Tooth extraction and wisdom tooth extraction

Tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth from the mouth. This can be due to a number of reasons, including severe tooth decay, a fracture, impacted teeth, or an untreatable infection. The procedure can be performed by a general dentist or an oral surgeon, depending on the complexity of the case.

Tooth extraction procedure

1. Examination and diagnosis: The dentist will examine the condition of the teeth and oral health to assess whether the tooth should be extracted.
2. Local anesthesia: Before extraction, the dentist will inject local anesthesia into the area of the tooth to be extracted to help reduce pain.
3. Tooth extraction: The dentist will use instruments to extract the tooth.
4. Recovery: After tooth extraction, patients must follow self-care instructions, such as applying gauze to stop bleeding, avoiding touching the extraction area, and refraining from smoking.

Wisdom tooth extraction

An impacted tooth (also known as an impacted tooth or wisdom tooth) is a tooth that is unable to erupt into its normal position due to insufficient space in the jawbone or being obstructed by other teeth.

The most common impacted wisdom tooth is the third molar, which usually erupts in late adolescence or early adulthood, but in some cases, the incisors, canines, and premolars can also occur.

Causes of wisdom teeth

Impacted teeth occur when a tooth, tissue, or bone blocks the tooth’s growth, preventing it from growing out of the gums and becoming impacted. Impacted teeth are teeth that should erupt between the ages of 18 and 25. They may emerge upright, tilted, or lying flat, and are often close to adjacent teeth. They may even crowd out adjacent teeth or erupt into the jaw, leading to severe toothache and suffering for the patient.

What are the symptoms of impacted teeth?

• Severe pain that cannot be identified as the specific tooth
• Painful, swollen, and pus-filled gums due to gingivitis
• Some people may also experience headaches due to compression of the nerves at the tooth root.
• Nearby teeth may be pushed, causing them to become loose or break.
• But in some cases, there may be no pain.

Types of wisdom teeth

1. Partial impacted tooth: The tooth only partially erupts, which can lead to infection and inflammation in the gums.
2. All impacted teeth: The teeth do not emerge from the gums at all, but are contained within the jawbone.

Why do you have to have wisdom teeth extracted?

1. This is to prevent gum disease. When wisdom teeth cannot emerge completely, food particles will become stuck under the gums that cover the teeth, making them impossible to clean. The bacteria that accumulates there will cause gum inflammation, pain, and swelling with pus. If left untreated, the inflammation will spread to under the chin or under the tongue, which will easily cause the spread of germs to other parts of the body.
2. There is a chance that the adjacent teeth will decay because the gap between the wisdom tooth and the adjacent molar is difficult to clean, which may cause tooth decay.
3. Impacted teeth are prone to developing cysts. When impacted teeth are present, the surrounding tissue can develop into a cyst or growth.
4. To prevent facial deformity, most impacted teeth are located close to the jaw. When impacted teeth move and push against the jaw, it can cause facial deformity or even fracture the jaw.
5. For orthodontic treatment, to make it easier to move other teeth.

Wisdom tooth extraction procedure

1. Diagnosis by X-ray: To see the position and characteristics of the impacted tooth to determine whether surgery is necessary.
2. Local anesthesia: The dentist will apply a topical anesthetic before injecting the local anesthetic. Then, the local anesthetic will be injected.
3. Tooth extraction: The dentist will perform a surgical operation to open the gums and bone around the impacted tooth to remove it. In some cases, the tooth may need to be broken into small pieces before removal.
4. Wound suturing: After the tooth is removed, the wound is sutured to prevent infection and aid in wound healing.
5. Post-operative care: Patients must be careful about eating and cleaning their mouths. Avoid hard or hot foods to prevent irritation of the wound area.

Post-treatment care for tooth extraction and wisdom tooth removal

1. Stopping bleeding: Apply gauze firmly to the wound until the bleeding stops.
2. Cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the surgical area to reduce swelling.
3. Avoid smoking: Smoking can slow down wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
4. Soft food: Choose foods that are soft and easy to chew, such as porridge, soup, or rice soup.
5. Prescription medications: Take antibiotics and pain relievers as recommended by your dentist.

summarize

Tooth extraction and wisdom tooth removal are procedures that must be performed under the supervision of a dentist, and both procedures can be performed safely with proper care.

Frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth extraction