In cases of advanced gum disease and tooth decay, teeth may need to be extracted. Some patients may also develop impacted wisdom teeth, which can cause intense pain. This is alleviated by having them removed surgically. One area in which it is possible for dentists to specialise is oral surgery, an umbrella term for all dental procedures involving surgery, such as the extraction of teeth or wisdom teeth. It is always important to get the advice of a dental professional if you are worried about any of your teeth. Never attempt to pull out your own tooth at home as this could cause a more serious problem for you.
Tooth extractions typically involve the following:
- Before the procedure you may require an x-ray of your teeth.
- Depending on your particular case and the severity of your problem, you may be given a local anaesthetic and offered sedation if you are anxious.
- Dentists have the right equipment and sterile environment to extract teeth with the utmost care and your recovery can be surprisingly quick.
- In the case of wisdom tooth extractions, you may have some swelling after the procedure and discomfort that can be eased with over-the-counter painkillers. In cases of advanced gum disease or periodontitis, antibiotics will be prescribed to reduce the risk of further infection.
Life Benefits.
- Safe and sterile procedure.
- Quick recovery and healing time with reduced infection risk.
- Sustained good oral health.
Frequently asked questions
How many teeth should an adult have?
An adult typically has 32 teeth, with 8 teeth in each quarter of the mouth. The very back molars are called wisdom teeth.
What are wisdom teeth and why do they cause problems?
Wisdom teeth are the final molars to emerge and often lack the space to grow properly, leading to issues such as:
- Partial eruption
- Gum infections (pericoronitis)
- Pressure against other teeth
- Difficulty cleaning the area properly
What are the symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth?
Common symptoms include:
- Swelling at the back of the jaw
- Pain, especially when biting
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully (trismus)
How can I prevent a wisdom tooth infection?
To reduce your risk of infection:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene
- Use hot saltwater rinses regularly
- Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk
- Visit your dentist for routine check-ups
How are infected wisdom teeth treated?
Depending on the severity, treatment may include:
- Hot saltwater rinses to soothe the area
- Antibiotics, such as metronidazole or penicillin
- Removing or reshaping the opposing upper molar if it’s causing trauma
Can wisdom teeth cause decay or gum disease?
Yes, wisdom teeth are vulnerable to:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
They can also increase the risk of problems in the adjacent molars.
Are there other reasons wisdom teeth may be removed?
Yes, wisdom teeth may also be extracted due to:
- Cysts or tumours
- Jaw fractures in the wisdom tooth region
- Repeated trauma to the cheek from misaligned teeth
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. According to NICE guidelines, wisdom teeth that are symptomless and not causing problems are usually best left in place. Removal is advised only if future complications are likely.
Why are upper wisdom teeth sometimes removed with the lower ones?
If a lower wisdom tooth is removed, the upper counterpart may over-erupt (grow down too far). To prevent this, dentists often remove the upper tooth on the same side at the same time.
What’s involved in wisdom tooth removal?
- Local anaesthetic, with or without sedation
- Gum incision and possibly removal of surrounding bone
- Tooth may be sectioned into pieces
- Area is cleaned and stitched up after extraction
Most upper wisdom teeth are easy to remove; lower ones may be more complex.
How can I prepare for wisdom tooth surgery?
- Keep the area as clean as possible
- Use hot saltwater or Corsodyl rinses to reduce inflammation
- Quit or reduce smoking before surgery to improve healing
Will I need stitches after the procedure?
Possibly. Dentists may use:
- Dissolvable stitches, which don’t require removal
- Non-dissolvable stitches, which are usually taken out after 1–2 weeks
What side effects should I expect after surgery?
- Swelling and discomfort, especially around day 3
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Mild bleeding from the socket
These symptoms usually improve with proper care.
What is a dry socket and how do I know if I have one?
A dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket dislodges or breaks down, exposing raw bone. Signs include:
- Severe, throbbing pain around day 7
- Pain that worsens rather than improves
- Bad smell or taste in the mouth
Risk factors: Smoking, poor oral hygiene, difficult extraction, oral contraceptive pill
Treatment: Socket cleaning and a medicated dressing by your dentist
Is numbness after surgery normal?
Yes. Temporary numbness in the lower lip or tongue is common due to:
- Stretching or irritation of nerves during surgery
- About 1% of patients experience some numbness
- In rare cases, numbness can be permanent
If it lasts more than a week, consult your dentist
What should I do if the socket keeps bleeding?
Follow these steps:
- Stay calm – blood mixed with saliva often looks worse than it is
- Rinse your mouth and remove visible clots
- Soak a clean hankie or gauze in warm water, wring it out, and bite down firmly on it over the socket for 15 minutes
- If bleeding continues, contact your dentist immediately
How can I help the wound heal properly?
- Follow all instructions and take prescribed medication as directed
- Use hot saltwater mouth rinses 4 times a day for a week
- Avoid strenuous activity, smoking, or disturbing the area
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain (if suitable for you)