Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molar tend to come in during the adolescent years. Many people will start to get their wisdom teeth when they are around 16, however others don't get them until they are in their mid 20's and some people never get them at all.
More often than not wisdom teeth are extracted. This is because in most cases these teeth are not really needed. They also tend to come in sideways. This can crowd the other teeth and make them appear cosmetically misaligned.
In some cases wisdom teeth can be extracted by your dentist. A regular dentist will treat the extraction as he would any other extraction. A dentist would numb the patient using an injection of lidocane or Novocain. The dentist would then extract the wisdom teeth using an elevator and a pair of extraction forceps. In some cases the dentist may give the patient nitrous oxide for this procedure.
The dentist will give the patient instructions on how to treat the area after the extractions. IN most cases the patient is prescribed pain medication. The patient would also be given extra sterile gauze to help keep the extraction site clean. In most cases the patient will be instructed not to smoke or drink through a straw. This is to prevent dry sockets from forming.
If the wisdom teeth are impacted then a dentist may not be able to remove them. When teeth are impacted it means that they are stuck below the gum line and that they cannot be removed without cutting into the gums. When a patient has a wisdom tooth that is impacted they will have to visit an oral surgeon to have the tooth removed.
The oral surgeon and is team are highly trained to perform surgery on the mouth. In most cases the patient is sedated. The oral surgeon will then cut open the gums and extract the teeth.
Most likely the oral surgeon will put a couple stitches in the gums at the extraction site. There are times, usually when they teeth are just below the gum line, that the oral surgeon will leave the area open.
The Wisdon Tooth Extraction
The extraction is taken care of just as any other extraction. The patient will be given care instructions and sent home the same day. Since the patient will have been under anesthesia they will need to have someone there to drive them home.
While having wisdom teeth extracted by an oral surgeon should be treated like any other surgery, it is not a major surgery. The healing time is relatively fast. Most people can have this procedure done on a Friday and return to work the next Monday without any problems.
There are a few things that a patient can do to help recover from having their wisdom teeth extracted. The most important thing is that the patient follows the instructions that your surgeon gives them. Patients should be extremely careful to avoid doing anything that will create a dry socket.
Patients should plan on having lots of soft foods at home that they will be able to eat after their surgery. Patients should remember that they will not be able to drink out of a straw. Yogurt, soups, jello, pudding and ice cream are all good choices.
Patients should take care of themselves after having their wisdom teeth extracted. If they have any questions they should call their doctor. The doctor will be able to give patients the best care advice for their particular case.
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