The so-called wisdom teeth are an evolutionary atavism, therefore their growth is often abnormal, only partial, and causes serious discomfort. Of course, wisdom tooth extraction is not treated as a standard and default procedure. However, wisdom teeth removal by a surgeon is often the optimal solution due to the patient’s comfort and health.
What is the surgical extraction of wisdom teeth?
The surgical removal of wisdom teeth is the extraction of the wisdom teeth from the dental arch in such a way as not to damage the remaining teeth. It is important to remove not only the crown but also the roots of the tooth, which can be attacked by caries. Depending on what the patient’s anatomical conditions allow, it can be a relatively simple procedure or a multi-stage procedure.
Wisdom teeth extraction– the course of the procedure
The wisdom tooth extraction procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, but in some cases, the patient may be anesthetized.
- Before the tooth is extracted, it is necessary to conduct a full diagnosis, an important element of which is a set of X-ray images.
- The patient is given local anesthesia.
- After cutting the gum, the surgeon separates the roots of the wisdom tooth from the other teeth.
- The tooth is loosened in the chipping process.
- The prepared tooth will be extracted with forceps.
- If necessary, possible bone defects are supplemented with bone substitute material.
- The cut on the gum is closed with sutures.
- After a few days, the sutures can be removed if the healing process is going well.
Although this procedure is used by default in most cases, it is sometimes necessary to modify it to completely extract the wisdom teeth. The decision is made by the doctor based on the collected medical records.
Why are wisdom teeth extracted?
The extraction of wisdom teeth is carried out to prevent teeth from squeezing, to reduce the risk of developing caries, or, most often, to increase the patient’s comfort.
When to remove wisdom teeth? Indications for the procedure
Whether the wisdom tooth removal procedure is necessary is decided by the doctor based on the analysis of X-ray images. There may be several reasons for qualifying for the procedure.
- Before starting orthodontic treatment (if leaving wisdom teeth may cause difficulties).
- If the wisdom teeth are incorrectly positioned, they do not erupt properly or their incomplete emergence causes complications.
- If the third molars are affected by caries and their treatment would be excessively difficult or even impossible.
Wisdom teeth properly developed and properly arranged on the dental arch may also be qualified for removal. As they are located furthest on the dental arch, they are often at the highest risk of caries, and when their treatment is no longer justified, the doctor together with the patient may decide to remove wisdom teeth.
Surgical removal of eights – contraindications
Contraindications to the wisdom teeth extraction procedure coincide with the general operational contraindications.
- Heart disease, coagulation disorders, diabetes, hypertension.
- Allergy to substances used in local anesthesia.
- Some oral diseases or the recovery period.
- During the exacerbation of certain chronic diseases.
The dentist may postpone the procedure for a specific patient if they determine that there is an excessive risk associated with the extraction procedure at a given moment.
Surgical removal of wisdom teeth – possible complications
Complications are rare and are usually limited to general postoperative consequences.
- Moderate or high-intensity pain.
- Bleeding gums
- Swelling around the operated area.
- Alveolar inflammation.
- Superinfection of postoperative wounds.
Most complications resolve on their own, but if fever or general weakness occurs, a doctor should be consulted.
Does wisdom teeth extraction hurt?
Extraction of the tooth itself is carried out under local anesthesia, so it is associated at most with some minor discomfort. The pain may appear after the anesthesia subsides and is associated with the tissue violation itself. However, this is a temporary symptom, and cold compresses or basic painkillers should help.
How long does it take to remove a wisdom tooth?
The duration of the procedure varies and factors such as weakening of the tooth, incorrect position in the dental arch, or the complicated course of the roots can extend from several dozen minutes to even several hours. The longest procedures are often already performed under general anesthesia.
Surgical removal of wisdom teeth – what does the recovery look like?
The pain should disappear after a few days, but you should still refrain from eating cold or hot foods or drinking alcohol for some time after removing the wisdom teeth. It is not recommended to smoke cigarettes or engage in strenuous physical activity.
Extraction of wisdom teeth – cost
Depending on the condition of the tooth (emerged, impacted), its location, and the complexity of the roots, the wisdom tooth extraction can be performed for PLN 200-1,000, although in some cases this price may still increase.
Do you need to remove wisdom teeth?
No. If everything is in order with the wisdom teeth, they are healthy and properly aligned, it is not justified to carry out such a procedure. If the dentist determines that the tooth has advanced caries, it is impacted or may be problematic for other reasons and there is no possibility of other treatment, then you can focus on extracting the wisdom tooth.
Extracting the wisdom teeth with anesthesia in HCentrum
In some cases, wisdom teeth require a complicated procedure to extract them properly. In the HCentrum dental office, in addition to basic procedures under local anesthesia, we also perform the removal of wisdom teeth under anesthesia. Thanks to this, we can extract wisdom teeth growing in a horizontal position, with tangled roots, in bones, or difficult to reach. Make an appointment, we will examine the condition of the tooth and suggest the optimal solution.
FAQ
● Wisdom teeth extraction and menstruation
Wisdom teeth extraction can be carried out during menstruation. In the past, this was not practiced. Today the decision largely depends on the level of discomfort associated with menstruation of a particular patient and it is their decision.
● Surgical extraction of wisdom teeth during pregnancy
It is generally recommended that a possible wisdom teeth extraction be performed after the first trimester. However, if this is not an urgent procedure, many dentists will advise waiting up to a month or two after birth. Nevertheless, it is possible to safely remove wisdom teeth during pregnancy, and this applies to local anesthesia. The general one is not recommended.
● Removing eights while wearing braces
Usually, wisdom teeth are extracted before braces placement, however, if the teeth start to cause problems while wearing the braces, it is also technically possible. The condition is to gain access to the operated area. However, this is not recommended if it could change the position of the teeth.
Extraction of wisdom teeth during a cold
It is possible, but not recommended for several reasons. Firstly, some cold medications can interfere with the clotting process. Secondly, the discharge that flows down the back of the oral cavity can be a carrier of bacteria and contaminants. Thirdly, the common cold itself is associated with discomfort, so wisdom tooth extraction, which will also have some unpleasant effects, may simply be an unnecessary burden at the same time.
