Extraction

When will your dentist recommend an extraction?

Extractions are often the easiest way to prevent any complications with wisdom teeth or in extreme cases, teeth that are not salvageable. A few examples are:

• Impacted teeth
• Wisdom teeth
• Malocclusion(teeth not able to occlude properly causing long-term damage to the teeth involved)
• Cysts, and abscesses (due to infection or broken teeth)
• Operculum: When there is a partial eruption, part of the gum tissue will be covering the wisdom tooth. This can lead to decay and pericoronitis which is an infection caused by bacteria and food debris that get stuck in between the gum and the tooth.

Wisdom teeth extraction:

Many people will not develop any concerns with their wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are often removed to prevent complications like impacted teeth, abscesses, and misalignment especially if undergoing an orthodontics treatment.

These teeth will surface at early 20’s and late teens, in rare cases wisdom teeth can also cause problems during adulthood as they becoming impacted or start leaning against the other teeth. Wisdom teeth can cause problems even when they are not erupted fully, as they are hard to clean and the gum line can get infected.

What to expect:

• An initial consultation will be needed. You will be notified of any current of future concerns with your teeth. Your dentist will evaluate and decide the best course of action. As any procedure carries it risks. You will be advised of the potential risk during and after the surgery
• All extractions will require an anesthetic to numb the area. You can expect to feel temporary numbness during and after the procedure.
• The recovery time depends on each individual. Inflammation and slight bleeding are expected. Surgical extractions are more delicate and you can expect more inflammation and a longer time of recovery.
• Your dentist will provide instructions about which food and cleaning habits should be taken during the recovery periods which should last only a few days.
• If the incision is big you might require stitches. This can be removed in a follow-up appointment or dissolved depending on the material.

During the first 24 hours, you should abstain from smoking and avoid sucking motions like drinking through a straw and physical activities that can loosen a blood clot.