Treatment at a Glance
Treatment Type
Anaesthetic
Pre-Treatment Care
Recovery Time
What is a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Your wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt through the gum, into the mouth, meaning that sometimes there is not enough room for them in the jaw. If this is the case they may become trapped or ‘impacted’ in the jaw bone or gum and remain partly or fully buried.
The gum around an impacted wisdom tooth may become infected and can cause pain, swelling, and jaw stiffness. In some rare cases patients can be generally unwell and need medical treatment.
An impacted tooth may decay even though it is not visible in the mouth, causing a lot of pain. It may also damage healthy teeth or push them out of position. In this instance, it is recommended that the wisdom tooth is removed. This involves a small operation, as some bone may need to be removed to allow removal of the tooth.
The Treatment Process
Consultation & Assessment
Prior to surgery our dentist will take X-rays to determine the position of the wisdom tooth, the angle of growth and its proximity to nerves and sinuses. They will also check for any signs of tooth infection or decay.
Tooth Extraction
The dentist will begin the procedure by numbing the area with a local anesthesia. If the tooth is fully erupted, a simple procedure to loosen and remove the tooth is carried out. This is a quick procedure and only takes a couple of minutes per tooth. If the tooth is impacted, the dentist will make a small cut in the gum in order to remove the tooth and clean the area, before stitches are applied. Some bone may need to be removed during this stage.
Post-Surgery
After the tooth has been extracted and stitches have been placed, the dentist will place a gauze over the area to control any bleeding. Mild bleeding and swelling is a common occurrence in the 24 hours after the procedure. Your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions to follow.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
1. Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt?
You will not experience any pain during the procedure as the area will be numbed with a local anaesthetic. Although you will experience mild to moderate soreness, as well as swelling, for 3 to 5 days following the extraction. This can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
2. How long does swelling last?
Swelling peaks at 48 to 72 hours after surgery, but should last no more than 3 to 5 days. This swelling can be helped with placing ice packs onto the area.
3. What can I eat after surgery?
It is important that you stick to soft foods, such as yoghurts, soup, and smoothies, within the first 48 hours of surgery as to not impact the stitches. You should avoid crunchy, hard food as well as using a straw as this can cause dry socket.
4. What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket is uncommon but occurs when the protective blood clot comes out too early. It is important to follow the aftercare instructions that you have been provided with.
5. When can I go back to work or school?
Although it depends on how difficult the extraction was, it is recommended that you return to light activities 1 to 2 days after the extractions, and more strenuous activities after 3 to 5 days.
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Contact Information
5 Maidenplain Place, Aberuthven, Perthshire, PH3 1EL
8:30am to 5pm | Mon – Fri
01764 66 44 46