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Extracting wisdom teeth is a frequent dental procedure practised universally across cultures. While some individuals may have no issues related to their wisdom teeth, others will have to face removal to avoid pain, infection, or other issues relative to their wisdom teeth.

If you want to know about the basics of wisdom tooth surgery, the reasons it is performed, and what it entails in detail, then you have come to the right place, as we will cover each and every aspect of it.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, emerge between the ages of 17 to 25 years. They turn out to be the last molars to develop, but many of them do not have the required space for the teeth to develop. This can cause a number of problems, such as impaction (when the tooth is encased in gum or bone), crowding, or infection.

Why Do You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Not everyone is required to get surgery for wisdom teeth. But in case of some factors below, your dentist might suggest getting it extracted:

  • Aching around the region of the wisdom teeth.
  • Teeth that cannot completely erupt.
  • Overlapping teeth that indicate expert misalignment.
  • Infection or disease of the gums that are covered by erupting teeth.
  • Cysts or destruction towards the bordering teeth or bone.

Removing problematic wisdom teeth can prevent future complications and maintain overall oral health.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Wisdom teeth removal is typically done by a dentist or oral surgeon. Each case can be more or less complex:

  • Simple Extraction: Teeth that are fully erupted can be lifted just like other teeth are normally parted from the jaws.
  • Surgical Extraction: It is possible that an impacted or a partially erupted tooth can require bone removal. Therefore, a dentist may need to first cut into the gum and then get to the tooth. Local anaesthesia or sedation is commonly used to keep you comfortable during the procedure.

What to Expect After Removal

Proper post-extraction care is very important for smooth healing processes, as it helps to promote the body’s recovery:

  • Bleeding: It is completely normal to experience mild bleeding for the 1st 24 hours.
  • Swelling and discomfort: This usually is at its peak between the second and third day after the extraction. It can be managed using ice packs along with other pain relief medications that might have been prescribed.
  • Diet: At first, it is recommended that you eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids. Warm, spicy, or crunchy foods must also be avoided, as they might irritate the area.
  • Oral hygiene: Gentle rinsing with warm salt water after 24 hours helps keep the mouth clean without disturbing the healing site.
  • Avoid smoking and strenuous activity to reduce the risk of complications like dry socket.

When to See Your Dentist

Contact dentist Campbelltown if you experience:

  • Severe pain not relieved by medication.

  • Prolonged bleeding beyond 24 hours.

  • Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or swelling, worsen after a few days.

  • Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing.

Conclusion

For many people, wisdom teeth removal is performed to relieve potential oral pain or infection, along with preventing any further complications like damage to surrounding teeth. While tooth extraction may seem alarming, rest assured that the procedure is safe and straightforward in the hands of skilled practitioners.

So long as patients adhere to the necessary pre-surgery and post-surgery guidelines, along with actively taking care of their mouth, recovery is very quick.