Extractions are done when teeth are too broken down to try to restore with procedures such as fillings or crowns,or when a tooth has an infection that can not be resolved with a root canal treatment. If an extraction is done it is advised to replace the now missing tooth with an implant, a bridge or a partial denture to insure that the surrounding teeth do not shift. A shift in the teeth can cause problems with the TMJ (temperomandibular joint) or other problems such as cosmetic concerns and problems eating and digestive issues.
Wisdom teeth extractions are a fairly common procedure. Wisdom teeth often cause problems as they are trying to protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially.
When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially a flap of skin, called an operculum, may form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under the skin. This makes it easy for an infection, called pericoronitis, to develop. It will usually go away on its own, but it may sometimes need to be trated by the dentistin order to stop the infection from becoming more severe.
Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth that can potentially cause problems, like infections, need to be removed. Extractions can range from a single tooth, to removing all four wisdom teeth at once. Based on the preference of the doctor and/or the patient, a local anesthetic could be used to numb the areas where the teeth will be extracted and Nitrous oxide sedation is often recommended. Some patients who may prefer to go under a general anesthetic for extractions will be referred to and oral sureon for the procedure.
After the surgery you will need to rest. You may need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery.If sutures are not required in the extraction site, gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery. You will need to change the gauze ocassionally at home. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
It is important to follow the post-op recommendations given after the surgery to ensure proper healing.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Ice Cream
- Thin Soups
- ...and other food you can eat without chewing.
When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don't feel that the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow up.
