Extracting that wisdom tooth

THERE is every chance that your wisdom teeth will give you no trouble. But a vast majority of the population complains that the wisdom tooth (the last tooth on either side of each jaw) and its related inconveniences are like the tidd, they rise and fall at almost regular intervals. Just when you think the symptoms have subsided with a course of antibiotics, the discomfort resurfaces. Be it infection around the wisdom tooth called pericoronitis or recurring decay in the tooth, it’s nuisance nevertheless and the best option would be to get the wisdom tooth removed. The steps involved in the extraction of a wisdom tooth and subsequent post extraction care are given below.

1.Radiograph :An x-ray of the concerned wisdom tooth is taken and examined thoroughly by the dentist. The angulation of the wisdom tooth, the amount of bone over it and the proximity of the tooth to major nerves and vessels through bony landmarks are noted. You are prescibed antibiotics to take care of infection

2. Numbing the tissues surrounding the wisdom tooth :A local anaesthetic injection is given inside the mouth, which blocks the sensation in that particular area. Sedation to the patient by drugs like Valium half an hour prior to the surgery provides a marked reduction in anxiety. Sometimes the whole procedure is done under general anaesthesia if the condition demands it or if the patient wishes so and is a joint decision taken by the dentist and patient.

3. Access to the wisdom tooth within bone :An incision is made in the gums and a flap of tissue is reflected. A portion of the bone that lies over the wisdom tooth is removed with a special drill. To minimise the amount of bone that must be removed to get the wisdom tooth out, the dentist will often section the wisdom tooth into parts during the extraction prodedure; each part is smaller than the whole tooth, each can be removed through a small opening in the bone.

4.Actual extraction of the wisdom tooth :A local anaesthetic injection is given inside the mouth, which blocks the sensation is that particular area. Sedation to the patient by drugs like Valium half an hour prior to the surgery provides a marked reduction in anxiety. Sometimes the whole procedure is done under general anaesthesia if the condition demands it or if the patient wishes so and is a joint decision taken by the dentist and patient.

5.Stitches :Once the wisdom tooth is out, the overlying tissues are sewn up and the patient is asked to take an appointment after a week for removal of the stitches.

Post teeth extraction care

1.Swelling :Invariably there is swelling on the side of the face the wisdom tooth was removoed. Its natural and is the body’s reaction to the removal of bone and tooth. It comes down gradually in 2-3 days but can be hastened by the application of ice packs.

2.Tooth extraction site : The tooth extration site ought to be kept clean as far as possible but should not be meddled with so as to not disturb the blood clot that would have formed inside the socket. Rinsing with warm salt water 2-3 times a day is recommended.

3.Dry socket :This is due to the blood clot having failed to form or having dislodged from the socket. It happens after difficult or traumatic teeth extractions. There is a dull throbbing pain radiating to the ear and a foul odour in the mouth; however there is no pus. See you dentist immediately; he will removed dead bone (sequestrum) if any and place a medicated dressing.

The author is a dental surgeon and can be contacted at ALL SMILES DENTAL CLINIC 6673439, 9845085230 Extracting the wisdom tooth at the dental office