Wisdom Tooth Removal: A Step-By-Step Guide

Duration

1-2 Hours

Cost

250$

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Table of Contents

What Is A Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth are the four molars that erupt at the very back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. In some cases, they may erupt without any problems and cause only minor temporary discomfort, but they can also cause a variety of dental issues.

Removal of these teeth is often recommended if complications arise such as overcrowding, misaligned teeth, or pain. In this article, we explain what wisdom teeth are, what problems they can cause, and why they may need to be extracted

What Are the Signs of Wisdom Teeth?

The signs of wisdom teeth eruption vary from person to person. In some cases, they will erupt smoothly with very minimal discomfort or pain. In other cases, it may be a painful experience.

Here are some signs that may occur:

  • Pain or tenderness in the back of the mouth.
  • The erupting wisdom teeth can put pressure on the jaw, especially if they are impacted, leading to Difficulty opening your mouth fully or a feeling of stiffness. 
  • Swelling, redness, and inflammation around the gum where the tooth is erupting.
  • Difficulty chewing food.
  • The patient may experience headaches or earaches.
  • In some cases a part of the gum still covers the wisdom teeth and eruption of them might be accompanied by an infection, leading to a bad taste in the mouth or bad breath. and this type of inflammation is called pericoronitis.

How Do I Know If My Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In Correctly

If you are worried about your wisdom teeth and not sure if they are coming in correctly, you can visit a dentist for an examination. The dentist may also order an X-ray of your jaws to reassure you, and if there are any dental issues, they will advise you to extract them if needed.

Here are some characteristics that indicate your wisdom teeth are coming in correctly.

  1. Slight tenderness, discomfort, and mild pain during eruption are very normal when your wisdom teeth are coming in correctly.
  2. If your wisdom teeth are coming in correctly, the gum tissue surrounding them will stay healthy without swelling, redness, or inflammation.
  3. Correctly erupting wisdom teeth shouldn’t cause overcrowding or shifting of your other teeth.
  4. If your wisdom teeth are in the correct position and not impacted, you will not experience symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth.

Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

There are some common situations in which wisdom teeth can cause serious dental issues and require extraction to avoid pain, infection, and other dental complications that could arise.

Here are some of these situations:

  • An impacted wisdom tooth simply means that the tooth is trapped below the gum or inside the jawbone and can’t erupt correctly. This could result in pain, swelling, and pressure on the surrounding teeth or the jaw. In such cases, the extraction of such a wisdom tooth will be necessary to prevent further complications such as infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or stiffness in the jaw that may make it difficult to open your mouth.
  • Infected wisdom tooth: With a partially erupted wisdom tooth, a flap of gum tissue may fold over it, and it is called an operculum. Food and bacteria can accumulate under it, leading to a severe infection and inflammation known as pericoronitis. This situation causes pain, swelling, bad breath, and difficulty eating or even opening your mouth. Removing the infected wisdom tooth will stop the infection and prevent it from spreading.
  • If there isn’t enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt correctly, they push against the other teeth to make room, which can cause these teeth to shift out of their natural positions, leading to overcrowding and overlapping. This makes them harder to clean and increases the risk of tooth decay. The pressure from the wisdom teeth during eruption can also cause pain. Sometimes, patients may need orthodontic treatment to correct the misalignment caused by the wisdom teeth Removing the wisdom teeth in such cases is highly recommended to keep the other teeth in their correct positions and prevent further complications.
  • Since the wisdom teeth are located at the back of the jaw, they are difficult to clean and more prone to decay. In cases of advanced decay, extraction is the best option.
    Your wisdom teeth might not be causing any issues now, but your dentist may recommend extracting them to prevent future dental complications. This is based on the dentist’s evaluation, especially after reviewing an X-ray that may show the teeth are impacted or could become infected later on.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Generally, wisdom teeth should be extracted when they cause dental problems or are likely to cause dental issues in the future, such as pain, infection, misalignment, or overcrowding of the teeth.

This decision is based on your dentist’s evaluation after examination and reviewing your X-ray.

Dentists and oral surgeons recommend removing wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25. This is the age when wisdom teeth typically erupt, and the roots are not fully developed yet.

Therefore, early extraction of wisdom teeth is generally better, as the procedure will be easier and faster, and the recovery time will be shorter.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure: A Step-By-Step Guide

Extraction of wisdom teeth is a very common procedure. If it is performed by an experienced and skilled dentist or oral surgeon, the process will be completed smoothly with minimal discomfort. Adherence to your dentist’s instructions before and after the surgery is very important for a smooth recovery and to prevent complications.

How Should I Prepare For Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Before the surgery, the dentist or oral surgeon will first assess your case based on the oral examination and review of your X-rays, after that, he will explain to you the steps of the procedure. 

They will also review your medical history and ask about any medications you’re currently taking to ensure that none of them could interfere with the surgery or cause excessive bleeding during the procedure. Your dentist may ask you to consult with your physician about your medication.

In some cases, your dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic to take before or after the surgery to prevent infection. If you’re receiving general anesthesia, you will be given specific instructions about fasting and what to bring on the day of the surgery. It’s also important to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

During Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

Usually, the extraction of wisdom teeth is done under local anesthesia, but in some cases, and according to the patient’s preferences, it can be done under general anesthesia at the hospital.

In both cases, the goal is to ensure that the procedure is pain-free and that the patient is comfortable during the surgery.

If your wisdom tooth is impacted, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue, also any bone covering the tooth will be removed to expose it and make it accessible. Extraction instruments will be used to remove the wisdom tooth.

when the tooth is not in the correct position or is difficult to extract, the dentist may perform a separation by dividing the tooth into smaller parts and removing it in sections to minimize trauma and make the extraction easier.  After the extraction, the area is cleaned thoroughly, and stitches may be placed to promote healing.

How Long Does The Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?

The duration of a wisdom tooth removal procedure varies depending on the complexity of the case and usually takes about 20 to 45 minutes.

If the wisdom tooth is not impacted and has correctly erupted, the surgery may be even quicker.

Side Effects Of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

There are some effects that are usually temporary, and proper aftercare helps minimize them.

  • Normal mild bleeding for the first 24 hours.
  • Temporary swelling Around the gums or cheeks. 
  • Manageable pain and Discomfort for a few days after the procedure.
  • You may experience difficulty opening your mouth fully for a short period.
  • Temporary numbness in the lips, tongue, or chin due to nerve irritation.
  • If you don’t follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, you may develop an infection or a dry socket. These conditions can cause severe pain and a bad taste in the mouth. In such cases, seeing your doctor will be essential.

Post Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery:

How Long Does It Take For Wisdom Teeth Extraction To Heal?

After the extraction, the healing process begins immediately and the recovery process varies for each person. 

The complete healing process can take from 3 to 6 weeks for most patients. However, the initial recovery phase, during which you’ll experience swelling and some discomfort, usually lasts about 3 to 4 days. The gums will begin to heal through the first week, but the bone underneath may take a little longer to fully heal. It’s essential to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions for a faster recovery and to avoid complications.

When and What To Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

You can eat and drink after the bleeding stops and the anesthesia wears off, but for the first 24 hours after surgery, hot food or drinks are completely prohibited. You should stick to soft, cooler, or room temperature. Hot foods and drinks can increase swelling and irritation, while hard foods can damage the healing area.

How Do You Care For The Extraction Site?

To keep the extraction area clean and prevent infection, you should avoid brushing near the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After the first day, rinse your mouth gently with a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 2–3 times daily, especially after meals. Avoid using mouthwash containing alcohol during recovery, as it can irritate the wound.

Dos And Don'ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Dos

  • Minor bleeding on the first day is very normal. To control it, you have to bite gently on a gauze pad placed over the extraction site for about 30–45 minutes. 
  • To manage pain, you should use pain relief medications as prescribed by your dentist.
  • To reduce swelling, during the first 24-48 hours, apply cold compresses for 20 minutes at a time to your cheek near the extraction site.
  • After the first day, rinse your mouth gently with a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 2–3 times daily, especially after meals. 

Don'ts

  • Avoid spitting or rinsing forcefully, as this may dislodge the blood clot that is forming to protect the wound.
  • Don’t touch the extraction site with your finger or your tongue.
  • Never try to remove stitches on your own. Your dentist will handle it during the follow-up appointments.
  • Alcohol and smoking are prohibited during the recovery period after the surgery. Both can delay the healing process and cause complications such as infection or dry sockets.
  • For the first 24 hours after surgery, hot food or drinks are completely prohibited.
  • Don’t use mouthwash containing alcohol during recovery, as it can irritate the wound.

If you still experience severe pain, prolonged bleeding, fever, pus, or excessive swelling, contact your dentist immediately. These may be signs of complications such as infection or dry socket.

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Wisdom Tooth Removal Price

The cost of wisdom tooth extraction varies depending on the location and the complexity of the procedure. Removal of impacted wisdom teeth in the United States will cost between $1,200 and $4,175. In the United Kingdom, impacted wisdom tooth extraction may range from £550 to £1,550. At Suave Clinic we offer you wisdom tooth extraction at an affordable price of 250$  combined with high-quality service. 

So, choosing Turkey for wisdom tooth extraction provides significant savings, and at the same time, you can enjoy the experience of visiting Istanbul’s historic landmarks and the city’s breathtaking beauty.

Wisdom Tooth Removal FAQs

Which Wisdom Teeth Are Easier To Remove?
    • When the wisdom teeth have fully erupted and are in the right position, their extraction is easier compared to when the tooth is impacted or misaligned, as the tooth is visible above the gum line and accessible, and the dentist will not need to make an incision or remove the bone.

When Can I Smoke After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
  • For the best recovery, it’s ideal to stop smoking for as long as possible after the procedure. You should avoid smoking for at least 3 to 5 days after wisdom tooth extraction. Smoking can delay the healing process and cause complications such as infection or dry socket. A dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot dislodges from the extraction site, exposing the bone and nerves.

When Can You Use A Straw After Tooth Extraction?
    • Using a straw directly after extraction creates suction in the mouth, which causes the blood clot that forms in the extraction site to be dislodged. This leads to a dry socket, delays healing, and causes pain. That is why it is recommended to avoid using it for at least 24 to 48 hours after extraction.

Is Wisdom Teeth Removal A Major Surgery?
  • Wisdom teeth extraction is considered minor surgery, even in cases of impaction.

    If the wisdom tooth is fully erupted, it is considered a normal dental procedure and is usually done under local anesthesia.

    For the impacted wisdom teeth, an incision, bone removal, or sectioning of the tooth into smaller parts may be required. Even so, this is not considered major surgery.

    it may take a little more time in recovery and require a greater level of care.

How Painful Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
    • The procedure itself should be pain-free, as it is performed either with local anesthesia or under general anesthesia. However, you may feel mild to moderate pain during the first few days after surgery, which is completely normal. This pain can be managed using pain relief medications as prescribed by your dentist.

When To Stop Using Gauze After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
  • You can stop using gauze once the bleeding has stopped. This usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. However, the exact time may vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the extraction. If bleeding continues longer, it is advisable to contact the dentist.

What is the Worst Day Of Pain After A Wisdom Tooth Extraction
  • The first 2 days after surgery are considered the worst, as most people experience pain, swelling, and discomfort. To manage pain, you should use pain relief medications as prescribed by your dentist.