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The best place for wisdom tooth surgery

Wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure that is usually performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. Your dentist will recommend this surgery if an examination and x-rays show that your wisdom tooth is impacted or may cause dental problems in the future.

The surgeon will cut through your gums and remove the tooth, either in whole or in pieces, from your gums. You will be put under anesthesia, which may include nitrous oxide or intravenous (IV) sedation. Your surgeon will decide which sedation to use based on your comfort level, as well as the complexity and number of teeth to be extracted.

Contraindications to Wisdom Tooth Surgery

Wisdom tooth extraction before the age of 20 is usually easier to perform than wisdom tooth surgery performed at an older age. While the patient’s age does not preclude wisdom tooth extraction, it can make the procedure easier or more complicated.

The roots of wisdom teeth in young people are not fully formed, which makes them easier to remove and heal faster. As you get older, the roots become longer and more curved, making them more difficult to remove.

Possible risks after wisdom tooth surgery

Complications of wisdom tooth removal surgery can include:

  • If a blood clot breaks loose after wisdom tooth surgery from the extraction site, exposing the underlying bone and nerves, it can lead to a dry mouth.
  • The nerves in the tooth become irritated.
  • Sinus problems
  • And, in rare cases, infection can occur.

Purpose of wisdom tooth extraction

Your dentist will monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth during regular appointments and with dental X-rays. Specialists may advise you about wisdom tooth removal if they are affected by a variety of factors or if they have the potential to cause problems, such as:

  • Infection
  • Tooth decay
  • Damage to surrounding teeth
  • Periodontal disease
  • Bone loss
  • Tooth loss

Your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth removal surgery even if you are not experiencing current symptoms to stop potential problems before they start. Since wisdom teeth are located in an area that is difficult to clean, maintaining good oral hygiene with them in place can be challenging.

You may be referred to an oral surgeon for this procedure. The surgeon will schedule a consultation before your wisdom tooth extraction to review your dental history and take additional X-rays to confirm the scope of your surgical needs.

Ask your surgeon about any concerns you may have before the procedure. They can tell you what to do in the days leading up to your procedure and how to plan for your recovery time afterward. They can also talk about the type of anesthesia used and how you will feel after surgery.

Wisdom tooth surgery process

Your surgery typically takes 45 minutes or less. You will receive one of these types of anesthesia so that you do not feel any pain during the wisdom tooth removal:

Local: Your doctor will numb your mouth with an injection of a local anesthetic, such as novocaine, lidocaine, or mepivacaine. You may also breathe nitrous oxide during the surgery to help the dentist in Toronto focus on your teeth. You should feel conscious again shortly after the surgery.

IV sedation: Your wisdom tooth surgeon will numb your mouth and also give you an injection in your arm to make you sleepy. You may be asleep throughout the procedure. You will either receive the anesthetic through a vein or breathe the gas through a mask. You will be asleep the entire time and may not wake up for an hour or more after the surgery.

Your doctor may have to cut into your gum or bone to remove the teeth. In this case, the wounds are stitched together to help them heal quickly. These stitches usually dissolve after a few days. They may also place gauze pads in your mouth to absorb any blood.

Medications Needed After Wisdom Tooth Surgery

The risk of bleeding problems can be increased by medications such as aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin), and Advil (ibuprofen).

Before dental surgery, tell your doctor and dentist if you are taking these or any other medications. They will let you know if you can continue taking your current medications or if (and when) you should stop taking them in preparation for surgery.

To avoid complications, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or other supplements.

Your dentist will tell you it is time to have your wisdom teeth removed. They may refer you to an oral surgeon, who will perform the procedure in their office. It only takes a few days for you to recover and get back to normal.

 

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