This is David and I am a dental implant educator at Chicago Implant Studio. One of the most common questions I get from our patients at their consultation session is “What is Wisdom Teeth Extraction and How to do this?”
In the realm of oral health, wisdom teeth extraction stands as a commonly performed dental procedure. These teeth, also known as third molars, often cause issues when there is insufficient space for them to grow properly. This article provides a comprehensive overview of wisdom teeth extraction, its importance, and what patients can expect from the procedure.
In This Article
Understanding Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure aimed at removing one or more of the third molar teeth, located at the back corners of your mouth. These teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, a period often called the “age of wisdom”. However, they can cause complications such as impaction, pain, infection, or crowding of the remaining teeth, necessitating their removal.
The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
The process of wisdom teeth extraction involves several steps, including:
- Initial Consultation and Examination: The dentist or oral surgeon will take X-rays of your mouth to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and plan the extraction.
- Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity of the extraction, local, sedation, or general anesthesia may be administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- Extraction: The surgeon will make an incision in your gums, remove any bone blocking access to the tooth root, divide the tooth into sections if necessary, and remove the tooth.
- Recovery: Following the procedure, the surgical area is stitched up if needed and you will be given post-operative care instructions to aid in a smooth recovery.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
- Relief from Pain: Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can cause significant discomfort. Extraction provides immediate relief from such pain.
- Prevents Overcrowding and Misalignment: Removing wisdom teeth can prevent crowding and misalignment of the remaining teeth, ensuring the maintenance of a healthy bite and attractive smile.
- Reduces Risk of Oral Disease: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infections, cysts, or gum disease. Extraction mitigates these risks, promoting better oral health.
Who Needs a Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. It is usually necessary when there are evident complications such as pain, infection, cysts, tumors, damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, or tooth decay. A dentist or oral surgeon will make a recommendation based on examination and X-rays.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure that can significantly contribute to oral health when necessary. Despite being a surgical procedure, it is performed with the patient’s comfort in mind, and recovery is typically straightforward with proper aftercare. If you are experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth, consult with a dental professional to understand if extraction is the right solution for you.
If you are looking for state-of-the-art single and multiple tooth to full jaw All-on-4 dental implants, schedule a no-obligation free consultation with Chicago Implant Studio dental implant experts. Schedule a free consultation online today or call us at (331) 257-7999.
