Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure that is performed to remove one or more wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. For some people, these teeth come in without any problems. However, for others, the teeth may become impacted, meaning they do not erupt through the gum line or they only partially erupt. Impacted teeth can cause a number of problems, including pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth.
An oral surgeon under local anesthesia typically performs wisdom tooth removal. This means that you will be awake during the procedure but will not feel any pain. The oral surgeon will make an incision in your gums to expose the wisdom tooth or teeth. Then, the tooth will be removed in one or more pieces. The incision will be closed with stitches and you will be given a gauze pad to bite on to help control bleeding.
After the procedure, you can expect some swelling and discomfort. Your oral surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage any pain you may experience. It is important to follow all of your oral surgeon's instructions for post-operative care, including eating soft foods, avoiding smoking, and brushing and flossing your teeth carefully.
Most people recover from wisdom tooth removal without any complications. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. These include infection, bleeding, and damage to adjacent teeth. Be sure to discuss all of the risks and potential complications with your oral surgeon before having your wisdom teeth removed.