Oral Surgery - Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The most common reason for oral surgery for wisdom teeth extraction is that they become packed together. This leads to some dental problems such as teeth overcrowding, progressive decay of teeth, or pain. Wisdom teeth may not form properly as they are located at the end and the lack of space may hinder their growth. This immature formation may result in tooth impaction. Wisdom teeth may need to be removed even if they come out straight beyond the gum line, or if they are not impacted. This is because infections may arise as a result of food debris and bacteria that may be stuck behind the wisdom tooth. Also, because wisdom teeth are not easily accessible with dental floss or toothbrush, cavity formation can occur. The misalignment of the molars is an additional dental issue that may come up as a result of wisdom tooth formation.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
A dentist or specialist surgeon in this field can perform wisdom tooth removal. Generally, you should get a basic knowledge of the entire procedure which is in phases; before surgery, during surgery, and after surgery. Each phase is unique and they must be followed simultaneously. The procedure for wisdom tooth removal is discussed as follows:
Before Surgery
This is the time you will have to make an appointment with an oral surgeon to discuss the wisdom teeth extraction process. The most common topics that are mostly discussed in meetings like these are your previous health issues and the medication that you are on. The type of anesthesia you will have is also talked about. You can either be made numbed or put to sleep during surgery. If you are recommended for wisdom teeth removal by the oral surgeon, you will have to take an x-ray of your mouth. This will help determine how to go about the procedure. Wisdom tooth extraction does not require that you spend the night at the hospital. You will get all the instructions from the hospitals on what to do before and on the day of the surgery.
During Surgery
Oral surgery for wisdom teeth removal should not take more than 45 minutes. Depending on the complexity of the wisdom teeth, you will be administered any one of the anesthesia mentioned below during the extraction process. This is carried out so that you do not feel any pain:
1. Local Anesthesia:
Your oral surgeon will numb your mouth with an injection shot near the gum of each extraction. You may also inhale some laughing gas to help you relax during the procedure. You will still be awake during the process and will feel some movement and pressure, but you will not feel any pain. You should gain your sensation again shortly afterward.
2. Sedation Anesthesia:
This is done through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. Your mouth will be numbed and you will also be given drugs through a vein in your arm to make you half asleep. In some cases, you might even sleep through the whole procedure. This sedation suppresses your consciousness and you will not feel anything during the process.
3. General Anesthesia:
General anesthesia is only administered in unique situations. You may be asked to inhale the medication or be given through an IV line. This will make you completely unconscious and so, you will experience no pain whatsoever.
In some special cases during surgery, the surgeon may have to cut through your gum tissue or bone to take out the teeth. For this wound to heal quickly, they will have to stitch it up quickly. These stitches usually fade away after a few days. They may also need to put gauze pads over the extraction site that helps in controlling the bleeding and soaking up some of the blood.
After Surgery
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room if you received either sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia. For local anesthesia, your recovery is brief. You need to follow the surgeon’s instructions as you heal from the surgery. Basic guidance after surgery are:
1. Bleeding:
Following oral surgery, a certain amount of bleeding is expected. Oozing or redness in the saliva is to be expected too. Bleeding may be controlled by rinsing any old clots in the mouth.
2. Pain Management:
Pain reliever can be used to manage the pain that may occur after surgery. This is even more helpful if bone or tissue has been removed after the procedure. Placing a cold pack against your jaw may also provide pain relief. Avoid driving or working around heavy machinery. You should also avoid alcoholic beverages as they may cause inflammation of the tissues around the point of extraction. The discomfort following surgery should reduce as the days go on.
3. Swelling:
Swelling is a natural reaction of the body to repair and is to be expected after oral surgery and placing an ice pack on the swollen area will be helpful. Any swelling of your cheeks usually subsides in just a few days.
4. Food And Beverages:
You should take a lot of water after oral surgery. In the first 24 hours after surgery, do not drink an alcoholic beverage, carbonated drinks or hot beverages. During this time frame, only eat soft foods. Hard, hot, or spicy foods might irritate the wound; you must avoid them.
5. Clean Your Mouth:
Brushing or rinsing of the mouth is not advisable for the first 24 hours after surgery. Thereafter, you can rinse your mouth with warm water mixed with salt at least 5-6 times a day.
6. Discoloration:
Discoloration of the skin follows swelling in some cases. This is as a direct result of blood extending beneath the tissues. Discoloration is a normal occurrence after operation. It may occur 2-3 days after the procedure. Applying damp heat to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration.
Conclusion
Oral surgery is a procedure that can be used to remove impacted teeth. Care after surgery is very important. If the oral surgeon’s instructions are followed properly, unnecessary discomfort and the complications of infection and swelling can be reduced.
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