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New Year Offer: 25% Discount on all our services, Hurry Up! Call: 9154680698
New Year Offer: 25% Discount on all our services, Hurry Up! Call: 9154680698
New Year Offer: 25% Discount on all our services, Hurry Up! Call: 9154680698
New Year Offer: 25% Discount on all our services, Hurry Up! Call: 9154680698

ORAL SURGERY

ORAL SURGERY

  • wisdom tooth removal
  • minor oral surgeries

Wisdom Tooth Removal: A Comprehensive Guide

Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure to extract one or more of the third molars (wisdom teeth). These teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. While not always problematic, they can sometimes cause issues that require removal.

Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal

  1. Impaction:
    • The tooth is trapped under the gums or in the jawbone, causing pain or swelling.
  2. Overcrowding:
    • Limited space in the jaw can lead to misalignment of other teeth.
  3. Infection or Gum Disease:
    • Difficult-to-clean wisdom teeth can harbor bacteria, leading to infections.
  4. Cavities:
    • Their position makes them hard to clean, increasing the risk of decay.
  5. Cysts or Tumors:
    • Rarely, cysts can form around an impacted tooth and damage surrounding bone or teeth.

The Removal Process

  1. Consultation and Diagnosis
  • X-rays: Assess the position and condition of the wisdom teeth.
  • Discussion: Dentist or oral surgeon explains the procedure, risks, and recovery.
  1. Procedure (Outpatient Surgery)
  • Anesthesia: Options include local, sedation, or general anesthesia for comfort.
  • Extraction:
    • Simple extraction: For fully erupted teeth.
    • Surgical extraction: For impacted or partially erupted teeth, involving an incision and bone removal.
  • Stitches: May be used to close the surgical site.
  1. Duration
  • Typically takes 30-60 minutes.

Recovery

Immediate Post-Surgery Care

  • Bite on Gauze: Controls bleeding and promotes clot formation.
  • Pain Management: Use prescribed painkillers or over-the-counter medications.
  • Ice Packs: Reduces swelling in the first 24-48 hours.

Do’s

  • Rest for the first 24 hours.
  • Rinse gently with warm salt water after 24 hours.
  • Eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies.

Don’ts

  • Avoid smoking or using straws to prevent dry sockets.
  • Refrain from spitting forcefully or brushing near the surgical site.

Recovery Time

  • Initial healing: 1-2 weeks.
  • Complete healing: Several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity.

Potential Complications

  1. Dry Socket:
    • Occurs when the blood clot is dislodged, exposing the bone.
    • Symptoms: Severe pain and bad breath.
  2. Infection:
    • Signs include swelling, fever, and persistent pain.
  3. Nerve Damage:
    • Rare but can cause numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or chin.
  4. Bleeding:
    • Persistent bleeding requires immediate attention.

When to See the Dentist

  • Persistent pain or swelling.
  • Difficulty in opening your mouth or chewing.
  • Signs of infection or dry socket.

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about wisdom tooth removal, along with concise answers:

  1. Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they are impacted, causing pain, overcrowding, infection, or decay, or if there’s not enough space in the jaw.

  1. Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?

No, if your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, properly aligned, and not causing issues, they don’t need to be removed.

  1. Is wisdom tooth removal painful?

The procedure is done under anesthesia (local, sedation, or general), so you won’t feel pain during the extraction. Mild discomfort may occur during recovery, which can be managed with pain relievers.

  1. How long does the procedure take?

Wisdom tooth removal usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the complexity.

  1. What is the recovery time?
  • Initial recovery: 3–5 days for most people.
  • Complete healing: 1–2 weeks for the gums and several months for the bone.
  1. What are dry sockets, and how can I avoid them?
  • Dry sockets occur when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves.
  • To avoid: Avoid smoking, using straws, spitting forcefully, or eating hard foods for the first few days.
  1. What should I eat after wisdom tooth removal?

Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, applesauce, and smoothies. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as you heal.

  1. Can I brush my teeth after the procedure?

Yes, but avoid the extraction site for the first 24 hours. Afterward, brush gently and rinse with salt water instead of mouthwash.

  1. How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?
  • Simple extraction: $75–$200 per tooth.
  • Surgical extraction: $225–$600 per tooth.
  • Costs vary based on complexity, location, and insurance coverage.
  1. Will I be awake during the procedure?

It depends on the anesthesia type:

  • Local anesthesia: You’re awake but won’t feel pain.
  • Sedation or general anesthesia: You may be asleep or drowsy and won’t remember the procedure.
  1. Can I go back to work or school the next day?

It’s best to rest for at least 24–48 hours. Depending on your recovery, you may return to normal activities within 2–3 days.

  1. How do I reduce swelling after surgery?

Apply an ice pack to your cheek in 15-minute intervals for the first 48 hours. Switch to warm compresses after 48 hours if needed.

  1. Is bleeding normal after wisdom tooth removal?

Yes, minor bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours. Bite on gauze to control it. Persistent bleeding may require contacting your dentist.

  1. Can wisdom tooth removal affect my other teeth?

In rare cases, adjacent teeth may experience temporary sensitivity or discomfort. This typically resolves during recovery.

  1. What are the risks of wisdom tooth removal?
  • Dry socket.
  • Infection.
  • Nerve damage (rare).
  • Persistent pain or swelling.
  1. Can I smoke or drink alcohol after wisdom tooth removal?

Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 72 hours as they can disrupt healing and increase the risk of complications like dry socket.

  1. How do I know if my wisdom teeth are impacted?

Signs include jaw pain, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, and gum tenderness. X-rays during a dental checkup confirm impaction.

  1. Can wisdom teeth grow back after removal?

No, once removed, wisdom teeth do not grow back. However, nearby bone fragments or small pieces of leftover tooth can occasionally emerge, requiring minor follow-up care.

  • MINOR ORAL SURGERIES

Minor Oral Surgeries: Overview and Common Procedures

Minor oral surgeries are less invasive surgical procedures performed in the mouth or jaw, typically on an outpatient basis. These procedures address various dental and oral health issues, ensuring functional and aesthetic improvements.

Common Minor Oral Surgeries

  1. Tooth Extractions
    • Simple Extraction: Removal of visible teeth, usually under local anesthesia.
    • Surgical Extraction: For impacted or broken teeth requiring an incision or bone removal.
  2. Wisdom Tooth Removal
    • Extracting third molars that are impacted, partially erupted, or causing pain, overcrowding, or infection.
  3. Frenectomy
    • Removal or modification of the frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue or lips to the gums) to correct tongue-tie or lip-tie issues.
  4. Biopsy of Oral Lesions
    • Removal of a small tissue sample for lab analysis to diagnose oral cancers or other diseases.
  5. Alveoloplasty
    • Smoothing or reshaping of the jawbone to prepare for dentures or implants.
  6. Abscess Drainage
    • Incision and drainage of a pus-filled pocket caused by a dental infection.
  7. Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery)
    • Removal of the tip of a tooth’s root and surrounding infected tissue, often after a failed root canal.
  8. Dental Implant Placement
    • Inserting a titanium post into the jawbone to support artificial teeth. This is often considered a minor surgery but requires precision and planning.
  9. Gum Surgery
    • Procedures to treat gum disease, such as flap surgery or gum grafting to restore gum health or aesthetics.
  10. Removal of Cysts or Tumors
    • Excision of non-cancerous or cancerous growths in the oral cavity.
  11. Orthodontic Surgery
    • Minor procedures like exposing impacted teeth for orthodontic treatment or correcting minor jaw misalignments.
  12. Soft Tissue Repair
    • Treatment for injuries or tears in the gums, lips, or inner cheeks.

What to Expect During Minor Oral Surgery

  1. Consultation
    • Examination and imaging (e.g., X-rays or CT scans).
    • Discussion of the procedure, anesthesia options, risks, and post-operative care.
  2. Anesthesia
    • Local anesthesia for minor pain management.
    • Sedation or general anesthesia for more complex procedures.
  3. Procedure
    • Most minor oral surgeries last between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  4. Recovery
    • Most patients recover within a few days to a week, depending on the procedure.

Post-Surgical Care

  • Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
  • Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid hot or spicy items.
  • Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours. Avoid vigorous brushing near the surgical site.
  • Rest: Avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
  • Follow-Up: Attend scheduled visits to monitor healing.

Risks of Minor Oral Surgery

  • Infection.
  • Swelling and bleeding.
  • Dry socket (after extractions).
  • Temporary numbness or tingling (nerve involvement).
  • Delayed healing in smokers or patients with systemic conditions (e.g., diabetes).