In what cases are eights (wisdom teeth) removed?
There are several reasons for removing eights (similar to other teeth).
The most common are: Eight blocked or retained, i.e. a tooth that is most often invisible to the naked eye, but the angle of its location means that it can jam or even damage the seventh teeth. The pain associated with eruption, and sometimes X-ray diagnostics, most often brings the patient to a dental surgeon.
A very common reason is that the upper or lower jaw is too small. In such cases, an orthodontist will refer the surgical consultation, whose task will be to eliminate crowding later in the treatment.
Too deep tooth decay is another common reason. As we know, eights are the teeth with the most difficult access in the patient’s mouth during tooth brushing. This causes caries to progress much faster to the point where their treatment is ineffective. Due to the very rare decision on root canal treatment of the eighth teeth, most often the patient is referred to the extraction (removal) of these troublesome teeth. Sometimes, however, also in the case of other teeth, root canal treatment is impossible and then extraction is necessary.
How does the eight (other tooth) extraction look like step by step?
The removal procedure is always preceded by diagnostics and evaluation based on a panoramic X-ray, which can be performed in our clinic. After the assessment, the surgeon anesthetizes the area of the eight. If the figure eight is visible to the naked eye, the procedure is usually simple and not much different from ordinary extraction. However, if the tooth is hidden, the procedure is more complicated and usually takes longer. After the extraction, the dentist cleans and sutures the socket. In many cases, it is also recommended to administer painkillers to the patient after extraction of the impacted tooth.
Indications after tooth extraction
After the procedure, follow a few simple rules. You should tighten a sterile gauze for at least 30 minutes immediately after the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything for at least 2 hours, and do not rinse the mouth with anything until the end of the day. It is very important not to consume alcohol or tobacco products for at least 48 hours after the procedure. The strict adherence to the above rules significantly minimizes the possibility of complications.
To minimize the consequences of the procedure:
- Use cold compresses
- Avoid physical exertion
- In case of severe pain, take an analgesic
- Bite the foods on the opposite side of the mouth