Wisdom teeth removal is often required when the teeth begin to harm the oral cavity or impact other teeth nearby. These problems may emerge in your late teens or early twenties when wisdom teeth are beginning to grow.
A lack of space may cause the wisdom teeth to come out crooked, at odd angles that push on your adjacent teeth. The problems that follow may cause you to opt for a wisdom tooth extraction.
At Surprise Oral & Implant Surgery, we understand the importance of comfort. If your wisdom teeth are causing you intense discomfort, Dr. Alexander N. Nguyen can provide you with a consultation and plan your treatment accordingly.
Common Wisdom Teeth Concerns
A wisdom teeth removal may emerge through common wisdom tooth concerns, including:
| • | An impacted wisdom tooth |
| • | Pain and discomfort in the wisdom tooth or the surrounding area |
| • | Crowding that changes the appearance of your oral cavity |
| • | Infection in the wisdom tooth or the surrounding area |
| • | A hindrance in oral hygiene due to the location of the wisdom tooth |
| • | The need to make way for orthodontic treatment |
What Is the Procedure for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom tooth removal can be achieved through an initial consultation. This involves the doctor examining your oral cavity through x-rays and scans and presenting you with options. Your tooth extraction may also depend on your medical history and oral hygiene.
During a wisdom tooth removal, you will be provided with local anesthesia so you will not feel the tooth removal. However, the numbing injection may cause some discomfort. If you are particularly apprehensive about the procedure, it is important to inform the dentist.
Once the area is numbed, your wisdom tooth can be extracted with no further pain or discomfort. Contrary to popular belief, the tooth is not pulled. Instead, it is carefully loosened with special instruments to prevent nerve damage. In cases where the wisdom tooth hasn't fully erupted, an incision may be made.
Once the tooth is removed, the site will be cleaned and stitched to aid the healing process. A piece of gauze is normally placed on the extraction site, and you will be instructed to bite down on the gauze to aid clot formation.
You may be called back for evaluation and for the removal of the stitches in several days.
Recovery and Aftercare for Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you have undergone a wisdom teeth removal procedure here in Surprise, AZ, you will need to take care of the extraction site until it has healed. Remember to follow instructions and keep the gauze pad placed over the extraction site for 30 to 45 minutes after the procedure to avoid bleeding.
Remember to allow yourself plenty of rest following the procedure. During this time, it is important to avoid spitting or rinsing, as this can dislodge the clot and lead to an exposed socket. To alleviate pain and swelling, try to apply cold packs to the outside of your face near the extraction site.
You may also be prescribed pain medication by your dentist. Once the local anesthesia wears off, you can start taking the medication to prevent pain.
Avoid brushing the extraction site for the first day after the procedure. After the first 24 hours, you can rinse with some saltwater to keep the
site clean of infection.
If you experience any of the following signs, contact the dentist:
| • | Excessive bleeding that refuses to stop |
| • | Severe pain that doesn't respond to medication |
| • | Signs of infection, which include a fever, swelling, or pus |
| • | Numbness in an area of the mouth |
Wisdom Teeth Removal Complications and Tips to Manage Them
Some of the most common wisdom teeth removal complications include:
Dry Socket
A dry socket, also called alveolar osteitis, commonly occurs due to rinsing, spitting, or sucking through a straw, which could dislodge any blood clots that may have formed in the socket after the extraction. Once this blood clot is dislodged, the bone is left exposed, which can be identified by intense pain, bad breath, or a foul smell.
If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your dentist immediately. You can receive treatment in the form of a medicated dressing within the socket, which soothes the pain and allows the socket to heal. Avoid smoking, using straws, or rinsing excessively to avoid a dry socket.
Infection
Bacterial infection is possible and is also often categorized by pain and a foul taste, along with other symptoms such as pus, fever, and difficulty opening the mouth. You can manage these symptoms through antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. Rinse with salt water several times a day and contact your dentist if your pain worsens.
Swelling and Bruising
This is one of the most common side effects of a wisdom tooth extraction. If you are experiencing swelling and bruising, don't be alarmed. Try to ice the outside of your face, near the extraction area, for the first 24 hours to avoid excessive swelling. Warm compresses may also work. However, avoid trying warm compresses in the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Excessive Bleeding
For some patients, excessive bleeding may occur, and it must be stopped before it worsens. If your extraction site is bleeding excessively, don't shy away from changing your gauze pads every 15 to 30 minutes. Bite down on the gauze pad and avoid spitting or rinsing. This can reduce the bleeding after a while.
Nerve Injury
Your wisdom teeth removal may lead to a nerve injury that can be recognized through a numbness or tingling sensation in the surrounding area. This may heal after a while. However, if you are experiencing the same sensation many weeks after the procedure, it is time to visit the dentist.
Allergic Reaction
In some rare cases, patients may experience an allergic reaction to the medication or materials used during the procedure. In that case, you must consult your dentist immediately, as an allergic reaction can worsen over time. Symptoms may include rash, itching, and breathing issues.
Book a Consultation Today for Your Wisdom Tooth Removal in Surprise, AZ
If you are wondering whether you need a wisdom tooth extraction, contact Surprise Oral & Implant Surgery at (623) 263-5042 for a consultation that can help you determine the best treatment option.
