Key Takeaways
- Wisdom tooth extraction involves removing a partially or fully erupted wisdom tooth that is easily accessible with dental tools.
- Wisdom tooth surgery removes an impacted wisdom tooth that may be stuck in the gums or jawbone.
- Both procedures are used for distinct cases and can provide significant relief from potential complications, including overcrowding.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth that grow (erupt) in the back of your mouth, usually when you are between the ages of 17 and 20. We typically have four wisdom teeth: two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. These teeth will usually grow without any issues, but sometimes, wisdom teeth can get stuck (impacted) in your gums and jawbone. There are also cases where the tooth grows at an angle and can push into the gums or nearby teeth, causing pain and discomfort, as well as gum disease and cavities.
What is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a wisdom tooth that is partially or fully erupted and can be extracted using dental tools. While fully erupted wisdom teeth rarely cause complications, their removal may help to minimise the risk of potential issues, including problems with oral hygiene, tooth decay and teeth misalignment. It is advisable to undertake a wisdom tooth extraction if you frequently experience discomfort or infection as well.
An extraction requires the use of local anaesthesia to numb the area surrounding the tooth, allowing your dentist to extract the tooth carefully using special tools. The wisdom tooth is carefully loosened from its socket. Once loosened, the dentist will use a dental forceps to remove the wisdom tooth.
The extraction procedure may vary from case to case, depending on several factors, including the position and condition of the wisdom tooth. Your dentist will outline what to expect from the procedure and answer any questions you might have about the extraction.
What is Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
Unlike wisdom tooth extraction, wisdom tooth surgery (or surgical excision) involves surgically removing one or more wisdom teeth to maintain your oral health. If a wisdom tooth is trapped within the gums or jawbone and cannot erupt fully into the mouth, wisdom tooth surgery is necessary to remove the wisdom tooth. In such instances, a standard extraction procedure not adequate to remove the wisdom tooth from its socket, and may require additional tissue or bone removal to access and remove the tooth.
Wisdom teeth that require surgical extraction include:
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Titled, angled wisdom teeth
- Wisdom teeth that are close to nerves
For wisdom tooth surgery, local anesthesia, general anaesthesia or sedation is used to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Small incisions are first made on your gum tissues; if necessary, some bone is also removed to access the impacted tooth. The wisdom tooth is carefully extracted and frequently segmented into smaller pieces for easier removal. Once the impacted tooth is removed, the dentist will clean the surgical area before closing the gum tissue with stitches.
Wisdom tooth surgery can also involve varying steps that depend on the nature of the impacted tooth, including whether it is deeply impacted in the jawbone or partially impacted in the gums. Your dentist will provide all the details about your procedure, what to expect, and can answer any questions or concerns you might have.
Key Differences Between Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Surgery
Despite sharing similarities, both wisdom tooth extraction and surgery have several notable differences in use cases and outcomes.
Primary Goals
A wisdom tooth extraction is intended to remove visible and fully erupted wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth trapped in the jawbone cannot easily be removed via extraction and will require wisdom tooth surgery instead.
Anaesthesia
Wisdom tooth extractions and surgeries usually require local anaesthesia to numb the site and relieve pain. Patients may also opt for sedation or general anesthesia for comfort during these procedures.
When the wisdom teeth surgeries are more complex, sedation or general anaesthesia may be recommended by your oral surgeon.
Complexity
A wisdom tooth extraction is a straightforward removal process that does not require surgical tools. Conversely, a wisdom tooth surgery is more complex, as it requires surgical intervention to manipulate nearby bone or tissue to remove an impacted wisdom tooth.
Recovery
The extraction procedure may cause mild to moderate discomfort after completion and may be accompanied by swelling around the extraction site. In comparison, wisdom tooth surgery may require longer post-operative recovery. The surgical procedure may carry a risk of bleeding, bone or nerve damage, infection, or persistent pain and discomfort, so additional monitoring is essential to maintain your well-being. You may need to adhere to a soft diet that is easy to consume and will not irritate the surgical site.
What is the Ideal Wisdom Tooth Treatment?
Both wisdom tooth extraction and surgery employ different methods for removing problematic wisdom teeth. While extraction is the simpler, more straightforward option to remove fully erupted wisdom teeth, surgery is meant to remove impacted wisdom teeth that are embedded in the gums or jawbone. Both options are used specifically to resolve your wisdom tooth complications, and your dentist will outline the optimal choice based on the wisdom tooth’s condition.
If you would like to know more about wisdom tooth extraction or surgery, consult TES Clinic today!