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Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge in late teens or early adulthood. These final sets of molars can cause issues that make wisdom tooth surgery necessary. In this article, we are taking a look at wisdom tooth surgery including the following
- Why do you need wisdom tooth surgery.
- What to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
- What are some of the complications of the surgery.
Let’s begin!
Why do you need Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
In some cases, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to erupt and grow in angles that impact other teeth. These are known as impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, and swelling and trap food resulting in tooth decay, gum diseases, and infections. In some situations, they can also develop cysts that damage the jawbone and teeth roots.
When is Wisdom Tooth Surgery needed?
Wisdom tooth surgery is required when the impacted tooth poses a significant challenge for extraction.
The dental surgeon will conduct a detailed clinical and radiographic examination to assess each case, followed by a discussion with the patient on the risks vs benefits of the surgery.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery Procedure
Pre Surgery
Brush well before surgery to reduce chances of infection post-surgery. It is also recommended to have your meal before surgery as it may be difficult to eat immediately after the surgery.
Extraction
The procedure will take around 30 to 60 minutes. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient should feel minimal pain during the procedure.
Post Surgery
Medication will be provided after the surgery to reduce pain.
Draft addition: Not every wisdom tooth needs removal
Wisdom teeth may erupt normally and remain healthy. Surgery may be discussed when a tooth is associated with recurrent infection, decay that cannot be predictably restored, gum disease, damage to an adjacent tooth, a cyst or another clinically significant problem. Symptoms alone do not show the full position of the tooth, so examination and appropriate imaging may be needed.
For an impacted wisdom tooth without current disease, the balance between monitoring and removal is individual. The clinician should explain the reason for the recommendation, the expected benefit, the risks of surgery and the consequences of observation.
Draft addition: Questions for the consultation
- What problem is visible clinically or on the X-ray?
- What could happen if the tooth is monitored instead?
- How close are the roots to nearby nerves or structures?
- What recovery and follow-up should I plan for?
Understanding a recommendation for surgery or monitoring
The discussion should connect the recommendation to the actual clinical and imaging findings. Ask the dentist or surgeon to show which tooth is involved, what problem is present and whether nearby teeth or structures are affected. If monitoring is an option, clarify which symptoms or changes should prompt an earlier review and when another examination or image may be considered.
- What is the specific reason for recommending removal or observation?
- What are the expected benefits and important risks in this case?
- Are the roots close to a nerve or another anatomical structure?
- What recovery arrangements should be made if surgery proceeds?
- What follow-up is required if the tooth is monitored?
