Dr. Mark Hodge runs Berkshire Dental Group in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Here, he explains why wisdom teeth may need to be removed, as well as all about the procedure and post-op instructions.
A wisdom tooth is extracted to correct an existing problem or to prevent problems that may occur in the future. When wisdom teeth come in, a number of problems can arise:
- Your jaw may not be large enough to accommodate them, and they may become impacted and unable to break through your gums.
- Your wisdom teeth may break partway through your gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them. Food and germs can become trapped under the flap and cause your gums to become red, swollen, and painful, which are signs of infection. More serious problems can develop from impacted teeth, such as infection, damage to other teeth and bone, or the development of a cyst.
- One or more of your wisdom teeth may come in at an awkward angle, with the top of the tooth facing forward, backward, or to either side.
Before removing a wisdom tooth, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. A general anesthetic may be used, especially if several or all your wisdom teeth will be removed at the same time. A general anesthetic prevents pain in the whole body and will make you groggy or cause you to sleep through the procedure. Your dentist will probably recommend that you don’t eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery so you are prepared for the anesthetic.
To remove the wisdom tooth, your dentist will open the gum tissue over the tooth and remove any bone covering the tooth. Then he will separate the tissue connecting the tooth to the bone and remove the tooth. Sometimes the dentist will cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time, and some have to be removed after a few days. Your dentist will tell you which type of stitches you’re getting. A folded cotton gauze pad placed over the wound will help stop the bleeding.
After the procedure, you can take measures to speed up your recovery from wisdom tooth removal.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
