Wisdom tooth removal patients

Wisdom tooth extraction, a common oral surgery procedure, is typically performed on patients aged between 17 and 25, targeting the third molars located at the back of the mouth. Indications for this procedure often include impacted wisdom teeth (partially or fully trapped in the gums or jawbone), misaligned growth, pain, food and debris between the gums, gum disease around molars, tooth decay in partially erupted wisdom teeth, cyst development around the teeth, and damage to adjacent teeth or bone. While some dentists recommend preventive extraction of asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth, this approach is subject to professional debate.

The extraction process, performed by a dentist or oral surgeon, may involve anesthesia (local, sedation, or general), incisions in the gum to access the tooth, removal of bone covering the tooth, sectioning of the tooth for easier removal, and cleaning of the site. Postoperative recovery generally takes one to two weeks, with patients advised to manage bleeding, swelling, and pain, and to adhere to specific dietary and oral hygiene guidelines. Complications are rare but can include dry socket, infection, and damage to nearby oral structures.

Patients are advised to seek medical attention for symptoms indicating possible complications, such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, excessive bleeding, fever, severe pain, worsening swelling after a few days, persistent numbness, or nasal discharge. It's important for patients to follow their dentist's or surgeon's postoperative instructions closely to ensure a smooth recovery and avoid complications

Wisdom tooth extraction patient's wisdom teeth that have become impacted or haven't fully broken through the surface of the gum can cause dental problems. Food and bacteria can get trapped around the edge of the wisdom teeth, causing a build-up of plaque, which can lead to:

• tooth decay (dental caries)
• gum disease (also called gingivitis or periodontal disease)
• pericoronitis – when plaque causes an infection of the soft tissue that surrounds the tooth
• cellulitis – a bacterial infection in the cheek, tongue or throat
• abscess – a collection of pus in your wisdom teeth or the surrounding tissue as a result of a bacterial infection
• cysts and benign growths – very rarely, a wisdom tooth that hasn't cut through the gum develops a cyst (a fluid-filled swelling)
  Many of these problems can be treated with antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwash.

Wisdom teeth removal is usually recommended when other treatments haven't worked.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/