Having impacted wisdom teeth can be a source of severe dental pain. If left untreated for long, it may also lead to infection, damaging surrounding tissues. Now, you may ask what an impacted tooth is. It is a tooth that fails to erupt properly, thus getting trapped within the gums.
In such cases, a wisdom teeth removal is the best solution, providing long-term benefits. Continue reading this blog to understand the procedure essentials along with the costs. This will clarify your doubts and aid in a well-informed decision for obtaining the procedure.
What are wisdom teeth?
Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth grow at the back of your gums. These teeth erupt during the later phases of adolescence, and are associated with incredible pain and persistent discomfort. In most cases, four wisdom teeth grow at each corner of the mouth.
When they come out, there is almost no space left in the mouth to accommodate them. This is one of the main reasons why wisdom teeth erupt at varying angles, contrary to normal teeth.
Such abnormal growth of these wisdom teeth is known as impaction. This leads to excruciating pain, paving the way for other dental troubles. Consider visiting a locally available clinic for wisdom teeth extraction before it gets too late.
Wisdom teeth removal in London: What price to expect?
You can expect the cost of wisdom teeth extraction in London to fall in the range of £550 and £1550. This generally depends on certain factors, such as:
- Complexity of the procedure
- Anatomy and position of the wisdom teeth
- Presence of an existing dental infection
- Gum problems
If you see that your wisdom teeth erupting unevenly with extreme pain, get an appointment soon from any of your nearby dental clinics. At some places, an initial consultation fee of £50 may be charged from you. There you can obtain explanations about the procedure, risk factors associated and future implications of this treatment.
Why a wisdom teeth extraction is needed?
First of all, if your impacted wisdom teeth are not causing any pain or disrupting your normal activities, then there is no need of obtaining a removal procedure.
However, if they have not fully emerged out of the gums, dental complications may arise shortly. In such a case, it is better to get the third molars removed. Otherwise, food debris and bacteria may accumulate around the teeth or surrounding structures, leading to plaque build-up.
Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can make you prone to dental decay, and gum issues. For example, gingivitis, periodontal diseases, cysts, dental abscess, etc. In worst cases, infection of the throat, cheeks and tongue may happen, too (medically termed as ‘cellulitis’).
When to obtain a wisdom teeth extraction procedure?
If you experience any of the following signs below, then it is essential to get wisdom teeth extraction.
- Throbbing, recurrent pain behind the mouth
- Swollen and reddened gums
- Bleeding from the gums
- Inflamed jaw, associated with swelling and pain
- Persistent headaches and fever
- Abnormal swelling in the neck and shoulder region
- Cyst formation at the roots of wisdom teeth
- Fractured tooth
- Bad breath
Procedure for wisdom teeth extraction: Steps explained
Now that the cost of wisdom teeth removal method and when to get one is clarified, it is time to proceed to the next step. Below is a detailed, guided approach to the steps involved in this tooth extraction procedure.
- Application of anaesthesia
Before surgical extraction, your concerned dentist will inject a local anaesthetic to the gums. This numbs the teeth and surrounding tissues so you do not feel any kind of pain or discomfort. Additional sedatives may also be given to ease anxiety.
- Surgery
For cases when your wisdom tooth has not erupted out from the gums, an incision is made in the gums. This gives access to the tooth. After that, the dentist removes the bone that obstructs access to your dental root. This is followed by cutting the wisdom tooth into small parts; easing the removal process.
However, if your tooth has already come out, there is no need of making a bigger incision. You may likely feel a pressure while the surgeon widens the dental socket for plucking out your affected tooth.
- Cleaning of the operated site
Post-extraction, the dental surgeon will clean the affected region; removing tooth and bone debris. This is followed by stitching the wound, and placing a gauge – prevents bleeding and subsequent infections.
- Aftercare and maintenance
Generally, dissolving stitches are used by dentists to seal wounds. These disappear within about seven to ten days. After the gauge is placed, you will be asked to close the jaws together, for at least an hour. This generates a little pressure, helping to form a blood clot in the empty tooth socket.
For managing existing gum infections, antibiotics are prescribed. Besides, you will need to avoid rinsing the mouth, doing hardcore physical exercises, smoking and drinking for the initial days. This is because these practices will slow down the recovery process.
- Recovery
Two weeks are enough to recover from a wisdom tooth extraction surgery. Experiencing side effects like swollen cheeks and mouth, jaw stiffness, numbing of face and tongue, etc. are very normal during the first few days after the procedure. A cold compress can come to help in such a scenario. If the above symptoms persist more than two weeks, inform your concerned dental surgeon at the earliest.
Instructions on self-care
Following the measures below can significantly help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with wisdom tooth extraction procedure.
- Use an extra pillow to support the head better
- Cut down on unhealthy habits, such as, smoking and excessive drinking
- Stick to soft and gullible foods until the operated site heals completely
- Avoid workouts that require extreme physical exertion
- Take painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc. (as directed by the dentist)
- Rinse the mouth regularly with an antibacterial mouthwash
Conclusion
If you face constant, severe pain at the back of your mouth, do not sit back, as that may be a sign of an impacted wisdom tooth. Compare your nearest dental clinics for wisdom teeth extraction and book a slot soon.
