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When it comes to dealing with troublesome wisdom teeth in 2024, dentists typically offer two main options: extraction or surgery. Extraction is typically straightforward and is suitable for fully erupted teeth. Surgery, however, becomes necessary when teeth are impacted or positioned awkwardly within the jawbone. These teeth can cause a myriad of dental issues, necessitating their removal. Let's explore deep into these two procedures to understand them better!
What are wisdom teeth and why are they removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in the mouth between ages 17 and 25 as the final set of molars. While some people's wisdom teeth erupt normally and function like other molars, many individuals experience issues due to limited space in the jaw or improper alignment, impaction and even infection.
They are often removed for several reasons-
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Impaction: Wisdom teeth may become impacted, which means they are trapped beneath the gum tissue or bone. This can lead to pain, infection and damage to neighboring teeth.
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Infection: Infections in and around the wisdom tooth can spread to neighbouring teeth, causing repeated gum infections.
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Overcrowding: Removal may be necessary if there isn’t enough space in the mouth, causing crowding of existing teeth.
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Preventive measures: They can be removed to avoid potential cyst formation that can occur in unerupted wisdom teeth.
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Decay of teeth: Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean due to their position, increasing the risk of decay.
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Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
Wisdom teeth are usually removed if they've erupted or are partially erupted and are causing issues like the ones mentioned above. But what if they're still buried in the bone and aren't causing any issues? Do we still need to remove them? There are different opinions on this. But if you do choose to leave them alone, it's really important to keep an eye on them with regular check-ups. This way, if any problems do pop up, they can be caught and dealt with early.
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What are differences between wisdom tooth extraction and wisdom tooth surgery?
| Wisdom Tooth Extraction | Wisdom Tooth Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | Removal of fully erupted wisdom tooth | Removal of impacted (partially or fully submerged) wisdom tooth |
| Type of Anaesthesia | Typically local anaesthesia for numbing the area | Local anaesthesia or sedation/general anaesthesia depending on complexity |
| Incision | Minimal incision of gum tissue, only if needed | Larger incision and removal of bone required to access impacted tooth below gumline |
| Stitches | Usually not required | Will require stitches |
| Recovery Period | Usually quicker recovery (a few days) | Longer recovery (up to a week or more) |
| Cost | Generally lower, around $440 per tooth | Higher, around $1250 - $1500 per tooth |
| MediSave Coverage | Limited coverage, depending on complexity | Claimable under MediSave, substantial coverage for surgery |
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How can I decide between extraction and surgery for my wisdom teeth?
If you're considering wisdom tooth extraction, it's crucial to consult with your dentist. They'll assess your teeth using X-rays and examinations to decide the best approach.
As a general rule of thumb, if the tooth is fully erupted and there are no obstructions, the dentist may be able to remove it directly without cutting the gums and removing bone. But if it's impacted or positioned awkwardly, surgery is needed. This involves making incisions in the gum and possibly removing bone to safely extract the tooth.
Post-Surgery Care
Pain Management: Pain and swelling are common after wisdom teeth removal. Take prescribed pain medications and patients can use ice packs to reduce swelling. Warm salt water rinses can help keep the extraction site clean.
Healing Process: The healing process can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction. Patients should monitor for signs of complications, such as dry socket or nerve damage, and follow their dentist's advice for a faster recovery.
If you are still uncertain, feel free to message us and our dentists will be able to guide you!
References:
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Ghaeminia H, Nienhuijs ME, Toedtling V, Perry J, Tummers M, Hoppenreijs TJ, Van der Sanden WJ, Mettes TG. Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 May 4;5(5):CD003879. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003879.pub5. PMID: 32368796; PMCID: PMC7199383.
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Dodson TB, Susarla SM. Impacted wisdom teeth. BMJ Clin Evid. 2010 Apr 8;2010:1302. PMID: 21729337; PMCID: PMC2907590.