Wisdom Tooth Extraction

wisdom-tooth-extraction-cheltenham For many of us, the wisdom teeth can be impacted and cannot be left ignored – often requiring removal.

The wisdom teeth are most familiar to the people when in their late teens or early twenties and older. They come out on ages where you get more “matured”, hence the name.

When they grow properly, they’re as good as your other teeth, causing no harm and helping you chew food properly.

But when you feel discomfort and pain, see your Cheltenham dentist immediately.

Reasons for Extracting the Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth may grow partially or entirely. In case of an impacted wisdom tooth, extraction may be necessary.

A wisdom tooth should be extracted because of the following reasons:

They’re impacted
Growth at the wrong angle
Gum infection
Trapped within the jawbone

Complications

When left untreated, an impacted wisdom tooth leads to the following conditions:

Severe pain
Difficulty biting
Infection and gum swelling
Damage around the tissue of your teeth
Development of cyst around the wisdom tooth

When to See Your Dentist

Schedule an appointment to see your Cheltenham dentist if your wisdom teeth cause extreme pain. We’ll conduct a check-up and advise you whether they need to be extracted.

If your Cheltenham dentist thinks you may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, we’ll usually carry out an X-ray of your mouth. This gives a better view of the position of the tooth.

As with any other dental problems, it’s important to visit your Cheltenham dentist immediately, rather than waiting for your scheduled dental check-up.

The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

Generally, wisdom teeth extraction is performed in young adults.

By this time, your wisdom teeth are swollen, and your dentist will usually advise removing it.

During the wisdom tooth extraction procedure, your Cheltenham dentist will do the following:

Cut through your gum tissue, exposing the wisdom tooth and bone
Remove the portion of bone that blocks entry to the tooth root
Cut the tooth into sections if it’s harder to remove as a whole
Take out the tooth
Cleaning the site from any debris
Stitch the extraction site
Place gauze to help control bleeding and to help a blood clot form

After Surgery Care

Patients who have undergone wisdom teeth extraction surgery recover after a week without any difficulties.

Healing period depends on the complexity of the process, the anaesthesia used, your diet, and preventive measures for complications.

Keep your head elevated on the first few days after the procedure. Never let your head tilt below your heart.

Remember that the extraction site is a wound in your jaw, and it needs time for healing. Use pillows to elevate your head when lying down.