Extractions can be daunting and instill a feeling of fear and anxiety in you. These are considered the last resort when your dentist cannot save your tooth through regular fillings or extensive procedures like root canal therapy. However, extractions for wisdom teeth have several other reasons that have been discussed further in the article. Wisdom teeth are the last molars or third molars that erupt around the ages of 17 and 25.
Wisdom teeth extractions offered by the Tukwila dentist relieve your painful symptoms associated with the third molars.
What is meant by a wisdom tooth extraction?
Wisdom tooth extractions are dental procedures that involve the removal of third molars. Though these may not be regular or common procedures, your dentist may recommend it for several reasons. Wisdom teeth extractions are often done by dental specialists (oral surgeons) due to the complex morphology of the teeth.
When is a wisdom tooth extraction indicated?
Extractions are not something that dentists would recommend, but wisdom teeth extractions are often indicated for the following reasons:
- Severe tooth decay with excruciating pain radiating to the jaw and ears
- Recurrent gum infection advancing to periodontitis
- A wisdom tooth that erupts too far into the cheek
- An impacted wisdom tooth (partially or fully trapped in your gums or alveolar bone)
- You may require any jaw surgery to move it forward or backward
- Your tooth may have erupted in an unfavorable position that makes brushing and flossing challenging
- During orthodontic treatment, you may require space to move other teeth backward
- You may have a cyst (fluid-filled sac) near or around your tooth or other jaw problems
- Your tooth may be in the line of a jaw fracture
How is a wisdom tooth extracted?
After a thorough evaluation of your wisdom tooth through dental X-rays, your dentist will schedule an extraction for you.
The procedure is as follows:
- Administration of local anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums for minimal pain and discomfort.
- A gum incision may be required to expose the wisdom tooth (in case of impaction).
- Loosening of the tooth to lifting or from the socket (tooth sectioning may be helpful for easy removal).
- Irrigating the extraction site to ensure there is no residue or debris in the socket.
- Suturing the extraction site if required. This aids in quick healing and recovery.
- Placing a sterile gauze for a few hours to promote clot formation and arrest bleeding.
Keynote
Your dentist is the best judge to determine if wisdom tooth extraction is necessary for you. Ignoring the painful symptoms associated with wisdom teeth can deteriorate your oral health. Thus, getting them removed is the best course of action!