How Are Wisdom Teeth Surgically Removed

The four adult permanent teeth that are located in the back top and bottom corners of the mouth are known as wisdom teeth. If there is not enough room for these teeth to grow in, it may result in severe pain, infection and even damage to the other teeth located near the wisdom teeth. When this occurs, it is often necessary to have one or more of the wisdom teeth extracted.

If only one wisdom tooth needs removal, it may be possible to have this done in a dentist's office. However, if more than one wisdom tooth needs extracted at the same time, this is normally done by oral surgery. This is what to expect when wisdom teeth are surgically removed.

X-Rays

First X-rays will be taken to determine exactly how the wisdom teeth have grown in. There may be bones that are blocking access to the roots of the wisdom teeth and this can only be seen by taking X-rays. X-rays also give the oral surgeon a clear view of how the procedure needs to be done to remove the teeth properly.

Anesthesia 

Anesthesia is used to prevent the patient from suffering severe pain during the surgery. Depending on how complex the surgery will be, the surgeon may use one of three different types of anesthesia. These are local anesthesia, general anesthesia or sedation anesthesia.

• Local Anesthesia - When local anesthesia is used, the oral surgeon normally uses a medication to numb the gums. The anesthesia is given by injecting it in the gums where the wisdom teeth will be removed. This type of anesthesia is often used when only one tooth needs to be removed, It prevents pain, though the patient remains awake during the procedure and may still feel some pressure when the tooth is extracted.
• General Anesthesia -  When general anesthesia is given, the patient inhales a gas-like medication through a mask and goes into a deep sleep while the wisdom teeth are removed. The patient's vital signs are closely monitored when under this type of anesthesia. General anesthesia is normally used for only very complex oral surgery or for those patients who have tremendous anxiety or fear about the surgery.
• Sedation Anesthesia - During sedation anesthesia, the patient is given medication through an IV that keeps them unconscious during the surgery. Local anesthesia is also used to keep the gums numb as well. Sedation anesthesia puts the patient into a light state of sleep that is not as deep as general anesthesia.

Extraction 

During the extraction, the gum tissues around the wisdom teeth are split open so the surgeon has easier access to the teeth. If there is a bone blocking the roots of the teeth, this must be cut and removed first. Then the wisdom teeth are cut into smaller pieces and extracted with dental tools. The gums are then cleaned with antiseptic and sutured closed. The gums are packed with gauze to prevent excessive bleeding.

The healing process of the gums normally takes only a few days. The patient may need to bite down on the gauze frequently, swish the gums with warm salt water and only eat soft foods for a few days until the gums have healed. Check it out to find out more.