Wisdom teeth usually emerge from the gums between 17 and 24 years of age. They are the last of the large molars in the back of your mouth.
Some people never develop wisdom teeth but you can have up to four: one in each corner of your mouth. For most people, wisdom teeth do not cause any problem so it is not necessary to remove them. However, if there is not enough room for them to grow in the back of the mouth they become what is known as impacted or retained wisdom teeth and can cause pain, swelling and/or infection.
Removing (surgically removing) impacted wisdom teeth can relieve symptoms. Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon to have your wisdom teeth removed.
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PREPARATION FOR THE EXTRACTION OF THE WHEELS OF JUDGMENT
Your dentist or oral surgeon will explain how to prepare for the procedure. For example, if you smoke, you will be asked to stop smoking, as this increases your risk of infection in the wound, which may delay your recovery.
The operation is usually done under local anesthesia. This type of anesthesia completely blocks the pain in your gums and you stay awake during the procedure. You may be offered a sedative to help you relax during the operation. If you go to a hospital and your wisdom teeth are particularly hard to remove, you may be given general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure. Your dentist or oral surgeon will let you know what type of anesthesia is most convenient for you.
If you are given general anesthesia, you will be asked to fast. This means that you should not eat or drink normally for six hours before the operation. However, it is important to follow the advice of your dentist or oral surgeon.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will explain what will happen before, during and after the procedure, and any pain you may have. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and it may be useful to prepare questions about the risks, benefits and other alternatives to the procedure. This will help you stay informed so that you can give your consent if you are asked to sign a consent form to carry out the procedure.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER
You should rest until the effect of general anesthesia or sedation has passed and after a local anesthetic, it may take several hours before your jaw regains sensation.
Be very careful not to chew in the area or eat too hot food or drinks, as they can burn the area. You can return home when you feel ready. If you were given general anesthesia or sedation, you must arrange for someone to drive you home. You should try to have a friend or family member stay with you for the first 24 hours. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you some tips on how to care for your teeth and gums, before going home.
They can give you painkillers, antibiotics, and mouthwash solutions to take home. You may be given a date for a follow-up visit. The absorbable sutures will disappear on their own in seven to 10 days. Non-absorbable sutures are removed one week after surgery.
RECOVERY OF THE EXTRACTION OF THE WHEELS OF JUDGMENT
If necessary, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, for example, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication, and if you have questions, consult the pharmacist.
WHAT IS THE EXTRACTION OF THE WHEELS OF JUDGMENT?
The procedure to remove your wisdom teeth will depend on how deeply impacted your molars. However many wisdom teeth can simply be extracted like any other molar.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, your dentist or oral surgeon will enlarge the alveolus (the area where the wheel is located) using an instrument called a lift or a pair of special forceps. Then move the wheel from side to side until it is loose enough to be removed completely.
However, if your tooth is harder to remove, your dentist or oral surgeon will make a cut in your gums and may remove some of your jawbones to get to your tooth. He will remove his wisdom teeth and then, close the wounds with stitches. Most wisdom tooth extractions usually take only a few minutes, but the most difficult cases can take about 20 minutes.
What Alternatives Are There?
Antibiotics may help treat an infection, but symptoms may appear again. Surgically removing wisdom teeth is often the only way to permanently relieve your symptoms.
