What is Wisdom Tooth Extraction used for?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of the mouth on the top and bottom. This procedure is typically done when a wisdom tooth is impacted, causing pain, infection, or other dental problems. It may also be recommended proactively to prevent potential future issues. During the procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue, removes any bone that blocks access to the tooth root, divides the tooth into sections if necessary, and stitches the wound closed to promote healing. The recovery process involves following the dentist's instructions on postoperative care, including managing pain and controlling bleeding.
How to prepare for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Patient preparations for a wisdom tooth extraction include:
- Arranging for transportation: Ensure you have someone to drive you home after the procedure since you won't be able to drive yourself.
- Fasting before the surgery: Follow the instructions from the dental clinic or hospital staff regarding when to stop eating or drinking fluids before the surgery. This could be several hours before the procedure.
- Taking prescribed medications: Take any prescribed medications as instructed before the surgery.
- Avoiding nonprescription drugs: Ask your dentist or oral surgeon if you should avoid any nonprescription drugs before the surgery.
- Preparing for anesthesia: Discuss the type of anesthesia you'll receive (sedation, general, or local) and follow any instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon.
It's important to follow these preparations to ensure a smooth and safe surgical experience.
Limitations and Considerations
One limitation of wisdom tooth extraction is that it can be difficult to predict future problems with impacted wisdom teeth. There is disagreement among dental specialists regarding the value of preventive extraction for asymptomatic wisdom teeth. While some dentists and oral surgeons recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth to prevent potential future problems, others believe that extraction should only be done when there are clear signs of an issue, such as pain, infection, or other dental problems.