Tooth removal wisdom

Tooth Removal (Extraction)

Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved. When that happens, your dentist removes it to protect your mouth and stop pain.

Why Do Teeth Need to Be Removed?

• Bad decay — the tooth is too damaged to fix

• Infection — bacteria spread to the bone around the tooth

• Crowding — teeth are too close together

• Broken tooth — too broken to repair

• Gum disease — the tooth is loose

What Happens During a Tooth Removal?

Your dentist makes sure you are comfortable and numb before starting.

• Numb the area — your dentist uses medicine so you do not feel pain

• Loosen the tooth — your dentist gently moves it in the socket

• Remove the tooth — your dentist takes it out carefully

• Place gauze — you bite down to stop bleeding

• Give you care instructions — your dentist tells you how to heal at home

Most simple removals take 15 to 30 minutes. 

After Your Tooth Removal

Do This

• Bite on gauze for 30 to 45 minutes

• Rest for the rest of the day

• Use an ice pack on your cheek

• Eat soft foods like soup and yogurt

• Take pain medicine as told

Do Not Do This

• Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours

• Do not use a straw

• Do not smoke

• Do not eat hard or crunchy foods

• Do not touch the area with your tongue

Healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Your dentist will check on you to make sure you are healing well.

Wisdom Tooth

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow in. They usually come in between ages 17 and 25. Most people have 4 wisdom teeth — one in each back corner of the mouth.

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Sometimes wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow in straight. They may get stuck in the gums or jawbone. These are called impacted wisdom teeth.

Types of impaction

When Should I Remove My Wisdom Tooth?

You may need your wisdom teeth removed if you have:

• Pain in the back of your mouth

• Swelling around the gums

• Infection or bad taste near the tooth

• Cysts (fluid pockets) around the tooth

• Damage to nearby teeth from pushing against them

• Crowding that moves your other teeth

• Decay because the tooth is hard to clean

• Gum disease around the wisdom tooth

What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal?

The steps depend on how your tooth is positioned.

Simple removal (tooth is above the gum):

• Same as a regular tooth removal

• Quick and straightforward

Surgical removal (tooth is impacted):

• Your dentist makes a small cut in the gum

• Your dentist may remove a small piece of bone

• Your dentist takes out the tooth, sometimes in pieces

• Your dentist closes the area with stitches

Things to know after Wisdom Tooth Removal

First 24 hours:

• Rest with your head raised

• Bite on gauze to stop bleeding

• Use ice packs on your cheeks (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)

• Eat only soft, cool foods

Days 2 to 3:

• Swelling may peak — this is normal

• Continue soft foods

• Rinse gently with warm salt water

• Brush other teeth carefully

Days 4 to 7:

• Swelling goes down

• Slowly return to normal foods

• Keep the area clean

Full healing takes 1 to 2 weeks for simple removals and 2 to 4 weeks for surgical removals.

Possible Problems After Removal

Most people heal without issues. Call your dentist if you notice:

• Bleeding that won't stop after 4 hours

• Severe pain that medicine does not help

• Fever or chills

• Pus or bad smell from the area

• Numbness that does not go away

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

• Tell your dentist about all medicines you take

• Let your dentist know if you have health problems like diabetes or heart issues

• Arrange for someone to drive you home if you will have sedation

• Do not eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before sedation

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing

Schedule Your Consultation

Not sure if your wisdom teeth need to come out? Come in for a visit. Your dentist will take X-rays and talk about your options.

Visit our Dental Clinic, 'The White Dental Practice' in Mankapur, Nagpur

Walk in or call to book your free consultation today