Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal, also known as third molar extraction, is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

There are several reasons why wisdom teeth may need to be removed, including:

• Impaction: When there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom tooth to erupt, it can become impacted, causing pain and potentially leading to infection.
• Overcrowding: If the wisdom teeth do not have enough space to come in properly, they can push against other teeth, causing overcrowding and potentially leading to orthodontic problems.
• Infection: Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted or impacted can be difficult to clean, making them more susceptible to infection.
• Cysts and Tumors: In some cases, a wisdom tooth that is impacted or infected can develop a cyst or tumor around it, which can damage the surrounding bone and tissue.
• Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Wisdom teeth that are not properly aligned can rub against adjacent teeth, causing wear and potentially leading to decay or other problems.

The Procedure

The procedure for removing wisdom teeth typically involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: The patient is given a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, and may also be sedated to help them relax.
2. Incision: The dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom tooth.
3. Bone Removal: If the tooth is impacted, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to remove some of the surrounding bone to access the tooth.
4. Sectioning: The tooth may be sectioned, or cut into smaller pieces, to make it easier to remove.
5. Removal: The wisdom tooth is carefully removed from the socket.
6. Closure: The incision is closed with stitches, and the area is cleaned and dressed.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with wisdom teeth removal, including:

• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the procedure.
• Infection: Bacterial infection of the socket or surrounding tissue.
• Nerve Damage: Damage to the nerves in the jaw, which can cause numbness or tingling in the tongue, lip, or cheek.
• Dry Socket: A condition where the blood clot that forms over the socket is dislodged, exposing the bone and nerve endings.
• Reaction to Anesthesia: Adverse reaction to the local anesthetic or sedation used during the procedure.

Recovery

After wisdom teeth removal, patients typically experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. The following are some tips for a smooth recovery:

• Rest: Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
• Pain Management: Take pain medication as directed by the dentist or oral surgeon.
• Bleeding Control: Apply pressure to the gauze pad over the extraction site to control bleeding.
• Diet: Stick to a soft food diet for several days after the procedure, avoiding hot, spicy, or hard foods.
• Oral Hygiene: Avoid brushing or flossing the extraction site for at least 24 hours, and gently rinse with salt water to keep the area clean.

Cost

The cost of wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Location: The cost of living in the area where the procedure is performed.
• Dentist or Oral Surgeon: The expertise and qualifications of the dentist or oral surgeon performing the procedure.
• Complexity: The complexity of the procedure, including the number of teeth being removed and any additional procedures required.
• Insurance Coverage: The level of insurance coverage for the procedure.

On average, the cost of wisdom teeth removal can range from $75 to $250 per tooth, depending on the factors mentioned above.