Is wisdom tooth extraction dangerous? and 4+ notes you need to know: Wisdom tooth extraction, a common dental procedure but causes many people to worry and often wonder whether wisdom tooth extraction is dangerous?. In fact, wisdom tooth extraction can potentially have some risks and complications, but with the advancement of modern dental techniques and the skills of specialists, most wisdom tooth extractions are safe and effective.
The following article by Bally Dental will delve into assessing the risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction, and things to keep in mind to ensure that this process goes smoothly and safely. Hopefully, through this information, readers will have a more comprehensive view of the topic of wisdom tooth extraction, helping to reduce anxiety and be better prepared when faced with the decision to extract wisdom teeth.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as number 8 teeth, are the last large molars to grow in the back of both the upper and lower jaws. Typically, each person will have four wisdom teeth, but some people have fewer or even no wisdom teeth at all.
Wisdom teeth usually start to grow between the ages of 17 and 25, although they can appear earlier or later. Due to lack of space in the jaw, wisdom teeth often grow crooked, grow sideways, or grow under the gums, causing many problems such as swelling, gingivitis, and pain.
When wisdom teeth grow crooked, they can push against the teeth next to them, causing displacement and damage to tooth number 7. In addition, the distant and difficult-to-reach position makes cleaning wisdom teeth difficult, creating conditions for bacteria to accumulate and cause infection. Over time, this increases the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. In addition, crooked wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth, causing bite problems, deforming the jaw, and affecting the ability to chew and speak.
For these reasons, managing and treating wisdom teeth is necessary to protect oral health. In many cases, dentists recommend wisdom tooth extraction to avoid serious complications later. However, this decision should be carefully considered based on each patient’s specific condition, and professional advice from dentists is always required.
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Is wisdom tooth extraction dangerous?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure but not without risks. Wisdom tooth extraction can potentially pose some risks and complications, however, with advances in dental techniques and careful care from specialists, most wisdom tooth extractions are performed safely and effectively. Here are some risks and complications that can occur when removing wisdom teeth:
- Risk of infection
After wisdom tooth extraction, the wound can become infected if not cleaned properly or if bacteria enter the extraction area. Signs of infection may include swelling, redness, increased pain, and possibly pus.
- Prolonged bleeding
While some bleeding is normal after wisdom tooth extraction, in some cases bleeding may last longer than expected. This may be a sign of a blood clot that is not forming properly or another condition that requires medical intervention.
- Dry socket
When the blood clot in the tooth socket is dislodged before it has time to heal, a condition called a “dry socket” can occur. This condition is painful and prolongs the healing process. It can be caused by smoking, using a straw, or not following aftercare instructions.
- Damage to surrounding structures
When wisdom teeth are impacted or located near important structures such as nerves or the maxillary sinus, tooth extraction can cause damage to these structures. Nerve damage can lead to numbness or pain that lasts for a long time in the lips, tongue, or jaw.
- Prolonged swelling and pain
After wisdom tooth extraction, swelling and pain are natural reactions of the body, but in some cases, this condition can last longer than expected or become severe, affecting daily activities.
- Difficulty in recovery
Depending on the complexity of the tooth extraction, the recovery process can be difficult, including dietary restrictions, rest, and the need for close monitoring.
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When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is usually recommended in specific situations where their presence causes problems or poses a risk of complications. Here are some common situations when wisdom teeth removal should be considered:
- Impacted or crooked wisdom teeth
- Impacted teeth: When wisdom teeth grow crooked, sideways, or in the wrong direction, they can put pressure on neighboring teeth, leading to misalignment or damage to these teeth.
- Impacted teeth: Wisdom teeth that do not have enough space to fully erupt and remain under the gums or jawbone can cause hygiene problems, infection, and pain.
- Gingivitis and pain
- Gingivitis: If wisdom teeth cause inflammation of the gums, causing redness, swelling, pain, and discomfort, tooth extraction can help relieve symptoms and prevent infection.
- Continuous pain: If wisdom teeth cause persistent pain that cannot be controlled with pain medication or regular care, tooth extraction may be the solution to relieve the pain.
- Difficulty in cleaning
- Difficult to reach location: Wisdom teeth are located in a difficult to reach location, making oral hygiene more difficult, leading to plaque, tooth decay or periodontitis.
- Impact on adjacent teeth
- Misalignment of other teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push adjacent teeth causing them to shift and damage these teeth, affecting the bite and jaw structure.
- Risk of infection or cyst formation
- Infection: If the wisdom tooth shows signs of infection or abscess formation, tooth extraction can help resolve the problem and prevent the spread of infection.
- Cyst formation: Impacted wisdom teeth can form cysts around them, causing damage to the jawbone and surrounding structures.
- Preparing for orthodontic treatment
- Orthodontics: In some cases, wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary before starting orthodontic treatment to create enough space for the teeth to move and adjust properly.
Some notes before and after wisdom tooth extraction
Before wisdom tooth extraction, careful preparation is very important to ensure the procedure and recovery go smoothly.
First, discuss with your dentist to understand the condition of your teeth and potential risks, and take an X-ray to determine the exact location of the wisdom tooth. Inform your dentist about your current health problems and medications, and ask about stopping anticoagulants if necessary.
Prepare yourself mentally by learning about the tooth extraction procedure and arranging time to rest after the procedure. Make sure to eat properly before coming to the clinic and have someone accompany you to assist if needed.
After wisdom tooth extraction, stopping bleeding and swelling is the top priority. Bite down on a gauze pad for about 30-60 minutes after extraction to control bleeding and apply ice to the cheek area to reduce swelling. Take care of the wound by gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours and brushing your teeth gently to avoid damaging the extraction site.
In the first few days, eat soft foods and drink enough water, avoiding hard, hot, or grainy foods.
Use pain relievers and antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, and get enough rest to help your body recover. Monitor your symptoms for early signs of abnormalities such as increased pain or severe swelling, and contact your doctor if necessary.
Finally, avoid smoking and alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, and keep follow-up appointments on time to ensure the wound heals well.
A reputable dental address specializing in wisdom tooth extraction in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Bally Dental has more than 10 years of experience and is one of the leading dental centers in the field of cosmetic dentistry in Vietnam, making wisdom tooth extraction no longer a fear for you. We use modern machinery imported from abroad and fully certified by the Ministry of Health, along with a team of professional doctors with many years of experience in the dental field.
At Bally Dental, we are committed to providing an exceptional service experience that combines top-tier care with affordability. Our focus is not just on delivering excellent dental results but also on ensuring that our patients are comfortable and pain-free throughout their treatments. We understand that dental procedures can be daunting, which is why we go to great lengths to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our approach is designed to minimize discomfort during surgery and guarantee no adverse effects following treatments like braces.
With the passion and enthusiasm of a family, we always strive to bring the best dental services to customers. Bally Dental is committed to accompanying you on your journey of oral health care and giving you a brighter, more confident smile.
The article shares some basic knowledge about the issue of “Is wisdom tooth extraction dangerous?“. Hopefully Bally Dental has provided readers with useful information, helping you gain more knowledge about braces.
If you have any questions, you can contact Bally Dental’s 24/7 hotline to receive free advice directly from the dentists of the dental clinic. Thank you for reading until the end of the article!
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