wisdom tooth extraction

[clairewright]

Hi All,

I am booked in to have my wisdom tooth removed by the oral surgeon this sunday and have become nervous about the procedure and the risks that are involved.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the exact risks are etc.

Thank you

Claire Wright

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Thank you for your post.

The common things that can happen after difficult surgical wisdom tooth extractions are swelling, pain, bleeding, infection, bruising, difficulty in mouth opening. We usually prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics and anti-septic mouthwash to reduce the risk of these things happening.

From time to time with more difficult extractions or with people who smoke post-operatively, dry socket can occur which is painful and needs management by the dentist. If you do smoke, we urge you not to smoke for 1 week post surgery to reduce the risk of dry socket.

The more serious complication of lower wisdom tooth extractions is temporary or permanent altered sensation is the lower lip, cheek, chin and tongue on the surgical side. The oral surgeon will inform you of the likelihood of this occurring before the surgery begins. This risk is due to the proximity of the lower wisdom tooth root to certain nerves within the jaw which can be damaged during surgery. If it is damaged, it may recover after a few months but occasionally it may not recover.

[CityBridge]

Hi Clair.

I definitly agree with Dr. Edsahani's point regarding smoking sessation prior to surgery.
It can cause several issues and become very uncomfortable!

Our private dentist in southampton suggests not smoking for at least a week afterwards, but many don't listen and return not long after for pain relief.