The doctor chooses to extract the wisdom tooth as a solution to the pain you are experiencing, in order to avoid potential problems. So, what is this procedure? How is it performed? What are its benefits? Are there any drawbacks? Follow us to find out the detailed answers in this article from L'ORO Clinic.
What is a wisdom tooth?
It is a tooth located at the back of the mouth, either in the upper or lower jaw. Unlike other teeth, it may erupt at a later stage, or it may not erupt at all, or it may erupt partially. In some cases, its presence can lead to a number of problems, and doctors resort to extraction due to certain issues, including:
Reasons for wisdom tooth extraction
The doctor chooses the extraction procedure due to the wisdom teeth being affected by one of these conditions:
- Wisdom tooth decay severe pain, especially if the tooth is partially impacted.
Wisdom Tooth Inflammation
and infection with abscesses.- The wisdom tooth being fully or partially impacted in the bone and gums.
- Incorrect growth of the tooth on the sides.
- Its impact on adjacent teeth and causing damage to them.
- Its displacement, especially since this can lead to food accumulation around it, making cleaning difficult.
- It causing severe pain that the person cannot manage.
Methods of wisdom tooth extraction
The tooth can be extracted either surgically, which is the usual method, or non-surgically:
Surgical wisdom tooth extraction: As with surgical procedures, you will need to have an X-ray of your jawbone to locate the tooth. After it is located, you will be prepared for the procedure and then anesthetized, after the doctor confirms that you are not taking any medications that might affect the procedure. You may need to stop taking certain medications before the procedure begins.
The next step after anesthesia is to make an incision in the gum to extract the tooth from its place, clean the area, and then stitch it.
Non-surgical wisdom tooth extraction
This procedure is relied upon for visible wisdom teeth that can be managed using simple extraction methods, so the doctor does not need to incise or stitch the gum.
After the procedure, whether you underwent the surgical type or the non-surgical type, you will need to place a medical cotton pad for half an hour until the bleeding stops, while adhering to the doctor's instructions.
Benefits of wisdom tooth extraction
The doctor will only resort to extraction if the presence of the tooth is causing harm to your teeth. The most important benefits include:
- Maintaining the health of both the gums and teeth and preventing damage, especially since wisdom teeth have strong roots that can affect adjacent teeth.
- Preventing infection, which results from impacted wisdom teeth beneath the gums, causing inflammation that turns into infection.
- Relieving dental crowding if these teeth have not grown correctly and in alignment with other teeth.
- Maintaining oral hygiene, especially since some wisdom teeth can cause food to accumulate around them.
- Maintaining fresh breath.
- Maintaining overall oral health.
- Relieving pain that may result from these teeth.
Complications of wisdom tooth extraction
Extraction can cause some pain as a natural reaction, along with discomfort and swelling, but some long-term complications can occur, including:
- Infection resulting in pus from the site of the impacted tooth extraction.
- Dry socket.
- Remaining fragments of the impacted tooth roots that were not completely removed.
- Damage to nerves and adjacent teeth.
- Osteonecrosis, which causes bone tissue death, and is a rare condition.
Jaw stiffness after wisdom tooth extraction
In some cases, a person may experience stiffness in the jaw area, making them unable to open their mouth completely. This is a complication that occurs after the procedure and affects the jaw muscles near the extraction site. This may last for several days or for a longer period, which varies from case to case.
Learn more about Complications of wisdom tooth extraction
Treatment Methods After Extraction
Usually, the doctor prescribes a number of medications that help in wound healing. You should adhere to painkillers and antibiotics if the doctor has prescribed them for you, as this helps relieve pain and prevent infection.
Read also: Most Important Tips After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Which is easier: extracting an upper or lower wisdom tooth?
The situation may vary from case to case, especially since there are factors that affect the extraction process. However, we can say that extracting upper wisdom teeth is easier than lower ones. The following factors can affect the extraction:
- Bone density around the tooth.
- The angle and position of the wisdom tooth.
- The proximity of the tooth to nerves, as well as the sinuses.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Prices
The price of tooth extraction in Riyadh and the Kingdom varies from one place to another, and also depends on the type of surgery, the doctor's skill, and the tools used. However, we can say that the average price ranges between 200 SAR and 3000 SAR.
Wisdom tooth extraction may be a suitable option to help you avoid many problems and complications that may affect the rest of your teeth and oral health. However, make sure to choose your doctor carefully to get results that satisfy you. You can seek the help of one of L'ORO Clinic's doctors, as they are always at your service. Book your appointment now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wisdom tooth extraction take?
The procedure does not take long; usually, the doctor needs no more than an hour to complete the procedure in surgical cases, and the period may be shorter with non-surgical procedures.
Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?
You will usually feel pain after the anesthetic wears off, the intensity of which varies from case to case due to swelling and minor bleeding.
When does the pain subside after wisdom tooth extraction?
The pain may last for several days until the swelling disappears, so the pain may subside 3 or 4 days after the procedure.
Is wisdom tooth extraction dangerous?
Extraction is not considered a dangerous procedure, as it is performed smoothly in most cases without complications. However, in some rare cases, complications may occur.
What is the strongest pain reliever after wisdom tooth extraction?
Pain relievers containing ibuprofen as an active ingredient or those containing acetaminophen are usually taken, or the doctor may prescribe a combination of both substances.
Can a wisdom tooth be treated without extraction?
The decision depends on the treating doctor's diagnosis, who may resort to choosing some medical procedures if the wisdom tooth's condition allows. The doctor may advise taking antibiotics to get rid of the infection if the infection has not reached a critical stage, or the doctor may treat the inflamed gums themselves, in addition to other procedures chosen by the doctor based on your condition.