1. Introduction to Wisdom Tooth Extraction

 

What is a Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars emerging inside your oral cavity at the age of 17 to 25 years. These teeth are found at the rearmost part of the mouth. Historically third molars assisted in breaking down and biting unprocessed raw foods. With evolutionary changes in modern lifestyle and diet, including consumption of cooked and soft food, wisdom teeth have become functionally obsolete. With these changes in eating pattern, jaws are stimulated to a lesser extent and are thus smaller, leaving no space for a third molar. Due to this, these teeth grow crooked, which can lead to various dental issues like severe pain, difficulty in opening the jaw and infection. Owing to these problems, the removal of wisdom teeth is a commonly performed treatment in young adults.

 

Why is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that can be done early to prevent various dental issues such as crowding, locked jaw or infection. Lack of sufficient space in the mouth may prevent wisdom teeth from emerging correctly causing them to get stuck or emerging at complex angles. Such ‘stuck’ wisdom teeth may cause food accumulation, pain, swelling and pus formation. Due to this incorrect positioning of these teeth, removal of the wisdom tooth is the only rational treatment to prevent damage to remaining teeth.

 

2. When Should You Consider Wisdom Tooth Removal?

 

Signs Indicating the Need for Removal

Not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed. But there are certain signs that may indicate the need for wisdom teeth removal, such as

• Continuous pain in the back of the mouth
• Swelling in the gums or redness of the gum in the rear-most part of the mouth
• Unable to open the mouth completely
• Frequent stiffness in the jaw

Sometimes wisdom teeth come out partially. This creates space in the gums and there is a risk of bacteria causing infection and causing dental decay. Dental surgeons recommend getting these teeth evaluated in case any of the abovementioned symptoms arise.

 

Potential Risks of Delaying Extraction

Delay in wisdom tooth extraction can cause many types of problems. Awkwardly stuck wisdom teeth may lead to food accumulation potentiating damage to adjacent teeth requiring further dental work. If other teeth get infected, they can cause pus accumulation and slowly spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, cysts can form near the impacted teeth, and cause damage to the jaw. All these problems may be prevented by timely extracting complicated wisdom teeth which also contributes to positive long-term oral health.

3. The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

 

Consultation and Examination

The first step in the process of carrying out a tooth extraction is to consult a reputed dental or an oral surgeon. During this process, the dental professional will check the position of your teeth by taking x-rays and determine the complexity of the particular scenario. Some patients may even require a 3-dimensional x-ray named CBCT. Based on these findings, the dentist will consult you about anesthesia alternatives and painless treatment options to make it a comfortable procedure for you.

 

Types of Extractions

Wisdom Tooth extraction is mainly of two types. Simple and surgical, Simple tooth extraction is done when the tooth has completely emerged from the gum into the oral cavity and can be removed without requiring incisions. For surgical extractions, a cut has to be made in the cavity.

A surgical extraction is more compound and necessary when the wisdom tooth is still partially or completely embedded in the gum or bone (impacted). In this case, the dentist or the oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum to access the tooth. Sometimes, a small amount of bone surrounding the tooth may need to be removed. The tooth is often cut into smaller pieces for easier removal. Surgical extractions generally involve more planning, recovery time, and may require stitches. They are commonly used for wisdom teeth that haven’t fully erupted or are growing at an awkward angle.

Both procedures aim to remove the wisdom teeth but differ in their approach based on each individual scenario

 

How are Wisdom Tooth Removals different at ‘Orcadent’!

At Orcadent chain of dental clinics, we believe in the concept of specialized care. Highly trained and qualified doctors are consulted and incorporated in the treatment planning for every wisdom tooth surgery. Every patient is special and unique – we discuss possible options including alternative procedures like operculectomy, third molar root canals and laser treatments. With emphasis on patient-centric care, we focus on making the procedure and the post-treatment healing uneventful and easy-going. We do this with the help of painless anesthesia techniques, audio analgesia and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Orcadent is truly where premium dentistry is made affordable. Contact us to book an appointment now.

 

Step-by-Step Overview of the Extraction Process

Before starting the tooth extraction, local anesthesia or sedation is used during this process, it is done according to the complexity of the problem and your comfort level. Surgical tooth extraction is a small incision made in the gum to access the impacted tooth.. But in some cases the tooth is divided into 2 parts for easy removal, and after the tooth is removed the surgeon cleans that area and puts stitches in it to close the gum tissue for a successful result.

 

Duration of the Procedure

A simple tooth extraction takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes. But in some complex cases, surgical extraction may take an hour or even more, depending on the condition of your tooth.

 

4. Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal

 

Immediate Post-Extraction Care

After tooth extraction, you need specialized care and follow some strict instructions to get the proper healing, and you may be asked to apply gauze to stop the bleeding, and also advised to apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. For pain relief some prescribed medication to reduce the pain to manage any discomfort in the  few days.

 

Dos and Don’ts During Recovery

After surgery, it is important to avoid drinking straw water, smoking, or eating hard foods during recovery time as these actions can disrupt the healing of your surgery. Dentists will usually recommend soft food, cold water, and complete rest for a few days. You should also avoid brushing vigorously on the tooth extraction area to prevent sensation and irritation.

 

Common Side Effects

Swelling, minor bleeding, and discomfort are very common after a surgical procedure. This usually subsides within a few days. Swelling can be reduced with the help of an ice pack, and bleeding usually stops within 24 hours. If you are having heavy bleeding and unbearable pain, make sure to consult a dentist.

 

Timeline for Full Recovery

The recovery process of surgery depends on the individual. But generally, complete recovery takes place within one or two weeks. Many people get back to their normal routine in a few days, but it takes time to be completely fine.

 

5. Risks and Complications of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

 

Common Complications

While removal of a wisdom tooth is generally safe, some risks are associated with the procedure. A dry socket is the most common complication. When blood clots at the site of the blood clot doesn’t develop properly or becomes dislodged. This causes a lot of pain. If appropriate aftercare isn’t followed then there is another risk of infection.

 

How to Minimize Risk

Following your dentist’s post-operative instructions carefully can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Keeping the extraction site clean, avoiding physical strain, and sticking to soft foods are all crucial steps to a smooth recovery.

 

6. Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

 

Factors Influencing the Cost

The cost of wisdom tooth extraction depends on many factors such as:

• Complexity: If the tooth extraction is easy, the cost is less. If surgery is required, the cost increases.
• Anesthesia: This is a type of anesthesia that reduces pain and also affects the cost.
• Location: The location of the dental clinic also affects the cost.

Generally, surgical extractions are more expensive than simple tooth extractions.

 

Estimated Cost Range

Generally, a simple tooth extraction costs around Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 per tooth, while a surgical tooth extraction can cost between Rs 5,000 to Rs 12,000 or more per tooth. This cost depends on your specific case, the complexity of the tooth, and the dentist’s expertise.

 

Insurance and Payment Plans

Nowadays, many dental insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of your wisdom tooth extraction. While this is considered necessary in the medical field. For people who do not have an insurance policy, many dentist clinics offer easy payment installments to make affordable treatment for them.

7. Conclusion: Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Right for You?

 

Consult a Professional

If you are feeling pain or comfort related to any problem in your wisdom tooth, it would be better for you to consult a good dentist as soon as possible so that an experienced orthodontist can examine you and treat you at an early stage so that there is no complication in the future.

 

Prioritize Your Oral Health

Remember, wisdom teeth removed at the right time, can save you from future oral health related issues that may occur in future. That is why it is important to attend regular dental checkups . So that you can keep track of your teeth and avoid and address any oral health related problems.