Wisdom teeth removal
As you probably already know, wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, those that between the ages of 15 and 30 complete the teething process. For some people, the eruption of the third molars (also known as wisdom teeth) is not a problem, but in most cases it is linked to episodes of pain and swelling, especially in the lower arch.
Generally, this is due to the fact that wisdom teeth do not have enough space to erupt properly, so many professionals recommend their extraction, especially to avoid damaging the occlusion or alignment of the rest of the teeth.
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Why extract wisdom teeth?
At Udemax dental clinics we encounter several situations that indicate the need to extract wisdom teeth whose eruption has not been optimal. The aim at all times is to avoid serious complications and damage to adjacent teeth or even facial nerves. Removal is therefore recommended:
In erupted wisdom teeth
When wisdom teeth are fully erupted, i.e. when they have the crown outside the gum and the root well located in the bone, but do not have enough space in the posterior position, they can exert more pressure on other teeth causing crowding. In addition, this problem can cause the patient to bite their gums when chewing and have poor oral hygiene, increasing the likelihood of diseases such as caries. Keeping these wisdom teeth would, in the medium term, damage the integrity of the rest of the teeth.
In semi-erupted wisdom teeth
When wisdom teeth have not fully erupted, i.e. the crown is partially outside the gum, food debris that is difficult to remove often gets in. This often leads to infection, causing inflammation and pain, a problem that if left untreated can extend to the bone, with more serious consequences.
In wisdom teeth including
When the tooth remains inside the bone, it can be: ectopic, if the tooth is in its place; or hererotopic, if it is in an anomalous position and out of place. These situations are very frequent in the population, but may go unnoticed as they do not cause pain. However, it is advisable to extract the included wisdom teeth, even as a preventive measure, because they can cause problems such as:
- Tooth malposition: the movement of teeth due to the pressure exerted by the wisdom teeth as they try to erupt.
- Tooth resorption or razalisis: the progressive loss of the root or crown of adjacent molars due to the pressure exerted by wisdom teeth.
- Or cysts: when the third molars become trapped in a follicular sac that can fill with fluid and cause increased pressure.
Phases of wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common oral surgery interventions that does not pose any great risk to the patient and helps to alleviate the symptoms (such as pain and inflammation) of the eruption process and prevent the consequences we have mentioned.
At this stage, the specialist should perform tests such as orthopantomography or CT scan to assess the correct location of the tooth, in order to proceed with the best extraction method.
Depending on the stage of eruption of the wisdom teeth to be extracted (remember that they are erupted, semi-erupted and included), the surgery may be:
- A simple extraction of the wisdom tooth: when the tooth has erupted completely and the specialist can extract it in its entirety. This is the simplest intervention and stitches may not be necessary.
- An extraction with semi-surgery: when the tooth has only partially erupted and it is necessary to access it by enlarging the alveolus with a specific instrument in order to carry out a complete extraction.
- Extraction of the wisdom tooth with surgery: when the tooth has not erupted, the gum and even the maxillary bone must be opened in order to gain access to the tooth and extract it completely, which means that stitches will be necessary.
Postoperative
Immediately after the operation, if local anaesthesia has been administered, it may take a few hours before feeling returns to the jaw. If general anaesthesia or sedation has been administered, you will need to be accompanied by another person.
As for recommendations to follow, as in most surgeries, it is important to take painkillers, antibiotics and mouthwash solutions administered by the specialist. It is likely that a soft diet will be advised for the first few days, as well as specific care in dental hygiene.
Sutures or absorbable stitches will disappear after a week, while non-absorbable stitches will require a return visit. In addition, in any case, the patient will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to monitor progress. After that, maintenance should be as usual for the patient.
Specialists in extractions in Mallorca
Dr. Emilio Martínez-Almoyna Rifá
Periodontics and postgraduate degree in Implantology.
Bachelor's degree in Medicine and Dentistry and Master's degree in Aesthetic Medicine. University expert in Periodontology and postgraduate degree in Implantology.
Dra. Cristina Martínez-Almoyna Rifá
Certified specialist in Invisalign and straight arch.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry, Master's degree in Orthodontics and postgraduate degree in Paediatric Dentistry. Certified specialist in Invisalign and straight arch.
Dra. Patricia Jorro
Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry. Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening. Member of the American Dental Association with extensive experience.
Dra. Maria Morro
Specialist in dental prosthetics.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry and Master's degree in Paediatric Dentistry and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics.
Dr. Alfonso Bonnín
Surgery, periodontics, and implant rehabilitation.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry, advanced degree in dental prosthetics, currently pursuing a master's degree in surgery, periodontics, and implant rehabilitation.
Dra. Cristina Mateu
Specialist in Conservative Dentistry
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry from ADEMA University. Specialist in Conservative Dentistry and University Expert in Endodontics with extensive experience.
Dr. Ángel Cabanes
Oncological surgery, advanced oral surgery and implantology
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. Specialist in Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Implants and Facial Aesthetics.