What is Wisdom tooth extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction is the dental procedure to remove your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth grow at the corner of your teeth set, both on the upper and lower arch. They begin to grow after the formation of your complete teeth set. For many individuals, wisdom teeth start growing between age 17 and 24.
Wisdom teeth may lack enough space to grow fully and properly and need to be removed. Otherwise, they may cause you pain and discomfort.
Why do I need wisdom teeth removal?
You may need wisdom teeth removal when they begin to give you pain and problems. If there isn’t enough space for your wisdom teeth to grow, they can push against your adjacent teeth.
This may keep you in constant discomfort and shift your teeth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth can get stuck in your gums. This can cause infection, swelling, or damage to your surrounding teeth. In such cases, you may need wisdom teeth removal for relief.
How to recognize the signs of wisdom tooth infection?
- Severe pain in the back of your mouth
- Swelling and redness around your gums
- Bad breath and an unpleasant taste
- You may find it difficult to open your mouth
- You may feel feverish and experience a swollen jaw
These are clear signs that your wisdom tooth may be infected and should be looked at by a dentist.
How is wisdom teeth removal surgery done?
Wisdom teeth removal surgery is simple.
First, your dentist will give you local or general anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain.
Then, your dentist will make a small incision in the gum to access your tooth.
If needed, your tooth will be broken into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
After your tooth is taken out, the area will be stitched using sutures(dissolvable threads).
Just that and you’ll be given instructions for recovery post treatment.
Are there any complications of wisdom tooth removal?
Wisdom tooth removal done by experienced dentists is generally safe. The risks, however rare, may include:
- Infection at the extraction site
- Dry socket at treatment area, where the blood clot is lost, leading to pain
- Nerve injury, which can cause numbness in the lip, chin, or tongue
- Constsnt Bleeding
Do I need to follow diet restrictions before my wisdom tooth extraction?
Yes. Your dentist may advise you to:
- Avoid eating or drinking for 1 to 2 hours before the surgery if you’re getting general anesthesia.
- Stick to light, soft foods before the procedure. Nothing too heavy that may irritate your mouth.
What is the aftercare of wisdom tooth removal?
After wisdom teeth removal surgery, you’ll need to:
- Rest for 3 to 4 days. During this time avoid heavy lifting or doing intense activities. Keep yourself in comfort and ease.
- Use ice packs to help with your swelling.
- Take medications prescribed by your dentist.
- Gently rinse your mouth with salt water to keep your mouth clean.
- Avoid drinking anything with a straw. It may cause a dry socket.
How do I manage the pain of an impacted wisdom teeth?
If you’re dealing with impacted wisdom teeth before the extraction, you can do these to ease the pain:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) can help you manage discomfort.
- Applying an ice pack on the cheek can reduce swelling.
- Keep your head elevated when you sleep to reduce the pressure.
- Doing gentle jaw exercises can help reduce tension and improve blood flow in the affected area, which may help relieve wisdom teeth pain.
- Take herbal teas. Chamomile and peppermint teas have natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which can help reduce your wisdom tooth pain.
- Clove oil has a natural anesthetic that can numb the pain. You can dip a cotton swab in clove oil and gently apply it to the sore area. Be careful not to use too much, as it can be strong and may cause irritation.
Consult your dentist for more personalized tips to manage pain and symptoms of your impacted wisdom teeth.
How long is my recovery period after wisdom tooth surgery?
Many of our patients at YFDL felt better within 3 to 5 days after their wisdom tooth surgery. Swelling and discomfort usually go down within a week. Full recovery can take up to 2 weeks, depending on how many teeth were removed and how complex the procedure was.
Just make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions, and you’ll be back to normal in no time.
What is the cost of wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth removal cost $500 to $600 per tooth at Your Family Dentist, Liverpool, Sydney. The cost of wisdom tooth removal may vary depending on:
- The number of teeth being removed
- The complexity of the surgery
- Location of the dental clinic
You can check with Your Family Dentist about any insurance plans available to understand what you’ll need to pay.
Key Takeaways
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction: This procedure involves removing your wisdom teeth, due to pain, infections, or lack of space to grow.
- Signs You Need Removal: If your wisdom teeth are causing pain, swelling, or pushing against other teeth, it may be time for removal.
- Recognizing Infection: Symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth include severe pain, swelling, fever, and difficulty opening your mouth.
- Procedure: Wisdom tooth extraction is a simple surgery where your dentist will remove the tooth with anesthesia, make a small incision, and stitch the area.
- Complications: While generally safe, potential risks may include infection, dry socket, nerve injury, and excessive bleeding.
- Diet Restrictions: Avoid eating or drinking for 1 to 2 hours before surgery and stick to soft foods leading up to the procedure.
- Aftercare: Rest, use ice packs, take prescribed pain meds, and rinse with salt water. Avoid using straws to prevent dry socket.
- Pain Management: Pain from impacted wisdom teeth can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief, ice, jaw exercises, and herbal teas like chamomile.
- Recovery Time: Recovery typically takes 3 to 5 days for swelling and discomfort, with full healing occurring in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Cost: Wisdom tooth removal costs around $500 to $600 per tooth at Your Family Dentist, with prices varying based on complexity and location.
- Additional Considerations: You may need to adjust your diet, avoid smoking, and refrain from heavy physical activities or work during the recovery period.