wisdom tooth removal:

  • Your dentist will use either local, sedation or general anesthesia in order to numb your mouth and/or suppress your consciousness during the surgery
  • An incision will be made in the gum to expose the tooth and bone
  • If any bone is blocking access to the root of the tooth, it will be removed
  • If the tooth is difficult to remove, it may be divided into several pieces
  • The tooth is removed
  • The extraction site is cleaned and any remaining debris is removed
  • The site is stitched up if required for healing
  • A gauze is placed over the site to control any bleeding and assist the formation of a blood clot.

What to Expect After Surgery
In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. However, after your wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to follow your dentist’s advice. Following their instructions will promote faster healing and avoid any complications. Some of their recommendations may include:

  • Not disturbing the wound, by avoiding touching the site and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth for the first 24 hours
  • Not smoking, as this can encourage bleeding
  • Not spitting or using a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket
  • Using sterile gauze pads to control the bleeding and promote clot development
  • Using a cold pack to reduce swelling
  • Avoiding strenuous activities for a week after the procedure
  • Avoiding alcohol for 24 hours after surgery

 

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