How serious is wisdom teeth removal?

Surgically removing wisdom teeth is one of the most common surgeries, and it is generally considered to be safe. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with any type of surgery. Even though wisdom teeth extraction is not considered to be a dangerous procedure, complications may occur during or following surgery. After surgery, following your dentist’s or surgeon’s recommendations for aftercare can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Why Choose Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of the mouth. In most cases, they are discovered on x-rays between the ages of 17 and 25. One of the most common reasons for removing them is:

• It appears that they are impacted. As wisdom teeth are located so far back in your mouth, they may not emerge normally. It is possible for them to become trapped in your jawbone or gums, causing you pain.
• They come in at the wrong angle. It is possible that they will press against your other teeth.
• There is not enough space in your mouth. An extra set of molars would not be possible in your jaw.
• Moreover, you have cavities in your mouth or gum disease. There is a possibility that your toothbrush or dental floss will not be able to reach your wisdom teeth.

Possible Complications From Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Dry Socket

After the extraction of a tooth, dry socket (also called alveolar osteitis) can occur. The now-empty socket in the wisdom teeth is covered with a blood clot once the teeth are extracted. As a result of dislodging this blood clot, the bone and nerves are exposed, resulting in a dry socket. Although treatable, the condition is extremely painful.

It is common for the dry socket to occur three to five days following surgery or another tooth extraction. Most importantly, dry socket symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider as soon as possible. In order to treat dry sockets, a medicated gauze dressing is applied over the extraction site, and an anti-inflammatory drug is prescribed.

• Infection 

There is a risk of infection associated with wisdom teeth removal because it is a surgical procedure. A patient who fails to follow the postoperative instructions is particularly at risk. A serious infection can develop if food particles are allowed to reach the extraction site and bacteria grow deep inside the jaw where the wisdom tooth was removed. There are several symptoms of infection following a wisdom tooth extraction, including excessive bleeding, pain that cannot be relieved with pain medication, swelling that persists despite pain medication, oozing discharge at the extraction site, and difficulty opening the mouth.

• Abnormal Bleeding

As a blood clot forms during the first day following wisdom teeth extraction, bleeding is a normal experience. Continual bleeding or excessive bleeding becomes abnormal when it continues for several days. While the blood clot forms, your surgeon will provide gauze to limit bleeding, recommend a soft food diet and refrain from rinsing your mouth.

• Swelling

During the first few days following a wisdom tooth extraction, swelling is completely normal, even if it is accompanied by pain. Despite the fact that swelling is normal and can be easily treated with over-the-counter painkillers, it can become a cause for concern at times. Moreover, a swelling that persists for more than a few days or worsens instead of improving should be evaluated by your dentist or oral surgeon, as it may indicate a more severe problem.

If you experience any symptoms of an infection, excessive pain, or a dry socket, contact your oral surgeon immediately. After wisdom teeth extraction, go to the nearest hospital if you experience difficulty breathing, a high fever, or other symptoms of infection.