Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge. They are the furthest back molars. Your wisdom teeth may not start to arrive until you are about 17-25 years old. Sometimes these teeth never cause any problems, but other time these teeth can create a number of issues.
Possible Issues
Your wisdom teeth could cause a number of issues, and your dentist may recommend they are removed if this is the case. Sometimes the shape of the tooth makes it very vulnerable to cavities. The growth of the tooth can also be a source for problems. If the tooth grows at a certain angle it can push, and damage, the neighboring tooth. This can severely irritate your gums and jaw.
No wisdom tooth extractions for owls! because they don't have teeth...
Procedure Process
Once the patient is either numb or sedated, the dentist will start by gently separating the connection between the tooth and the tissue. If the tissue is on top of the tooth, the dentist will move it out of the way. The dentist will then carefully wiggle the tooth until it is loose. Once the tooth is removed, the dentist may choose to suture the gums if needed.
Socket Care/Dry Sockets
A couple days after the procedure if you are experiencing pain and notice a strong odor, these may be signs that you have a dry socket. These happen if the surgical site does not develop a blood clot, or if the blood clot comes out of the site. The best way to treat this is by gently rinsing out the socket with warm salt water. It may also be a good idea to visit with your dentist to resolve this problem. Many clinics will help you clean the site, and place a medicated paste to help cover the area.