Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth is always related to knowledge, our grandparents often says that when wisdom tooth comes it means that now the person has become wise. This is how it is related to wisdom and knowledge. No such studies and facts are present to prove this saying, apart from the fact that everyone knows this story. Wisdom tooth usually comes till the age of 17 years. Its eruption is the most painful phase of teething in one’s life. If jaw size is big and enough space is present to erupt then it is not painful otherwise it results in swelling and even need small surgery.

In some cases wisdom tooth comes on its appropriate place, but in some case it erupts in different angulations as shown in figure.

Mesial Impaction:- Impaction is the word given to condition when sufficient space is not available for the eruption of tooth as shown in figure .Wisdom tooth is hitting second molar and even causing gum infection in surrounding area.
In this case small surgery is required in which dentist has to give incision to extract wisdom tooth. After surgery sutures are placed to promote proper healing.

Distal Impaction: - In this case when tooth is placed distally, extraction has to be done very carefully. Little negligence can prove to make task difficult.

Vertical Impaction: - In this, tooth is placed vertically and space is not available for its eruption. During the extraction of vertically placed wisdom tooth dentist has to remove even bone.

Horizontal Impaction: - Extraction of horizontal impaction tooth is quite difficult as second molar lies close to wisdom tooth. Sometimes during extraction , second molar gets affected unintentionally.

Some precautionary measures after wisdom tooth extraction are as follows:-

• Do not remove the cotton swab for at least half an hour.
• Do not smoke after extraction for at least 3 days.
• Do not miss any of the medication prescribed by the Doctor.
• Do not use straw to sip drinks.
• Do not spit frequently; try to swallow for at least 1 day.
• Do not stretch your cheeks or prick finger in lesion.
• Do not use vigorous brushing till the sutures are removed.
• Take fluid diet for at least 2 days.
• Do warm saline rinses twice daily for 3 days.
• Keep mouth clean, use mouthwash so that plaque does not deposit on teeth.

Dental Health Care for Children

Dental or oral health care of children starts from the day when baby is born. Few simple steps which can contribute to healthy teeth are:

1. Always wipe off gums after feeding the baby.
2. Try to avoid bottle feeding as far s possible.
3. Never allow baby to sleep with milk bottle in his mouth.
4. Once your child starts going to play school, teach him how to brush. Brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste avoid caries.
5. Teach him good oral habits. For example, rinsing after every meal and brushing twice a day.
6. Avoid thumb sucking habit. Teeth start protruding outside if this continues for a long time.
7. Avoid sweets and sugary snacks in between the meal, this can lead to cavities.
8. Young children tend to swallow toothpaste, so take proper care and do not allow them to swallow as toothpaste contains fluoride.
9. Regular dental checkups are useful to have a proper record of baby’s teeth.
10. During teething always take care of dental hygiene. Tethers or gum soothers used should be properly washed and clean.