Pre-Op
Before removing wisdom teeth, the dentist will take X-rays to find out what is going on below the gum line. This will show him if the teeth are impacting any molars and how the roots have formed. All this gives the dentist an idea on go about extracting the wisdom teeth. Before surgery begins, the dentist will numb the gums. Usually the patient will be put under with anesthesia as this type of surgery is more complex than an ordinary tooth extraction. If an infection is involved, the dentist places his patient on a course of antibiotics prior to surgery.
Surgery
If the wisdom tooth has yet to break the gum's surface, the oral surgeon will have to cut into the gum, creating a gum tissue flap. He may then be required to remove a small amount of bone to reach the underlying tooth. For this he uses a high-speed cutting tool under water irrigation. The surgeon removes the least amount of bone possible. He'll then extract the tooth by breaking it into smaller, easier to remove sections. Once the tooth has been removed, the oral surgeon closes up the gum tissue flap and stitches it closed with dissolvable sutures.
Recovery
After surgery, ice packs to the back of the jaw can help reduce swelling. The dentist provides the patient with directions for the first 24 hours after surgery as well as directions for after the first 24 hours. The first 24 hours are critical for getting the recovery off on a good start. In these directions, the patient is told to use a wad of clean gauze for packing the extraction site if there is too much bleeding. Because it is important for a blood clot to form and hold, patients are told not to spit or do any vigorous rinsing. As well, hot liquids should generally be avoided. Patients should always follow their dentist's advice regarding pain medications after surgery. After the first 24 hours, patients should follow all instructions on keeping the extraction site clean. And if swelling continues, the patient may be directed to apply warm, moist towels to the jaw. Most likely, the sutures will dissolve and be reabsorbed. If they do not dissolve (or are the non-dissolving type) the dentist will likely remove them after about a week. Throughout the healing process, patients should follow all dietary directions.
Tags: first hours, dentist will, after surgery, amount bone, extraction site, oral surgeon