What is a wisdom tooth extraction?
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American Dental Association answered:Every patient is unique, but in general, wisdom teeth may need to be removed when there is evidence of changes in the mouth. When these wisdom teeth are removed this is a wisdom tooth extraction.
Some reasons for removal include:
- pain
- infection
- cysts
- tumors
- damage to adjacent teeth
- gum disease
- tooth decay (if it is not possible or desirable to restore the tooth)
Your dentist or specialist may also recommend removal to prevent problems or for others reasons, such as when removal is part of an orthodontic, restorative or periodontal treatment plan.
Every patient is unique, but in general, wisdom teeth may need to be removed when there is evidence of changes in the mouth. When these wisdom teeth are removed this is a wisdom tooth extraction. Some reasons for removal include: pain infection... More -
Healthwise answered:An oral and maxillofacial surgeon or your dentist can remove (extract) a wisdom tooth. The procedure often can be done in the dentist's or surgeon's office. You may have the surgery in the hospital, especially if you are having all your wisdom teeth pulled at one time or if you are at high risk for complications.
If you have any infections, surgery will usually be delayed until the infection has cleared up. Your doctor or dentist may have you take antibiotics to help heal the infection.
Before removing a wisdom tooth, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. A general anesthetic may be used, especially if several or all of your wisdom teeth will be removed at the same time. A general anesthetic prevents pain in the whole body and will cause you to sleep through the procedure. Your dentist will probably recommend that you don't eat or drink after midnight on the night before surgery so that you are prepared for the anesthetic.
To remove the wisdom tooth, your dentist will open up the gum tissue over the tooth and take out any bone that is covering the tooth. He or she will separate the tissue connecting the tooth to the bone and then remove the tooth. Sometimes the dentist will cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time, and some have to be removed after a few days. Your dentist will tell you whether your stitches need to be removed. A folded cotton gauze pad placed over the wound will help stop the bleeding.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon or your dentist can remove (extract) a wisdom tooth. The procedure often can be done in the dentist's or surgeon's office. You may have the surgery in the hospital, especially if you are having all your wisdom... More -
Dr. Dante Gonzales answered:The "wisdom tooth" is the third molar and usually will erupt into the mouth from age 16-22. Most of the time dentists will recommend the extraction of the wisdom teeth (third molars) as a preemptive measure. If the wisdom teeth grow into the mouth in a healthy manner and can be maintained with proper oral hygiene, there is usually no need to extract them. However, most wisdom teeth do not always fully erupt into the mouth and are difficult to keep clean. Extracting the wisdom teeth will help prevent many of the problems that commonly occur with wisdom teeth like cysts, infections, damage to adjacent teeth, and cavities.
The "wisdom tooth" is the third molar and usually will erupt into the mouth from age 16-22. Most of the time dentists will recommend the extraction of the wisdom teeth (third molars) as a preemptive measure. If the wisdom teeth grow into the mouth... More
