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Wisdom Teeth Removal: What You Need to Know

Wisdom Teeth Removal is the third set of molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. While some people are lucky enough to have their wisdom teeth grow in without causing any problems, many others experience pain, infection, and other complications that require their removal. In this blog, we will explore the wisdom teeth removal process, including the reasons for extraction, the procedure itself, and the recovery period.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

There are several reasons why a dentist or oral surgeon may recommend the removal of wisdom teeth. Some common reasons include:

• Impacted teeth: When a wisdom tooth does not fully emerge from the gum, it is considered "impacted." This can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
• Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth, causing them to shift or become crooked.
• Decay or gum disease: Because wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, they are more prone to decay and gum disease.
• Cysts or tumors: In rare cases, cysts or tumors can develop around impacted wisdom teeth.

The Procedure

Wisdom teeth removal is typically an outpatient procedure that takes 45 minutes to an hour. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.

Once you are numb or sedated, the dentist will make an incision in the gum to access the tooth. If the tooth is impacted, the dentist may need to remove some of the surrounding bone to access it. Then, the tooth will be extracted from the socket using forceps or a surgical handpiece.

After the tooth is removed, the dentist will clean the socket and may place sutures to close the incision. You will be given gauze to bite down on to control bleeding.

Recovery

The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the extraction. In general, you can expect the following:

• Pain and swelling: You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising around the extraction site for a few days after the procedure.
• Bleeding: You may have some bleeding from the socket for the first 24 hours. After that, you can expect some oozing of blood and saliva for a few days.
• Diet: You will need to stick to a soft diet for the first few days after the procedure. Avoid crunchy, hard, or spicy foods irritating the extraction site.
• Oral hygiene: You should continue to brush and floss your teeth, but be gentle around the extraction site. Your dentist may also recommend a salt water rinse to help keep the area clean.
• Follow-up: Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove any sutures and check on your healing progress.

In conclusion, wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that is often necessary to prevent pain, infection, and other complications. While the recovery period can be uncomfortable, it is typically short-lived, and most people are back to their normal activities within a few days. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth, talk to your dentist about whether removal is right for you.