Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to grow in humans and they usually emerge between the age of 18 and 25. In some instances, this growth can cause a lot of discomfort and pain which can lead to fevers and even a lack of appetite.
When this happens, it may be a sign that your teeth need to be extracted to relieve the pain.
Wisdom teeth surgery is a routine operation and often is done at the oral surgeon’s office and, while a surgery, its steps are standard and meticulous as explained below. Visit site to understand what to expect during your wisdom teeth surgery.
Routine X-Ray For Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform an X-ray on your wisdom teeth to understand the specific issue causing the pain and to recommend surgery. Potential issues could be an impacted tooth, a tooth growing at the wrong angle, or even a tooth or gum disease.
Any of these will send you to surgery.
Going Under Local Anesthesia
Once your dentist approves your surgery, you will be advised to neither eat nor drink 12 hours prior to the surgery. This will ensure the anesthesia effectively numbs the areas surrounding the tooth all through the surgery.
Tissue Around Teeth Is Opened
The tissue around the tooth is then opened up to access the problem tooth. The incision depth depends on how deep the tooth is. If it is close to the gum surface, the incision will be small and shallow. However, if the tooth is impacted closer to the bone, the cut may be deep enough to reach it safely.
Detaching The Tooth
Once the tooth is reachable, the dentist will use various instruments at his disposal to separate the tooth from the bone and tissues surrounding it. Expect the dentist to use tools such as the high-speed drill which can help loosen the tooth from the surrounding tissues and bone.
The Tooth Is Extracted
Once the tooth is successfully detached, the doctor begins to remove it from the gum. In most cases, if your tooth is impacted, the doctor may need to cut it into pieces or sections for easy extraction. Bear in mind that the surgeon has to remove every particle of the tooth to avoid future issues such as infections.
Stitching Up The Area
After successful tooth removal, a depression might be left in the section where the removed tooth once occupied. The surgeon will then cover and stitch up the gap for a quick healing process. These stitches naturally dissolve after a few days and do not need a follow-up appointment for removal. The stitching also helps ensure the wound is not vulnerable to germs and infections.
Dressing The Wound
Once the stitching up is complete, the surgeon, with the help of an assistant or a nurse, will clean the area they have operated on.
They will also flush your mouth with sterilized water to get rid of the blood and saliva then they dress the wood with cotton wool and gauze pads to soak up some of the blood that the wound will leak during the recovery process.
Winding It Up
After the wisdom teeth surgery is complete, expect the anesthesia to wear off in about four hours says this experienced Invisalign dentist in West Point. But it should not impair you to the extent of you failing to go about your daily schedule or even drive yourself home or back to work.
However, if the anesthesia has not worn off, you can take some time and relax in the hospital until you are ready to leave or ask someone to drive you home for a day’s rest.