Steps in the Removal of Wisdom Teeth

The last of the molar teeth are referred to as wisdom teeth, which typically emerge in later teen years, into the early twenties, if at all. While some people never grow any wisdom teeth, others experience the growth of up to four, in each of the back corners of the mouth. Since wisdom teeth tend to lead to misalignment of the rest of the teeth, cause crooked, overlapping teeth and often cause pain, swelling and even infection because they are impacted (a condition describing a lack of space for them to grow in), they are generally removed through surgery.

Surgery to extract wisdom teeth generally involves the removal of whatever gum tissue is still in place over and around the tooth, detaching the tooth from the bone (by severing the connective tissue linking the two), removing the tooth itself, and finally, surgically closing up the leftover hole in the gums at the back of the mouth.

If the procedure is minor, the dentist will begin with a local anesthetic to numb the area around the wisdom tooth. However, if the procedure is more involved, for example involving multiple, difficult to extract teeth, then the dental surgeon may give the patient a general anesthetic, preventing pain in the whole body throughout the course of surgery, often allowing the patient to sleep through the duration of the procedure. The dentist will not begin the procedure until the effects of the sedative or anesthesia have set in.

When removing the tooth, the dentist will cut open the tissue of the gums covering the wisdom tooth, and subsequently remove any bone that may be covering the tooth. If necessary, the tooth will be cut and broken into several smaller pieces in order to facilitate an easy removal of the wisdom tooth.

After removal, the dentist will most likely use stitches to sew up the hole in the gum line. Sometimes, dissolving stitches will be used. After several days, they will wear away on their own, relieving the patient of the process of removing the stitches in a later visit to the dentist. In some cases, standard stitches will be used, and will need to be later removed by the dentist. To prevent bleeding, gauze is used to cover the wound at the back of the mouth.

During the healing process, and especially after the anesthesia wears off, the patient may feel stiffness and soreness in the jaw, for which painkillers may be prescribed. Antibiotics and mouthwash solutions may also be given to the patient to eliminate the possibility of infection in the wound. After a few days of soreness, conditions typically begin to improve.

About The Author:
Cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening can help enhance your smile. Find a cosmetic dentistry office near Houston to learn more.

Tags: WISDOM TEETH, REMOVAL, MISALIGNMENT, EXTRACT TEETH, DENTAL SURGEON, DENTIST

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Title:	Steps in the Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Author:	Wally Singer
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Steps in the Removal of Wisdom Teeth