Third Molar Tooth Extraction Details
Why do so many people have their wisdom teeth extracted? The reason is: once wisdom teeth come in, they can cause a number of problems for your dental health. Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that come in during early adulthood. Due to evolution, wisdom teeth no longer serve a purpose, and for many, only cause problems. While it varies from person to person, wisdom teeth extraction is usually the best option to preserve future oral health. Below is more information about the wisdom tooth extraction procedure.
Why is extraction necessary?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of adult teeth to come in. This set of molars usually come in sometime between the ages of 17 and 25. For many individuals, wisdom teeth start causing issues almost immediately, making extraction not only recommended, but necessary. Here are some of the issues caused by wisdom teeth:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: wisdom teeth are impacted when they are trapped below the gumline within the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful, cause damage to other teeth, or lead to the development of an abscess or infection.
- Shifting or damage to nearby teeth: wisdom teeth are usually large and there is not enough room for them to grown in causing shifting or damage to nearby teeth.
- Overcrowding: even if they don’t damage other teeth, oversized wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding in the mouth.
- Difficult to reach: due to their deep placement in the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can be difficult to reach and therefore difficult to keep clean with everyday brushing and flossing. Being unable to keep wisdom teeth clean will likely result in the development of cavities or tooth decay.
The extraction procedure
Today, the wisdom teeth extraction procedure is very common among young adults in the United States. Here are the typical steps of a wisdom tooth extraction procedure:
- Pre-procedure: prior to the extraction appointment, you will meet with your dentist or oral surgeon and discuss the procedure. This pre-procedure appointment usually involves a final exam and review of oral scans to help plan the treatment approach.
- The procedure: How invasive the procedure is and how long it takes really depends on the state of the wisdom teeth. In most cases, extraction will be performed by an oral surgeon and will be a surgical procedure. The average extraction procedure takes approximately 45 minutes. First, the surgeon or assistant will administer anesthesia to help reduce discomfort. It is common for anesthesia to be administered intravenously through an IV in the arm or through a mask with nitrous oxide. After the anesthesia has set in, the surgeon will work to extract the teeth. This may require more work if the wisdom teeth are partially or fully impacted. After all wisdom teeth are removed the wounds will be stitched closed so the wounds can heal properly.
- Post-surgery: After the procedure is complete it is best to plan to have assistance getting home. The surgeon will give post-surgery instructions and tips on how to address pain, what to eat and not eat, and how to keep your mouth clean to ensure quicker healing.
More on Teeth Extractions : Healing After a Teeth Extraction