Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Go Under Medical Or Dental
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that grow in the back of the mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25, but not everyone develops wisdom teeth. In some cases, wisdom teeth can cause problems such as pain, infection, and crowding of other teeth. In such cases, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Considered Medical or Dental?
Wisdom teeth removal can be considered both a medical and dental procedure. It depends on the severity of the problem and the type of anesthesia used. If the wisdom teeth are impacted or infected, the procedure may be considered medical and may require general anesthesia. However, if the wisdom teeth are not causing any problems and are simply being removed for preventative reasons, the procedure may be considered dental and may only require local anesthesia.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?
There are several reasons why wisdom teeth may need to be removed:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: When the wisdom teeth don't have enough space to grow properly, they can become impacted or trapped in the jawbone. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
- Crowding: If the mouth is too small to accommodate the wisdom teeth, they can cause overcrowding and push other teeth out of alignment.
- Decay and gum disease: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, which can lead to decay and gum disease.
- Cysts and tumors: In rare cases, wisdom teeth can develop cysts or tumors, which can cause damage to the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The procedure for wisdom teeth removal varies depending on the severity of the problem and the type of anesthesia used. If the wisdom teeth are impacted or infected, the procedure may be done under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. If the wisdom teeth are being removed for preventative reasons, the procedure may be done under local anesthesia in a dental office.
During the procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom teeth. The teeth may need to be cut into smaller pieces to make them easier to remove. Once the teeth are removed, the incision will be closed with stitches.
What is the Recovery Like?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used. If general anesthesia was used, the recovery time may be longer. Most people experience some pain and swelling after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. It's important to follow the dentist's instructions for post-operative care, including avoiding hard or crunchy foods and not smoking.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal can be considered both a medical and dental procedure, depending on the severity of the problem and the type of anesthesia used. There are several reasons why wisdom teeth may need to be removed, including impaction, crowding, decay and gum disease, and cysts and tumors. The procedure for wisdom teeth removal varies depending on the severity of the problem and the type of anesthesia used, and the recovery time varies as well. If you think you may need your wisdom teeth removed, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon.