Dental Speciality Clinic

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.

DIGITAL RADIOGRAPH OF IMPACTED WISDOM TOOTH

Local Anasthesia:

Local or regional anesthesia involves the injection or application of an anesthetic drug to a specific area of the body, as opposed to the entire body and brain as occurs during general anesthesia.

Wisdom Teeth (3rd Molar) : 

Third molar, either of the last teeth on each side of the upper and lower jaw.

The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, usually between 17 and 25 years of age, often causing considerable pain, dental problems, and the need for extraction.

Wisdom teeth often develop problems that require their removal.

When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted.

Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

Extraction of wisdom teeth is generally recommended when:

Wisdom teeth only partially erupt.

This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection (Pericoronitis). Common problems associated are Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can result.

There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.

Degrees of  Impaction:

• Erupted (already in the mouth)

• Soft-tissue impacted (just under the gum)

• Partial-bony impacted (partially stuck in the jaw)

• Full-bony impacted (completely stuck in the jaw)

10 IMPORTANT POINTS THAT YOU MUST TELL YOUR DENTIST

1. Medications

Your surgeon needs to know about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins. Supplements are often overlooked when listing current medications, but it is very important that the surgeon is aware of any supplements as they can interact with anesthesia and may increase bleeding.

2. Smoking Habits

Patients should be sure to notify their surgeon if they smoke, or have smoked in the past.  Smoking can impair wound healing and cause greater scarring than non smokers experience. Smoking after an extraction can lead to a very painfull situation know as dry socket.

3. Alcohol Intake

It is essential that patients are candid about the amount of alcohol they consume. Patients who are dependent upon alcohol can have issues ranging from tremors to seizures as they begin to experience withdrawal. If the surgeon is aware that the patient is chemically dependent upon alcohol they can prescribe medications that will relieve the symptoms and prevent some of the more serious complications. Patients who are dependent upon alcohol may also have difficulty with pain control, as they are typically less sensitive to pain medication and require larger doses. If the surgeon is unaware of the alcohol use, the prescribed dosage may be inadequate.

4. Previous Illnesses and Surgeries

Surgeries leave scars, both internal and external, and can change surgeries that follow. A surgeon should be well aware of any previous surgeries, especially those that take place in the same region of the body. In addition to surgeries, any major illnesses should be disclosed as well, as a patient’s tolerance of anesthesia can be changed by previous and current illnesses.

5. Illicit Drug Use

Drugs, both prescription and illicit, can alter the way anesthesia effects patients.  Illegal drugs can change the effectiveness of prescription pain medications, requiring different dosages and can have interactions with anesthesia drugs, causing serious complications.

6. Allergies

It is important to disclose all known allergies prior to having surgery. All allergies, including food, medications and those that cause skin irritation, should be included.

7. Past Issues With Surgery

The surgeon should be made aware with any problems with previous surgeries. This includes bleeding issues after surgery, briefly waking during surgery or anything else that was unusual. 

8. Current Illness or Fever

If a patient begins to feel ill, or has a fever, in the days preceding surgery, the surgeon needs to be made aware. The surgeon may decide it is safe to continue with surgery or may opt to postpone the procedure.

9. Current Health Conditions

Any current health issues a patient is facing should be disclosed to the surgeon. For example, a patient who is having a knee replacement surgery needs to make their surgeon aware of the fact that they are diabetic and using insulin. Without this information, the hospital is unable to provide care for all of the conditions, which could harm the patient.

10. Religious Reasons

Some religions forbid blood transfusions and other medical procedures. Patients should let hte doctor know if they are maintaining a fast for religious reasons. Injecting persons who have been fasting may lead to serious complications like syncope.