WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

The most common oral surgery procedure

The most common procedure is the removal of tooth roots or teeth, with wisdom teeth being a particular focus.

The wisdom tooth is the most posterior molar tooth in the dental arch. Due to its position, it is difficult to treat and clean and caries is a regular consequence. Deterioration of wisdom teeth can compromise the health of the adjacent teeth and the overall health of the oral cavity so many people choose to have them removed as a preventive measure.

One of the most common problems is the inability of the wisdom tooth to penetrate the gum so it can become partially or completely trapped in the jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth often develop in an inappropriate position: they can be crooked, horizontal, tilted outwards or inwards, and eventually reach and push other teeth, not only distorting the dentition but also putting the intact teeth at risk of increased tartar and plaque formation.

In other cases not only their position in the jaw but also the lack of space makes it impossible for wisdom teeth to grow and even orthodontic procedures may justify their removal. Whatever the reason, you will be doing your dentition a long-term favour by getting rid these troublesome wisdom teeth.

The degree of difficulty in removing a wisdom tooth depends primarily on the position of the tooth in the mouth. Surgical intervention is not always necessary, because if it is a fully perforated (outgrown) tooth, extraction is carried out in the same way as for any other tooth. However, the removal of an impacted wisdom tooth embedded in the jaw is an oral surgery procedure.

We are often confronted with the idea that oral surgery is a term used to disturb our peace of mind but wisdom tooth extraction is a routine operation and is performed under local anaesthesia, so the patient does not experience any pain. The numbing gel that precedes the anaesthetic injection ensures that there is no discomfort during the injection.

Wisdom tooth surgery is always preceded by an oral surgery consultation, during which a panoramic X-ray and CT scan are taken, giving a detailed picture of the condition of the teeth. If inflammation develops around the wisdom teeth that are blocked, it is important to treat the inflamed area first before surgery.

The first step in the procedure is for the oral surgeon to incise the gums to open up the area and gain access to the tooth. If the tooth is deeply embedded in the jawbone, it is necessary to remove the overlying bone using a special bone-milling drill which is completely painless. Once the tooth is removed, the wound is closed with stitches and can be removed after 7-10 days.

The healing process can vary from surgery to surgery, with full recovery lasting from a few weeks to a few months but usually after the first two weeks the condition of the oral cavity allows you to use it as you did before the operation.

After the operation, it is quite natural to experience bleeding for a few hours, more intense pain for a few days but swelling and difficulty opening the mouth in the corresponding part of the face or mouth closure may also occur. These symptoms will disappear with time and can be effectively relieved and treated by following the advice of the dentist.

To ensure a smooth recovery and to avoid complications, it is recommended to follow some medical and lifestyle recommendations.

1. Take the antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by your dentist regularly.
2. Rest is essential for healing.

3. Good oral hygiene is important: after the first 24 hours, you can clean the teeth around the wound carefully with a fine-bristled toothbrush.

1. Follow the dietary rules, such as avoiding dairy products and not drinking alcohol.
2. Avoid smoking as it can hinder healing and cause inflammation.
3. Avoid sports, strenuous exercise and hard physical work.
4. Hot baths and saunas are also not recommended.

Do not touch the wound area, be patient and allow enough time for the wound to heal!