Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop and usually appear at age 18 to 21 years old, when a person is “more mature and wise” as they say. More often, wisdom teeth may erupt partly or not at all as when they are impacted teeth that need to be removed through surgery. Wisdom teeth removal, in such a case, is quite expensive and may cost from $400 to $800.
An X-ray is done to see if the wisdom teeth need be removed through surgery when there is severe pain and swelling, infection of the gum and serious decay; or when tissues around the wisdom teeth has developed cysts or tumors; and there is over crowding of the other teeth in the dental arch.
Different ways of wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth can be removed without surgery unless they are impacted. Wisdom teeth removal may be done under local anesthetic wherein the area is numbed with an injection of anesthesia; local anesthetic combined with sedation to relax and allow the patient to go through the operation more comfortably; or general anesthetic to keep the patient asleep during the operation. The anesthesia administration may depend on the patient’s preference or which the surgeon recommends.
There may be a need to slightly cut the gum as well as the teeth for easy removal. Likewise, a small amount of bone to loosen the teeth may be removed during the surgery.
Depending on the condition, a patient can go home after three to four hours after the operation. However, under general anesthetic and the effect does not go away quickly, one may need to stay in the hospital longer.
After wisdom teeth removal, it is normal that the mouth and cheeks feel bruised and swollen; the jaw somewhat stiff; and there is mild to moderate discomfort which will disappear after quite sometime.
The patient may drink two to three hours after the surgery but eating may not be possible as it may be hard to chew within the few hours thus, a soft diet with extra fiber is recommended.
The patient is likewise advised to follow the instructions on proper mouth to prevent infection after wisdom teeth removal such as warm salt water mouth bath after tooth-brushing to soothe the mouth; antiseptic mouthwash after gargling with salt water; and the full course of antibiotics finished; and painkillers taken as directed.
An X-ray after surgery may be taken when the patient visits for check-up usually after a week or two.
Complications may include risk of bleeding that stops upon application of pressure; pain that may lead to pus or abscess due to an infection; numbness of the lips and tongue; and those related to the heart and lungs which should have been considered by the dental surgeon before the operation.
Other complication in wisdom teeth removal may be a painful “dry socket” that may cause foul bad breath if a clot was not formed or was dislodged in the socket from where the teeth were removed. Smokers or those who use contraceptive pills commonly experience a “dry socket” which should be packed with medicated gauze until the wound is healed and the socket starts to fill. Also, you might find video below Wisdom Teeth Removal fascinating. Check it out!
