Wisdom teeth extraction
Wisdom teeth are the third molars. They can erupt in childhood, adolescence, old age, and in 8% of people they may not appear at all. Wisdom teeth can cause serious problems for patients if they are not removed in time.
What is a wisdom tooth?
The wisdom tooth, as we have discussed previously, appears to be the third molar and appears in the outermost region of the jaw. These molars need space in the mature dental arch for a normal eruption, so they usually erupt at a later age.
Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. However, there are exceptions. We find four of these molars: two upper and two lower, which perform the function of chewing, cutting and grinding the food that we consume. Wisdom teeth only become useful if they develop properly and are healthy. Otherwise, these teeth can lead to gum infections, they can damage other teeth, and other problems that require extraction.
How to recognize a wisdom tooth infection
The diagnosis of a dental infection cannot be based on a single symptom. There is a complex symptomatic situation that is taken into account when making a certain diagnosis. Therefore, the more often you experience the following symptoms listed below, the sooner you should make an appointment with your dentist, as it is an infection and needs antibiotic treatment or removal:
- Strong pain sensations
- Red and sore gums
- Fever
- Facial oedema
- Chewing problems
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headaches
- Halitosis (bad breath)
When is wisdom teeth extraction recommended?
The best way to treat problems derived from wisdom teeth is to have them removed. Wisdom teeth extraction is recommended when:
- They grow in the wrong position
- Lead to overcrowding of other dental units
- Erupts, but cause inflammation
- There is no place for them in the jaw
- There is an increased risk of tooth decay.
When can you avoid carrying out a wisdom tooth extraction?
It is not always necessary to remove the upper or lower wisdom tooth. If the tooth is healthy, completely outside the gums, in a correct position, in good contact with other teeth during chewing, and can be easily cleaned by brushing, then there is no need to remove it.
How is a wisdom tooth removed and what steps should you take after the procedure?
The procedure is performed in a dental clinic or hospital if there is an increased risk of complications. If an infection is found, the removal of the wisdom tooth will be delayed until the infection is cured.
Before removal, the patient will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the affected area. In some cases, general anaesthesia may be required.
It is recommended to abstain from smoking 48 hours before the intervention.
Stitches may be required after tooth extraction. Some stitches will dissolve over time, while others will need to be removed a few days after the procedure.
After surgery, the patient will experience mild discomfort and pain, which may last for several days, so the dentist may prescribe certain pain relievers. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.
During the first 24 hours after surgery, ice may be applied to the cheek to reduce swelling. It is recommended to consume only food in liquid or soft format the first time after tooth extraction and to reject solid food for a time.
How much does it cost to remove a wisdom tooth?
The price of wisdom tooth extraction is higher than that of basic tooth extraction. This is due to the greater complexity of access to these, as well as the complex structure of the roots of the last molars. The cost of a number of additional services can be added to the extraction price. The price also depends on the position of the wisdom teeth.
The exact cost of a wisdom tooth extraction can be determined after a dental consultation and oral examination from a dental radiograph (panoramic x-ray).
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