Wisdom teeth
The surgical removal of wisdom teeth is one of the most frequently conducted operations in dentoalveolar surgery.
The wisdom teeth develop later. They are usually visible in x-rays only after 14 years of age. In most people, they emerge only at an advanced age, or not at all. It is advisable to have the wisdom teeth extracted.
Both the lower wisdom teeth (red circles) have grown crooked, and are pressing on the other teeth and the roots are very close to the nerves responsible for sensation in the lower lip.
Why wisdom teeth should be removed
- Difficult cutting of teeth (Dentitio difficilis)
The most common reason for this is that there is too little space, especially on the lower jaw. The tooth either remains completely surrounded by bone (impacted) or only partly surrounded (partially impacted).
If the wisdom teeth have emerged only partially, it could often give rise to acute infections. It forms a pocket under the gum cap, where bacteria multiply unchecked. This inflammation is often very painful, can cause redness and swelling of the surrounding soft tissue and make it difficult to swallow, or even restrict the patient from opening the mouth wide. - Displaced teeth (retained, impacted)
Lack of space on the jaw often cause the axes of the teeth to get inclined. Horizontally displaced wisdom teeth can press on neighbouring roots and can cause damage. A wisdom tooth that is displaced in the vertical direction can cause impairment in sensation. - Carries, pulpitis in the wisdom tooth, since cleaning is often very difficult.
- The wisdom tooth is lodged in the gap caused by a jaw injury.
- maxillary orthopaedic requirements.
- Prosthetic requirements before complex restructuring.
- Organ transplantations, since retained wisdom teeth are seen as a focus of infection.
What are the aspects to be heeded?
It should be noted that the bone is denser in the lower jaw than in the upper jaw. Accordingly, surgical removal from the lower jaw may often be expected to be associated with complications. The wisdom tooth comes in numerous variations, both in terms of anatomical shape as well as in the number of roots. This usually makes it difficult to extract the teeth.
A long term analgesic (such as Ibuprofen 600) or even an analgesic sedation (blocking of pain using medicines with simultaneous sedation) may be administered before the operation. If all four wisdom teeth are going to be removed in one sitting, general anaesthesia is to be preferred.
The tooth is often anchored in the jaw, access to the other molars and the angle of the jaw is too small or the tooth lies horizontally in the jaw, so that it becomes necessary to cut through the tooth.
The wound that is caused is closed by surgical seams. A gauze dipped in iodine solution is placed between the wound and the bandage. Pain killers and antibiotics will be prescribed.
What to do after an operation
Cool pack in the first 24 hours Oral hygiene is practiced as usual. If necessary, a very soft toothbrush is used. In case of intense pain brushing can be avoided temporarily and a medical oral rinse (0.1% chlorhexidine) can be used instead. Avoid heavy sneezing and blowing of the nose in the case of the upper jaw.
To be avoided:
- Milk products
- Coffee, black tea, energy drinks
- Alcohol, smoking
- Whole grain products, rice
- Sports, sauna, solarium, exposure to the sun
Prognosis
Normally, the wound heals well and the intervention can be done without any complications. After 3 weeks, the oral mucous membrane is completely cured.