Wisdom teeth are so named because they typically emerge when an individual is between 17 and 25 years of age when they are a bit older and hopefully a bit wiser. They are usually the last of the mouth’s 32 permanent teeth to appear.
Wisdom teeth removal is common in the U.S. About 5 million people each year have their wisdom teeth removed, and about 85% of people have their wisdom teeth removed during their lifetime.
Why it May Be Necessary for Wisdom Teeth Removal
It may be necessary for wisdom teeth removal if they grow in the wrong position so that food can become easily trapped, thus allowing bacteria to grow and infection to take place, or if they crowd or damage neighboring teeth. They may need to be removed due to cavities or infection, lesions, bone loss around roots, or if cysts or tumors exist. A dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal to allow treatment for braces or other dental care.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
Wisdom teeth removal surgery typically takes 40 minutes to an hour. The time required can vary depending on the number of wisdom teeth to be removed, the condition of the tooth roots, and if the wisdom teeth are in a difficult position, impacted, or even broken. In more difficult cases, the surgical process may require up to 90 minutes.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery Process
The surgical process starts with the administration of anesthesia, which can include local anesthesia, sedation anesthesia, or even general anesthesia if a procedure is considered complex. The dentist or oral surgeon, if necessary, will cut gum tissue to expose the tooth and the bone, remove any bone that may block access to the tooth root, and divide the tooth into sections if that makes it easier to remove the tooth. He/she will then remove the tooth and clean the site of the removed tooth to clear away any debris from the tooth or bone. The wound may need to be stitched to make it heal better, although that is not always needed. Gauze will be placed over the tooth removal site to control bleeding and to help a blood clot form. Thereafter, the patient will be taken to a recovery room.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
The speed of wisdom teeth removal recovery will depend on the difficulty of extraction. During the first 24 hours after surgery, bleeding may occur, so the patient should position a piece of clean, moist gauze over the empty tooth space and bite down somewhat firmly. Facial swelling may occur, and a cold pack can be held against the jaw area for about 20 minutes. Pain medication and antibiotics can be prescribed. After 24 hours, a warm saltwater mouth rinse can be used to help wisdom teeth heal. Stitches can be removed, if needed, in about 1 week. Complete healing should take place in a few weeks.
Seek Professional Dental Care
Contact Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry, located right off Ben Sawyer Blvd in Mt. Pleasant. S.C. for dental care you can trust. We use treatment plans that are practical using the most advanced technology. We offer routine dental care and procedures, including extractions and root canals. To us, the patient is the most important person in the office.