05 May Wisdom Tooth Extraction vs Surgery

Introduction 

 

 

Confused about wisdom tooth extraction vs surgery?

 

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the back of the mouth. In many cases, they can cause problems such as impaction, infection, and crowding. 

 

When this happens, a dentist or oral surgeon may recommend wisdom tooth extraction or wisdom tooth surgery to address the issue. Here, we’ll explore the differences between these two procedures and what patients can expect from each.

 

 

What is wisdom tooth extraction?

 

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that involves removing one or more wisdom teeth that are causing problems. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth being removed. In some cases, the patient may also receive sedation to help them relax during the procedure.

During the extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and surrounding bone. The tooth is then removed using forceps or a dental elevator. Once the tooth is removed, the dentist or oral surgeon will clean the socket and may place a dissolvable stitch to help the gum tissue heal.

 

 

What is wisdom tooth surgery?

 

Wisdom tooth surgery is a more complex procedure that is typically performed when the tooth is impacted or has not fully erupted. In these cases, the tooth may be trapped beneath the gum tissue or bone, making it difficult to remove using traditional extraction methods.

 

During wisdom tooth surgery, the patient is typically placed under general anesthesia, which puts them to sleep for the duration of the procedure. The dentist or oral surgeon will then make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and surrounding bone. They may also need to remove some bone tissue to fully access the tooth.

 

Once the tooth is exposed, the dentist or oral surgeon will remove it using forceps or a dental elevator. In some cases, they may need to break the tooth into pieces to make it easier to remove. After the tooth is removed, the dentist or oral surgeon will clean the socket and may place stitches to help the gum tissue heal.

 

 

Wisdom tooth extraction vs surgery

 

The key differences between wisdom tooth extraction and wisdom tooth surgery are the complexity of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used. Wisdom tooth extraction is a less invasive procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia, while wisdom tooth surgery is a more complex procedure that requires general anesthesia.

 

Additionally, wisdom tooth surgery is typically reserved for cases where the tooth is impacted or has not fully erupted, while extraction is generally recommended when the tooth is causing problems but is easily accessible.

 

Both procedures carry some risk of complications, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. However, these risks are generally low and can be minimized by following post-operative instructions provided by the dentist or oral surgeon.

 

 

Wisdom tooth extraction vs surgery: Which procedure is right for me?

 

Whether you need wisdom tooth extraction or wisdom tooth surgery will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your dental condition and recommend the best course of treatment.

 

In general, wisdom tooth extraction is a less invasive and less expensive procedure that is suitable for most cases. However, if the tooth is impacted or has not fully erupted, wisdom tooth surgery may be necessary to safely and effectively remove it. 

 

Find out more about the cost of wisdom tooth surgery in our guide to the costs of wisdom tooth surgery in Singapore.

 

 

Commonly asked questions about wisdom tooth extraction vs surgery

 

What is the key difference between wisdom tooth extraction vs surgery?

Wisdom tooth extraction is the removal of one or more wisdom teeth that have already erupted through the gum line. Wisdom tooth surgery, on the other hand, is a more complex procedure that involves the removal of one or more wisdom teeth that are still buried beneath the gum line.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of dental problems, including overcrowding, misalignment, infection, and decay. In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be removed to prevent more serious dental issues from developing.

How long does the procedure take? 

Wisdom tooth extraction is typically a quick procedure that can be completed in less than an hour. Wisdom tooth surgery, however, can take longer, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the number of teeth that need to be removed.

Is the procedure painful? 

Both wisdom tooth extraction and wisdom tooth surgery are performed under local anesthesia, which means that the patient should not feel any pain during the procedure. However, some discomfort and swelling may be experienced after the procedure.

How long is the recovery period?

Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient. In general, patients can expect to experience some discomfort and swelling for a few days after the procedure. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a week after the procedure.

Are there any risks or complications associated with the procedure?

As with any dental procedure, there are some risks and potential complications associated with wisdom tooth extraction and wisdom tooth surgery. These can include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and damage to adjacent teeth. However, these risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced and qualified dental professional to perform the procedure.

What should I expect during the wisdom tooth consultation? 

During the consultation, the dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate the patient’s dental condition, take X-rays, and discuss the procedure in detail. The patient will also be given instructions on how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect during the recovery period.

Will I need to follow any specific instructions after the wisdom tooth procedure?

Yes, patients will need to follow specific instructions after the procedure to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. These may include taking pain medication, applying ice to the affected area, avoiding certain foods, and practicing good oral hygiene. The dentist or oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions and advice on how to care for the affected area during the recovery period.

What type of anesthesia is used during the wisdom tooth extraction and wisdom tooth surgery procedure?

Wisdom tooth extraction and wisdom tooth surgery are typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the affected tooth. In some cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be used to help the patient relax or to manage pain during the procedure.

Will I be able to eat after the wisdom tooth surgery?

It is generally recommended that patients avoid eating or drinking for a few hours after the procedure to allow the anesthesia to wear off. After that, soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing are typically recommended for the first few days.

Will I be able to drive myself home after the wisdom tooth extraction or wisdom tooth surgery?

If local anesthesia is used, patients are usually able to drive themselves home after the procedure. However, if sedation or general anesthesia is used, patients will need to arrange for someone to drive them home.

What should I do if I experience severe pain or swelling after the wisdom tooth extraction or wisdom tooth surgical procedure?

It is normal to experience some discomfort and swelling after wisdom tooth extraction or wisdom tooth surgery. However, if the pain or swelling becomes severe or does not improve over time, patients should contact their dentist or oral surgeon for advice.

Can I smoke after the wisdom tooth extraction or surgery?

Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications after wisdom tooth extraction or wisdom tooth surgery. Patients are typically advised to avoid smoking for at least a few days after the procedure.

Will I need to take time off from work or school? 

Most patients are able to return to work or school within a few days after the procedure. However, this can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient. Should you prefer time off from work or school, you can request for your dentist to issue you a Medical Certificate (MC) for leave of absence. 

What if I have other dental issues or concerns? 

If patients have other dental issues or concerns, they should discuss them with their dentist or oral surgeon during the consultation. Depending on the nature of the issue, it may be addressed during the wisdom tooth extraction or surgery procedure, or it may require separate treatment.

 

 

To sum it up

 

Wisdom tooth extraction and wisdom tooth surgery are two common dental procedures used to address problems with third molars. While extraction is a less invasive and less complex procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia, surgery is typically reserved for more complex cases where the tooth is impacted or has not fully erupted. Patients should consult with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine which procedure is right for them.