Fact Or Fallacy: Wisdom Tooth Extraction Treatment Pain

Every incoming adult must have that one thing they’re anxious about going through. For some, having their wisdom teeth could be a scary part of the ageing process. That is because there is a popular belief that wisdom tooth extraction is painful. However, contrary to that belief, the treatment takes away the pain and not the other way around. 

Why do you need it?

Every set of teeth has molars and the last of these to come out are called the wisdom teeth. They erupt at the far back corner of the mouth. Normally, when a patient nears late teen years, their third or last molars begin growing in. Nevertheless, wisdom teeth also emerge during early or mid-twenties. In some cases, a patient will never have their wisdom teeth come in. 

When the last molars erupt, normally they position themselves without causing problems. However, most patients experience issues that will likely lead to an impacted wisdom tooth. An impacted wisdom tooth erupts halfway through the gums and gets trapped in the process. One reason is due to its awkward and limited position in between the existing teeth and gum. The tooth will either break out lying down with the top of the crown facing sideways or inclined.

If this is not remedied, impacted wisdom teeth will result in:

• Discomfort.
• Stuck food and other debris behind the wisdom teeth.
• Periodontal disease and infection.
• Tooth decay.
• Damage affecting the neighbouring tooth and bone.
• Complications when having orthodontic treatment.
• Development of cyst.

Some dentists believe that even without the above symptoms, it’s wise to remove wisdom teeth as early as detected. This action is a preventative measure to future issues such as cavities and surgery complications with older age. 

Is it painful?

Although the treatment is invasive or involves surgical procedures, a wisdom tooth extraction is not painful. Your oral surgeon will make sure that you won’t feel any pain. First, they will numb the gums with a topical substance and then injects the local anesthetic into the affected area. Under this condition, you will still be conscious throughout the procedure. However, you will not feel discomfort, only pressure.

If you need help in managing your anxiety, your oral surgeon may offer sedation or general anesthesia. These options also depend on the complexity of your case. While you’re half-awake under sedation, you will totally be asleep with general anesthesia.

Wisdom tooth extraction

Depending on the severity of your case, you will either see a dentist or an oral surgeon. Your dentist can perform teeth removal at his office. Nevertheless, they can refer you to an oral surgeon if the wisdom teeth surgery needs to be more in-depth. 

Before the day of your treatment, make sure that you have a well understanding of the procedure. Ask your dentist about your concerns for a smooth operation. You may consider knowing about the following: 

• Should you be taking medication a few hours before the procedure? If so, what are they and what dosage?
• What’s the ideal time to arrive at the dental office?
• Will you be under an anesthetic and would an accompany be necessary? 
• What food are allowable before the treatment? Are you supposed to be fasting prior to your appointment?

Procedure 

Generally, removing a wisdom tooth lasts for around 45 minutes without any other complication or treatment involved. It is an out-patient procedure or the patient goes home right after the treatment. That’s why it’s best if you have an accompany to drive you home after the appointment. 

1. To prepare you for the procedure, your oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to numb the affected area. If you need to be more comfortable, sedation dentistry is also an option. 
2. Once you’re settled, they will put an incision on your gums to access the impacted area.
3. Then, they will divide and break the tooth into tinier pieces to remove them easily. 
4. At this stage, they will make sure they have removed and cleared all of the pieces of the tooth from the socket.
5. For a speedy recovery, your oral surgeon may stitch the wound or gums. 
6. Finally, they will place gauze on the site to manage the bleeding and form a blood clot.

Aftercare 

Don’t leave your dentist’s office without knowing the aftercare procedures after a wisdom tooth removal. You must follow your dentist’s instructions to make sure you achieve the complete healing of your operation site. 

Basically, the idea is to make sure the socket creates a blood clot and you must avoid eating or doing something to remove the clot. So, eat soft food for the meantime rather than going back to your usual diet. Brush gently this time and avoid the wound. Also, refrain from activities that will only raise your blood pressure. For an instant wisdom teeth pain relief, grab an ice pack and apply them on your cheeks for around 15 minutes or until the discomfort subsides.

As much as possible, ask your Thornhill dentist anything that concerns your dental health to make sure that you’re on the right track.