Wisdom Tooth Surgery: Reasons, Procedure, and Recovery

There can be several reasons for the removal of wisdom teeth, and although the idea of surgery may sound daunting, it is actually a common procedure that is painlessly carried out. When is wisdom tooth surgery necessary, how is the procedure conducted, and what should you know about the recovery process?

Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaws. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Often, there is not enough space in the jaw for wisdom teeth, which can grow at an angle or not fully emerge, exerting pressure on adjacent teeth and causing pain. They are also harder to clean and more susceptible to decay, tartar build-up, and gum inflammation.

Reasons for wisdom tooth removal include crowding, which can alter the bite and potentially cause joint problems in the jaw, making it a prerequisite for orthodontic treatment in some cases.

Advanced decay in wisdom teeth, where a filling is no longer feasible, may also necessitate removal.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

The extraction of wisdom teeth is usually performed under local anesthesia, without the need for surgical exposure. The procedure largely depends on the root anatomy of the wisdom tooth and its position. Therefore, appropriate imaging tests must be performed to determine the type of intervention required. Upper wisdom teeth are generally easier to remove with minimal discomfort. Lower wisdom teeth might pose more complications due to potentially difficult root structures.

Process of Wisdom Tooth Surgery

Lower wisdom teeth removal often requires more caution, as their roots may be close to the nerves of the lower jaw and lips, necessitating a 3D CBCT scan prior to surgery to ascertain the exact position of the tooth.

Upper jawbone being less dense generally makes upper wisdom teeth easier to remove, usually without a need for surgery. However, impacted lower teeth may need to be sectioned during surgery. After the surgery, the socket is cleaned of bone debris and stitched up.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Your surgeon will place a gauze pad over the extraction site, asking you to keep pressure on it by biting down for about an hour. This helps in forming a blood clot in the socket, which is crucial for the healing process. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, making it pain-free. However, some pain, bleeding, and swelling can be expected afterward. Your doctor will advise on pain relief and the use of cold compresses. Healing of the wound typically takes about 3-4 days, although recovery from an impacted tooth could take up to a week, while facial swelling generally subsides within 2-3 days.

Avoid the following within the first 24 hours after removal:

• Vigorous mouth rinsing,

• Alcohol consumption and smoking,

• Consumption of hot liquids like tea or soup,

• Strenuous physical activity.

Fehérvári Dental: Professional Dental Care in the Heart of Budapest

Since our establishment in 1997, we have been dedicated to providing your family with the highest level of comprehensive care, from the little ones to great-grandparents. Our specialists cover all areas of dentistry, thus complex treatments requiring multiple dental specialists can also be handled on-site. Our team’s professional and coordinated performance is evident throughout the entire care process - from specialist consultations to administrative tasks.

Our practice’s design and technical equipment represent the highest standards. Our three-level clinic houses 3 modern treatment rooms and an imaging diagnostic room (panoramic X-ray, cephalometric X-ray, CBCT, intraoral) connected by a spacious elevator that accommodates the movement-limited and those with strollers comfortably.

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