Wisdom tooth removal

Impacted wisdom teeth that are half buried in your gums may become infected and cause pain and bring deterioration to your oral health. These teeth should then be removed to avoid damage to the surrounding teeth and tissue.

We have a soothing and relaxing spa-like space for this procedure to be carried out. Bring your music if you like or you can choose from our playlist of music that makes you comfortable. Our dentists and oral surgeons are highly qualified and well trained and you will be in safe hands as we complete the removal of your wisdom teeth. 

The use of CT scans (3-D scans) with high resolution and very low radiation are very helpful as they help us visualise tricky spots pre operatively. The actual procedure is thus done in a safe and efficient manner. Our clinic uses the KAVO OP3D and Focus CT scan and Xray machine. The KaVo OP 3D won the German Innovation Award in 2018, which represents an externally recognised sign of innovation and quality.

If the thought of wisdom tooth removal still makes you uncomfortable though, you may also opt for sedation in our comfortable operating suite and wake up from a deep snooze in our “heal” room.

What is wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal could just mean an extraction of your extra last molar, which could take 5 to 10min; or it could also involve a surgery that separates the buried wisdom tooth into a few pieces so they can be removed more easily.

Who needs wisdom teeth removal?

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, especially if they have erupted into your mouth just like any other teeth. You do have to consider wisdom teeth removal if your wisdom teeth are buried and stuck underneath your gums and refuse to grow out in the correct direction. (Click here for more information)

Why do wisdom teeth removal?

We usually suggest removal if you experience pain and infection (periocoronitis) due to food and bacteria being trapped underneath the gums. We may also indicate for wisdom tooth removal if it traps food against the molar in front and both teeth start decaying! There are other reasons too, such as root resorption of the tooth root in front or when a dental cyst starts to form (Click here for more information).

How is wisdom teeth removal done?

Your dental surgeon will give you numbing cream, then give you an injection to numb the area.

If the wisdom tooth is fully erupted, the tooth is jiggled to loosen it from the bone and we gently twist the tooth out.

If your wisdom tooth is buried and impacted though, the gums will have to be teased apart to expose the tooth that is buried in bone. We will uncover the tooth by removing some bone. We then separate the tooth into a few pieces which are then removed. The roots of the impacted tooth usually grip onto the bone. So removing the tooth in pieces is much gentler as we elevate the tooth out according to the curvature of the root. It is a very beautiful process!

We then clean out the extraction socket and stitch the gums back in place.

Postoperative care

Keep the gauze pad placed over the surgical area by applying gentle pressure by biting down until the bleeding stops. Do not chew on the gauze but keep gentle pressure on it.

Activity: It is recommended that you restrict your activity on the day of and the day after surgery.  Typically, patients return to work or school the following day.  It is in your best interest not to participate in any physical activity for at least two days following surgery. Avoid sleeping on the side where surgery was done. Smoking is not advised 7 to 14 days after surgery. 

Medications: You may experience some discomfort as the local anesthetic wears off.  If a medication is prescribed or recommended, you are advised to take it as directed, even if you initially do not have much discomfort – it is much easier to prevent discomfort than it is to treat it once it occurs.

Swelling: Some swelling is normal following surgery and should reach its peak by 48 hours.  For the first 24 hours following surgery, apply an icepack on your face, outside the operation site, for 15 minutes on/15 minutes off.  A reusable ice bag or a frozen vegetable bag, wrapped in a soft towel, may be used as an ice pack. After the first 24 hours, warm, moist heat may be applied to the area to break down the blood clot. You may get a towel and wet with some warm water from a bowl or tap. Wring dry then apply to your face. Keeping your head elevated above your heart will also help. Most swelling can occur in the morning and up to 3 days after surgery. Avoid sleeping / laying on the side that surgery was performed.

Bleeding: A small amount of oozing for the first 24 hours following surgery is normal.  If slight bleeding is noted gently apply moderate pressure to the area with gauze for 20 minutes. If you run out of gauze, get a caffeinated tea bag and run it under distilled or clean water. Squeeze dry and place it with compression onto the area with bleeding. The caffeine will cause the blood vessels to constrict an reduce bleeding. Don’t rinse too hard or spit forcefully! If bleeding cannot be controlled, contact An Dental at Tel 85889868.

Mouth Care: Please refrain from pulling on your lips and keep your TONGUE and fingers away from the surgical site.  Minimizing post-surgical movement and trauma will help the site to heal faster and more effectively.  Sutures have been placed and will either be removed in 1-2 weeks or resorb away on their own.  The sutures may also become loose as the surgical site heals.  Please refrain from smoking during the healing phase. 

Diet: Avoid hot, spicy, brittle, or abrasive foods following surgery.  Often a soft diet is best for the first 24 hours.  Minimize chewing on the side where surgery was performed.  A balanced diet is important for optimal healing. 

Oral Hygiene: Refrain from brushing the surgical area until instructed.  You have been given a prescription for Chlorhexidine.  Beginning 24 hours after surgery, begin rinsing your mouth twice a day for 30 seconds.  Also, do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes following rinsing.  Side effects of this mouthrinse may include staining and taste alterations, which are reversible. 

Special Considerations: Trismus (stiffness) in the face muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a period of days. Moist heat compresses can minimize this condition. You may experience aching from other teeth. This discomfort is caused by referred pain and is a temporary condition. It is not unusual to develop bruising in the area of the extraction. There may be a slight elevation in temperature for 24-48 hours. If the fever persists, please contact our office.

Follow-up appointments: You will be scheduled to return to our clinic for a follow-up appointment at 1-2 weeks.  This is a short appointment (20 minutes) and is very important.  At this time, sutures may be removed and additional oral hygiene instructions are given.

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