Our dental surgery in Cologne is highly regarded by patients for wisdom tooth removal. Prof. Dr med. dent. Bender carries out such operations regularly and can therefore draw on considerable expertise and routine. This article answers the most common questions about the procedure and everything that goes with it. You will also find important notes and tips on how best to behave before and after the operation. For personal advice at the practice in Cologne you can arrange an appointment very easily by telephone.
What are wisdom teeth?
There are people who have fewer than four wisdom teeth, or none at all. That is because the tooth germ of these teeth is most often simply not there. As the last tooth to develop, the wisdom tooth owes its name to the fact that in most people it only breaks through in wiser adulthood, or not at all. A complete permanent set consists of 32 teeth in total, of which, at the top and bottom on each side of the jaw, there are two incisors, one canine, two premolars and up to three molars. The third molar is the wisdom tooth. Whether you have wisdom teeth and whether they need to be removed can easily be established with an X-ray.
When do they have to come out?
In some people the whole jaw, and therefore the set of teeth, is too small and does not offer enough room. In that case the teeth do not line up properly, since they sit at an angle. If they remain fully enclosed in the jawbone, we speak of retained teeth; if they break only partly through into the mouth, they are partly retained. Where wisdom teeth have erupted fully, their position in the jaw often still makes them hard to reach when cleaning or brushing, which makes them particularly prone to decay. If they are extensively damaged as a result, they have to be removed. With partly retained teeth there is a risk of infection if a flap of mucous membrane forms during eruption in the lower jaw. Acute inflammation can be treated, but in the long run only removal really makes sense. Angled or tilted wisdom teeth can attack or damage their neighbours. The pressure that arises can cause pain, and in the worst case teeth can shift or roots can dissolve. In such cases removal is likewise appropriate.
Preparing for the operation
After a surgical procedure you should let your body recover. It is best to take a little time off so that you can process the operation in peace. To prevent possible swelling you can put cold packs ready in advance. After the procedure you should not drive yourself, so if possible ask someone to accompany you or call a taxi.
How does the removal proceed?
Removing wisdom teeth can proceed very differently depending on the findings. Important factors are:
- whether all the wisdom teeth are to be removed at once
- whether all the teeth are enclosed or some have already erupted
- whether sedation is wanted and, if so, in what form
- whether the operation can be carried out as an outpatient procedure
- how deep the teeth lie in the bone
- whether the teeth are still covered by mucous membrane and bone or are exposed
Who carries out such an operation?
Every licensed dentist is entitled to remove wisdom teeth. With deep-lying teeth or teeth clearly enclosed by bone, however, it is better to see a dentist who works surgically on a regular basis and whose practice is equipped accordingly. Surgery is one of the focal points of our practice in Cologne.
Are there risks?
In principle every operation carries risks, and so does the removal of wisdom teeth. Swelling and pain can occur afterwards, among other things. Secondary bleeding is possible, as is damage to neighbouring teeth or nerves. In more serious cases the maxillary sinus is opened or even the jawbone fractures.
Is the removal painful?
Such an operation is usually painless, since the local anaesthetic switches off the pain very effectively. Once the anaesthetic wears off, however, mild pain can appear afterwards. Swelling of the face and bruising are not unusual either. Cooling the affected tissue straight away provides relief. Taking painkillers can also help, though you should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist beforehand. Normally the discomfort does not last longer than a few days.
Any questions left?
If you would like a consultation, or are still looking for the right practice, call us and arrange an appointment.
