Wisdom Tooth Removal

Simple Extraction: This is the most straightforward and common type of wisdom tooth removal, where the dentist removes the tooth in one piece by gently rocking it back and forth until it comes loose from the surrounding tissues.

Surgical Extraction: This is a more complex procedure that may be necessary if the wisdom tooth is impacted, partially erupted or has grown at an angle. In this procedure, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, remove any bone blocking its removal, and then remove the tooth in pieces.

Soft Tissue Impaction: This type of impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is partially erupted and covered by gum tissue. The dentist will remove the gum tissue surrounding the tooth and extract the tooth.

Partial Bony Impaction: This type of impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is partially covered by bone and partially erupted. The dentist will remove the bone blocking the tooth, extract the tooth in pieces, and close the wound with sutures.

• Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, particularly around your molars.
• Swelling or redness of the gums in the area where your wisdom teeth are growing in.
• Difficulty opening your mouth or discomfort when chewing or speaking.
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, may be due to food or bacteria getting trapped in the space around your wisdom teeth.
• Sinus pain or congestion, which may be caused by pressure from your wisdom teeth on the sinuses.
• Headaches or earaches, which may also be due to pressure or inflammation caused by your wisdom teeth.

Pain in the back of your mouth: Wisdom teeth often cause pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth, near the molars.

Swollen or bleeding gums: If your gums are swollen, red, or bleeding around the back of your mouth, it may be a sign of wisdom teeth.

Difficulty opening your mouth: If you are having difficulty opening your mouth or experiencing stiffness in your jaw, it may be due to wisdom teeth.

Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth: Wisdom teeth can also cause an unpleasant taste or bad breath, as food and bacteria can get trapped around the teeth.

Visible teeth: If your wisdom teeth have started to erupt, you may be able to see them in the back of your mouth.

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Crowding: Wisdom teeth can cause crowding of the other teeth, leading to misalignment and bite problems.

Impaction: When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow and develop properly, they can become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge from the gum line. This can cause pain, swelling, and even infection.

Decay and Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, which makes them difficult to clean. This can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can cause decay and gum disease.

Cysts and Tumors: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumors, which can cause damage to the surrounding teeth, jawbone, and nerves.

Pericoronitis: Pericoronitis is a painful condition that occurs when a flap of gum tissue partially covers a wisdom tooth, trapping food and bacteria and leading to infection.

Sinus Problems: Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause problems with the sinuses, leading to pain, pressure, and other symptoms.

Consultation: Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon to discuss the reasons for removal and to go over the details of the procedure.

X-rays: X-rays are taken to assess the position and growth of the wisdom teeth and to determine the best approach for removal.

Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity of the case and patient preference, the removal of wisdom teeth can be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.

Incision: An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the wisdom tooth. If the tooth has not yet erupted, the gum and bone tissue overlying the tooth may need to be removed.

Tooth extraction: The tooth is then gently rocked back and forth to loosen it from the socket. In some cases, the tooth may need to be cut into smaller pieces to make removal easier.

Stitching: Once the tooth is removed, the socket is cleaned and stitched closed. A gauze pad is placed over the socket to help control bleeding.

Recovery: You will need to rest and avoid solid foods for the first 24-48 hours. Pain and swelling can be managed with prescribed over-the-counter pain medication, ice packs, and avoiding hard foods.

Preventing crowding: Wisdom teeth can cause crowding of the other teeth, leading to misalignment and bite problems. Removing the wisdom teeth can help prevent these issues.

Alleviating pain: Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection. Removing these teeth can relieve discomfort and prevent further oral health problems.

Reducing the risk of infection: Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted or impacted are more prone to developing infections, such as cavities, gum disease, and abscesses. Removing these teeth can reduce the risk of these problems.

Improving oral hygiene: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean properly, making them a potential source of oral health problems. Removing them can improve oral hygiene and reduce the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.

Improving speech and chewing: Crowding caused by wisdom teeth can impact speech and chewing, leading to difficulties and discomfort. Removing these teeth can improve these functions and make eating and speaking easier.

Observation: In some cases, wisdom teeth may not cause any problems and can be monitored by a dentist or oral surgeon. Regular check-ups and X-rays can be used to monitor the growth and position of the teeth.

Cleaning: Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted can be prone to developing cavities and gum disease. Regular cleaning and fluoride treatments can help reduce the risk of these problems.

Extraction: If wisdom teeth are causing pain, swelling, or other oral health problems, they may need to be removed. The extraction procedure can be performed under local, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case and patient preference.

Orthodontic treatment: If wisdom teeth are causing crowding or misalignment of the other teeth, orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign may be recommended.

Surgery: In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be surgically repositioned or have surrounding tissues removed to allow for proper eruption.

Pain and swelling: After the procedure, pain and swelling in the area of the extraction are common and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses.

Dry socket: Dry socket is a condition where the blood clot that normally forms after an extraction is dislodged or dissolves, exposing the bone and nerves. Dry socket can cause severe pain and delay healing.

Infection: Infection can occur after wisdom teeth extraction, particularly if proper care and hygiene are not maintained. Symptoms of infection include pain, swelling, redness, and discharge from the socket.

Nerve injury: In rare cases, the removal of wisdom teeth can cause injury to the nerves in the jaw, leading to numbness or tingling in the lip, tongue, or chin.

Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal after wisdom teeth extraction, but excessive bleeding can occur and may require further treatment.

Sinus complications: If wisdom teeth are located close to the sinuses, removing them can cause injury to the sinuses or lead to sinusitis.

Slow healing: In some cases, the socket may take longer to heal, leading to a delay in recovery.

Bite on a gauze pad: After the procedure, bite on a gauze pad for 20-30 minutes to help control any bleeding. Repeat as needed.

Use an ice pack: Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling. Repeat every hour for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

Avoid solid foods: Stick to soft foods, such as pudding, yogurt, or soup, for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Gradually add solid foods back into your diet as your mouth begins to heal.

Take pain medication: Take any prescribed pain medication as directed to help manage discomfort.

Rinse with salt water: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.

Avoid straws: Do not use a straw for at least 24 hours after the procedure, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

Avoid smoking: Do not smoke for at least 72 hours after the procedure, as smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

Avoid physical activity: Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours after the procedure, as this can increase bleeding and swelling.

Follow-up appointment: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon to ensure that the extraction site is healing properly.

We at Kigo Dental are committed to providing you with the best dental care available, and we do so with a smile.

Our entire staff, from receptionists to dental hygienists and assistants, is committed to providing you with the best quality dental care possible.

From the time you walk through the door and every time you revisit, you will experience this firsthand.

Kigo Dental has a team of experienced and skilled Orthodontists and other specialized dentists who specialize in providing high-quality dental care and treatments, utilizing the latest technologies and techniques to ensure the best patient outcomes.