Wisdom teeth, also called the third molars are the last teeth to erupt on both sides of the upper and lower jaws. They usually erupt during their teenage or early twenties. Wisdom teeth are easy to ignore if there is enough space for their eruption, but even asymptomatic molars can cause gum diseases. Complications associated with impacted teeth are:
- Pain in the jaws
- Swelling around the concerned tooth
- Inflammation and bleeding of gums
- Foul-smelling mouth
- Loss of bone around the tooth
When do need a wisdom tooth extraction?
In addition to the problems mentioned above, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to more grave complications and diseases. While there are many opinions on the benefits of wisdom tooth extraction, here are the top reasons to help you make an informed choice.
- Inflammation and Infection: with partial or complete impaction, gum inflammation is seen very commonly. This can lead to painful periodontal diseases. Once the inflammation starts, it can spread to nearby hard and soft tissues and create a breeding ground for the bacteria. This can cause severe infection.
- Overcrowding: by the time wisdom teeth start to erupt, there is less space available in the jaws. With little area to erupt into, the rest of the teeth are usually pushed aside, which results in malalignment.
- Damage to nearby teeth: with overcrowding, wisdom teeth can also impinge on adjacent teeth and cause resorption. Bone loss and cavities can be seen.
- Cysts or tumors: when the third molar remains completely hidden within the gums and can’t emerge normally, wisdom teeth become trapped (impacted) within the jaw. Sometimes this can result in infection or can cause a cyst that can damage other teeth roots or bone support.
- Difficult to keep clean: even if there is no pain or infection, keeping the third molar and the area around it clean is a difficult task. Proper brushing and flossing are not easy and this can lead to cavity formation and plaque buildup.
Consult with an Oral Surgeon
The decision to remove the third molar is not always clear. Without extraction, there can be recurrent infection and pain that will require extensive treatment, medications, and more. A tooth extraction is a routine dental practice. The oral surgeon in the dental hospital will recommend anesthesia for the entire procedure. This can include local anesthesia, general anesthesia, and others.
Post-treatment procedure
After surgery, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Swelling and tenderness in the face and neck are common, as is bruising. Ice packs and pain medications prescribed by the dentist or oral surgeon will help. You should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever. If you have any concerns before or after the procedure, contact your oral surgeon.
Complications of wisdom tooth extraction
Although rare, you may develop a painful dry socket. This happens when the blood clot that’s supposed to form after surgery doesn’t form properly or becomes dislodged from the socket and exposes bone. In such cases, you are advised to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
At The Dental Roots, we do not advise wisdom tooth extraction if they are correctly positioned and do not cause any discomfort. However, if there is impaction or crowding, our dentist may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction. Wisdom tooth removal surgery is mostly a single sitting session that is carried out under local anesthesia to ensure painless treatment. Our Oral Surgeons are top dentists in India that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, disorders, injuries, defects, and aesthetic attributes of teeth, jaws, mouth, face & neck. The treatment is virtually painless, and our team ensures you are most comfortable throughout. The dentist will guide you through the post-treatment care instructions to ensure a speedy recovery. Contact The Dental Roots for appointments and wisdom tooth removal costs in Gurgaon and South Delhi.