Extraction of wisdom teeth

Removes problematic third molars.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a dental surgery procedure that removes third molars that are problematic (pain, lack of space, decay, infection) and cause significant discomfort.

Directions for pulling a wisdom tooth

Wisdom teeth are extracted which cause complications for the patient:

Those that grow uncontrolled due to lack of space and cause the other teeth to move.
These are difficult to access for brushing and become a real nest of bacteria with a high risk of caries.
If the gum tissue around the wisdom teeth becomes swollen and infected (pericoronitis).

They are not systematically removed as a preventive measure, except sometimes in adolescents as part of orthodontic treatment before the roots have finished growing. Usually the extraction is done between 20 and 25 years of age.

The process of the operation

The operation is performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia and more rarely under general anaesthesia if the patient wishes. It lasts on average fifteen to thirty minutes per tooth.

The dentist removes the four wisdom teeth in a single session or in two sessions (two per side) with an interval of two to three weeks.

If the wisdom teeth are out, they are removed with pliers.
If the teeth are semi-included, the dentist makes a small incision in the gum and then burs the bone. If the tooth is too big, he cuts it into several pieces before extracting it. Once the tooth is removed, he stitches the gum with absorbable suture.

The extraction of wisdom teeth on the lower jaw is sometimes delicate because of the presence of deep roots coming into contact with the lower alveolar nerve that controls the sensitivity of the lower lip and chin or the lingual nerve that controls the sensitivity of the tongue.

To avoid any risk of temporary or permanent loss of sensitivity, the dentist will take an x-ray or CT scan before the operation.

After the operation

Cheeks are swollen, especially when you wake up. The best remedy is to apply an ice pack for 30 minutes, then take a 30-minute break and so on for the first 24 hours. The dentist may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling.

If the patient feels a slight pain, he or she will take painkillers and corticosteroids.

The dentist also prescribes antibiotics to prevent the risk of infection.

It is not uncommon for a hematoma to appear from the cheek to the neck. If the gums bleed slightly, the patient can put on a sterile compress and bite it for about ten minutes. It is also recommended to :

Do not give mouthwash on the first day.
Eat soft food and drink at room temperature on the first day.
Continue to maintain good oral hygiene by washing your teeth with a very soft brush.
Do not smoke.

It is recommended to wait :

Two to four days to resume light physical activities and return to work.
One week for normal physical activities.
Two weeks for more intense activities and a normal diet.

The results

Wisdom teeth are removed from the jaw and no longer interfere with other teeth or risk causing infection or decay.