Whenever we hear people talking about wisdom teeth, we immediately get the impression of pain and swelling because the topic instantly connects to wisdom tooth surgery! In this article, we will explore some of the common questions and misconceptions about wisdom teeth removal in Singapore.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom tooth is the third and last molar to develop in our jaws. It can be situated in all four corners of the mouth and is usually located behind the second molar. In an ideal situation, there will be space for the tooth to erupt. In most cases, however, there isn’t. When there isn’t enough space, the tooth may either be impacted against the bone behind or the tooth in front.
Is It Necessary To Remove My Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
When the tooth is impacted, it may become necessary to undergo wisdom tooth surgery due to decay and infections. If not, you may experience the following:
Pain and Trismus
In cases where the tooth is pointing backward, infection may manifest as pain in the gums around the last molar tooth. This case may also lead to more severe symptoms as the infection spreads into the muscles behind. As the infection spreads and becomes more severe, it may lead to ‘trismus’ or the inability to open the mouth wide.
Tooth Decay
Decay usually sets in when the wisdom tooth is directed forward and is partially erupted. This gives rise to a small space between the wisdom tooth and the molar tooth in front of it. When this happens, food is frequently lodged into the space and is practically impossible to remove. The food is broken down and forms acids, which, in turn, causes decay of both teeth. Patients usually do not feel any symptoms until the tooth decay becomes very severe.
Cysts and Tumour
Other less common complications of impacted wisdom teeth include cysts and tumour formation. When this happens, the cyst or tumour will expand into the surrounding bone and destroy the bone in the process. If the cyst or tumour is small, it cannot be detected unless a radiograph or X-ray is done. It will only become symptomatic when the cyst or tumour becomes very large.
When Should I Remove My Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
It is usual that wisdom tooth surgery is done as soon as there are signs and symptoms. The most common symptoms you might notice are swelling of the surrounding gums (pericoronitis) and decay of the tooth in front of the impacted wisdom tooth.
These signs and symptoms can occur anytime after 16 years of age. This is the age when the wisdom tooth begins its eruption into the mouth. Some patients do not experience any problems until late into their adult life.
Are There Complications Related To Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The usual complications associated with a tooth extraction apply, including bleeding and infections.
The other complication unique to impacted wisdom teeth removal is numbness (paraesthesia) to the lower lip or surrounding area on the respective side. This can be temporary or permanent. The risk is increased if the nerve below the wisdom tooth is closely related to the wisdom tooth. The general occurrence rate is between 2-5% for such cases.
How Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Impacted wisdom teeth usually require surgery to be removed. The steps involved are generally as follows:
- Pre-operative Assessment. A thorough dental examination and necessary radiographs are performed to assess the position and condition of the wisdom teeth and their potential impact on adjacent structures.
- Anaesthesia. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the wisdom tooth; options for sedation or general anesthesia may be considered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
- Incision. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and underlying bone, providing access to the wisdom tooth for removal.
- Tooth Sectioning. If the wisdom tooth is impacted or in a difficult position, it may be divided into smaller pieces to allow for a more manageable and less traumatic extraction.
- Tooth Extraction. The tooth, whether whole or in sections, is carefully removed from the gum socket, ensuring minimal disturbance to surrounding tissues.
- Cleaning the Site. The extraction site is cleaned to remove any remaining tooth or bone fragments, reducing the risk of infection and promoting healing.
- Stitching. Stitches are applied to the gums, if necessary, to close the incision and help in the healing process; these may either be absorbable or may need to be removed later.
- Post-operative Care Instructions. Detailed care instructions are provided for at-home recovery, covering aspects such as oral hygiene, diet, and pain management to aid in a smooth and effective healing process.
- Follow-Up. A follow-up visit is typically scheduled to ensure that the extraction site is healing properly and to address any ongoing concerns post-procedure.
What Can I Expect After The Surgery?
The general concern is swelling, which begins the day after the surgery, and may come full force on the second day. Cold compression to the face on the first two days helps with reducing swelling.
Pain management is usually addressed with over-the-counter medicine, which the surgeon often gives after wisdom tooth surgery.
Some blood may ‘ooze’ out from the socket on the day of surgery. This is normal. It is different from bleeding where the entire mouth fills up with blood. If this happens, direct pressure over the wound for one hour usually stops the bleeding. If there is persistent bleeding, you should call the doctor’s emergency line for assistance.
Key Takeaways
Wisdom teeth removal in Singapore is performed by experienced dental surgeons who are proficient in advanced extraction techniques, ensuring a high standard of patient care and safety. While the procedure sounds scary, considering it’s not a simple tooth extraction, it is necessary to preserve your dental health as it prevents potential complications such as misalignment, infection, and pain associated with impacted or overcrowded wisdom teeth.
Resources:
Wisdom Teeth Removal: Procedure & Recovery, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22119-wisdom-teeth-removal#procedure-details
Removing wisdom teeth | healthdirect, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/removing-wisdom-teeth#
Wisdom teeth removal: When is it necessary?, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/expert-answers/wisdom-teeth-removal/faq-20058558
Wisdom teeth: Learn More – Should you have your wisdom teeth removed?, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/
Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth | British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, https://www.baoms.org.uk/patients/procedures/23/removal_of_impacted_wisdom_teeth
