Wisdom dental surgery: definition, procedure, risks • hello healthy

Definition

What is wisdom tooth surgery?

The third molars (wisdom teeth) will grow around the age of 17-24 years. However, wisdom teeth growth is not always perfect.

Functional teeth can grow sideways in different directions. Wisdom teeth can also get stuck in the gums. The improper growth of wisdom teeth that causes pain is called impacted teeth.

Tooth impact surgery is the procedure for removing wisdom teeth that have grown abnormally in order to prevent potential problems in the future.

The surgical procedure for impacted wisdom teeth generally requires a different and more complicated technique than ordinary tooth extraction.

When should I have wisdom tooth impacted surgery?

You may be advised to have surgery to treat impacted teeth so they don't get worse. However, not all cases of impacted wisdom teeth require immediate surgery. The doctor will usually check the condition of your mouth and teeth first before deciding.

If your wisdom teeth grow sideways but don't bother you, your doctor may advise you to watch their progress. You may also be asked to have more regular dental controls so your doctor can continue to monitor the progress of the growth direction.

If at any time the doctor finds a problem with the wisdom tooth, then he recommends surgery.

Usually, impacted tooth surgery is required if:

• Wisdom teeth have gum infection or disease (periodontitis)
• Problematic wisdom teeth develop severe caries
• Cysts or tumors appear around the problem molars
• The molars grew crookedly against the teeth next to them.

Are there any alternatives to wisdom tooth surgery?

In many cases, surgery is the last option to treat impacted teeth. Before deciding on surgery, the dentist may recommend a number of other treatments, such as:

1. Take pain relievers

Wisdom teeth that develop abnormally can cause intense pain. So, in order to reduce this pain sensation, doctors will usually prescribe several pain relievers such as Paracetamol. This drug is safe for consumption by all people, be it children, pregnant and lactating women, to the elderly (elderly).

If your impact is also causing your gums to become inflamed, your doctor may be able to prescribe the drug ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an NSAID class of drugs that can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in the body.

In order for the drug to work optimally, make sure you drink according to the dosage recommended by your doctor. If you forget the dosage of the medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor directly. Pain relievers should only be used in the short term. So, if your teeth continue to hurt, see a dentist immediately.

2. Ice compress

Another way that can be done to reduce the sensation of pain and soreness in the teeth is to compress an ice cube. Ice cubes can temporarily turn off pain nerve signals, so that the pain in the molars of the wisdom tooth will slowly subside.

To do this, all you need is a few ice cubes and a clean, dry cloth or washcloth. Wrap the ice cubes in a washcloth and place it on the side of the cheek of the tooth that is problematic for a few minutes.

If ice cubes are not available, you can rinse your mouth with a glass of cold water. This method is just as effective as an ice cube compress.

3. Remove the tooth

As mentioned earlier, wisdom tooth growths can tilt or point toward other teeth. Now, if the crown of the tooth is visible to the surface of the gum, the doctor can immediately remove your tooth without surgery.

You don't need to worry when the doctor recommends tooth extraction. The doctor will inject an anesthetic first so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.

Precautions & Warnings

What should I know before wisdom tooth surgery?

One of the most important preparations before undergoing wisdom tooth extraction surgery is consulting a doctor.

Before the operation is actually done, try to ask the following questions to the doctor.

• How many wisdom teeth do you need to remove?
• What types of anesthesia will I receive?
• How complicated is the removal procedure that will be carried out?
• How long will the revocation last?
• Will the wisdom teeth cause damage to the other teeth?
• Is there a risk that I will get such as nerve damage?
• Is there any dental work I need to do after surgery?
• How long does it take to heal after surgery and when can I start activities?
• Can pregnant women undergo wisdom tooth surgery? In fact, there is no reason that extraction procedures will have any effect on pregnancy. However, you need to ask your doctor about it, because some doctors may wait for treatment until the birth process.
• Do I need someone to accompany me on my way home, because of the effects of the anesthesia?
• Should I arrive early just in case there are some checks?
• Should I fast before the surgery?
• If so, how long should I fast?
• Should I avoid taking certain medicines before the operation process?

Preparation & Process

What should be prepared before wisdom tooth surgery?

Doctors usually do not immediately recommend you to undergo tooth impact surgery. The doctor will generally first examine your oral cavity and the condition of your teeth, as well as ask about your medical history and general body condition.

If you are regularly taking antibiotics or other drugs, don't forget to tell your doctor about this. Likewise if you have a certain medical history, such as allergies to anesthetics, diabetes, hypertension, or blood clotting disorders.

After the initial examination is complete, your doctor may continue with a dental X-ray to see more clearly the state of your teeth, gums and supporting bones. In order for optimal X-rays, it's a good idea to brush your teeth first.

In addition, remove all accessories attached to the chest to the head. Starting from jewelry, watches, glasses, and other tools that contain metal in the body. Wear comfortable, loose clothing when you are going through the procedure.

Tell your doctor if you have an amalgam filling or wear dentures. Both can block X rays from penetrating into the body.

The doctor can also perform laboratory tests which include blood tests and urine tests to help confirm the doctor's diagnosis.

If you have scheduled wisdom tooth impact surgery, you generally don't need any special preparations beforehand other than those already mentioned above.

How is the wisdom tooth surgery process?

Before the impacted tooth surgery, the doctor will inject an anesthetic into the affected gum area. This anesthetic will numb or numb the gums, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.

In general, there are three types of anesthetics that doctors use when performing surgical procedures. Depending on how complex your impacted tooth is, here are the types of anesthetics to use during wisdom tooth surgery.

• Local anesthesia is given by injecting one or more injections at a point near the tooth to be extracted. You will stay awake during the extraction process. Although you will feel pressure and movement, you will not feel any pain during impact tooth surgery.
• Sedation anesthesia is given by injection in your arm. This anesthetic will suppress your awareness, leaving you limited memory during the extraction process. You also will not feel pain during tooth impact surgery.
• General anesthesia is given in urgent situations. You may inhale the medicine through your nose and / or get an injection in the arm. When given this anesthetic, you will lose consciousness without feeling pain. Your team of doctors will monitor medication, breathing, temperature, fluids and blood pressure.

After you are given an anesthetic, the doctor will cut your gums. Then the doctor will remove the part of the jawbone that is blocking the growth of the wisdom teeth. When the tooth is extracted successfully, you will experience bleeding. This bleeding is normal and will quickly subside.

Then the doctor will cover the incision with stitches and the tooth scar with gauze. The doctor will usually ask the patient to bite the gauze for an hour so that a blood clot forms in the cavity that was extracted.

If you have sedation and general anesthesia, you will be taken to a recovery room after surgery. If only local anesthesia, you can go home immediately after surgery.

Usually the treatment performed after surgery is outpatient. You can go home the same day after having wisdom tooth surgery. However, it all depends on how complex your impacted tooth is. There are patients who have to be hospitalized due to several problems.

Side effects

What are the side effects of wisdom tooth surgery?

Every medical procedure has side effects, including impacted tooth surgery. You may still bleed after wisdom tooth surgery. Don't spit so much that the clot doesn't come off your teeth or gums.

Apart from bleeding, you may also experience a number of other side effects, such as:

• Pain and tenderness in the area of ​​the tooth that is extracted.
• The hole where the tooth was extracted is inflamed and swollen.
• The jaw is sore and feels stiff from opening your mouth for too long.
• The cheek on the side of the tooth that was pulled out is swollen.

Sometimes, a blood clot in the hole where the tooth was extracted can break, showing the white bone supporting the tooth. This condition can cause severe pain within a few days.

When should I return to the doctor after impacted wisdom tooth surgery?

You can return to your doctor if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Excessive bleeding
• Fever
• Severe pain even after taking medication for pain relief
• Swelling that gets worse after two or three days
• Feeling prolonged numb
• Removing pus

Care After Surgery

What can be done after wisdom tooth surgery?

Before the surgery, you will receive instructions from the hospital or dental clinic on what to do before and after the surgery. Try to remember.

Here are some things you need to do after undergoing impacted tooth surgery.

• If after removing a tooth you experience unbearable pain, you can take acetaminophen (paracetamol).
• You can also apply ice to the affected part of the tooth to reduce pain and swelling of the cheek.
• Salt water can also be used to treat pain and swelling. Simply dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 warm cup. Then gargle salt water slowly one day after pulling teeth.
• Bleeding after tooth extraction should not be too much. However, if you feel uncomfortable, you can change the gauze yourself in the way your dentist recommends.
• After wisdom tooth extraction, it's a good idea to rest first, so you can get back to your activities as soon as possible.
• Drinking lots of water is also necessary after surgery.
• Choose foods that are soft and soft, such as yogurt, porridge, pudding, and others for 24 hours.
• Having a surgical procedure is no excuse for not maintaining oral hygiene. You can brush your teeth, as long as it is slow.
• Sleep on a higher pillow. Sleeping lying down without a pillow can prolong the recovery process.
• If the doctor prescribes an antibiotic, take the medicine until it runs out as directed by the doctor. Remember! Antibiotics must be taken as directed because otherwise they can trigger antibiotic resistance.

What should not be done after wisdom tooth surgery?

The following are some things that should be avoided in order to speed up the healing process after impacted tooth surgery.

• Avoid brushing your teeth on the part of the tooth that was just operated on.
• Avoid gargling too vigorously within 24 hours.
• Avoid spitting too hard.
• Avoid touching / feeling the area where the tooth was extracted with the tongue or hands.
• Avoid drinking hot and alcoholic drinks.
• Avoid eating hard, hot, and spicy foods.
• Avoid foods that are hard to chew, hot, and spicy.
• Avoid doing strenuous physical activity for 3-4 days after removing the tooth. Excessive physical activity can increase bleeding, swelling, and discomfort in the mouth.
• If you smoke, you should not first smoke within 72 hours after surgery or as long as possible until it is cured. Cigarettes can hinder the healing process.

If after molar surgery, the swelling and pain in the gums don't go away, you may have an infection. Especially if you also have a fever. So, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Old Restoration

How long does the wisdom tooth surgery heal?

The growth of wisdom teeth is actually very natural and shouldn't be a cause for concern. However, sometimes these molars grow in the wrong direction or they get stuck in the gums making it difficult to get out. Well, the only way out that must be taken is by performing wisdom teeth surgery.

After the operation is complete, it will take approximately 2 weeks for your teeth to recover completely. Generally, wisdom tooth surgery will cause bruising, pain, and swelling of the gums.

The healing stages after wisdom tooth surgery are:

• 1 day: blood clots occur
• 2-3 days: the swelling of the mouth and cheeks begins to improve
• 7 days: control to see the condition of the former operation
• 7-10 days: the stiff and painful jaw begins to heal
• 14 days: all complaints related to postoperative wounds usually have healed

The healing process is not an absolute standard. Each person has different recovery time, depending on the severity of the impacted tooth or postoperative injury.

If it turns out that the wound has an infection, or there is a problem with the blood clotting process, of course the recovery time can be longer.

You can consult a doctor for more information.

Complications

What are the complications after wisdom tooth surgery?

Complications after impacted tooth surgery are rare. However, you may experience:

• Infections in the teeth or gums.
• Damage to the sinus passages near the upper wisdom teeth.
• Dry socket, that is, a condition when a blood clot that forms in the hole where the tooth has been pulled comes off.
• Nerve damage to the lower lip, chin, or tongue
• The lower jawbone is weakened.

Of the various risks of complications that have been mentioned, d ry socket is the most common. This condition causes pain and inflammation in the part of the tooth that is extracted. Over time, the pain will increase and can spread to the ear.