Has Anyone Ever Died From Getting Their Wisdom Teeth Removed
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that grow in the back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some may have more or less. These teeth usually start to emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties. As they grow, they can cause pain and discomfort, and may need to be removed through surgery. However, there have been concerns about the safety of wisdom teeth removal surgery, and whether it can lead to serious complications such as death. So, has anyone ever died from getting their wisdom teeth removed?
What is Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?
Wisdom teeth removal surgery is a common dental procedure that involves the extraction of the wisdom teeth. The surgery is usually performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient's preference. During the surgery, the dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, remove any bone blocking the tooth, and then extract the tooth. The incision is then closed with stitches, and the patient is given instructions on how to care for the wound and manage any pain or discomfort.
Potential Complications of Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal surgery. These include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling
- Pain
- Numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or chin
- Damage to nearby teeth, nerves, or blood vessels
Most of these complications are mild and can be managed with proper care and medication. However, there have been rare cases where serious complications have occurred, including death.
Has Anyone Ever Died From Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the risk of death from wisdom teeth removal surgery is very low. In fact, it is estimated to be less than one in 400,000 cases. However, it is still a risk that needs to be taken seriously.
Most deaths associated with wisdom teeth removal surgery are caused by complications such as:
- Blood loss
- Infection
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Heart attack or stroke
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
It is important to note that these complications are very rare, and most people undergo wisdom teeth removal surgery without any serious problems.
Reducing the Risk of Complications
To reduce the risk of complications from wisdom teeth removal surgery, it is important to follow the dentist or oral surgeon's instructions before and after the procedure. This may include:
- Providing a complete medical history, including any medications or supplements you are taking
- Stopping any blood-thinning medications or supplements before the surgery
- Arranging for someone to drive you home after the surgery
- Taking antibiotics or pain medication as prescribed
- Avoiding smoking, sucking on straws, or spitting for a few days after the surgery
- Eating soft foods and avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for a few days after the surgery
By taking these precautions, you can help reduce the risk of complications and ensure a smooth recovery from wisdom teeth removal surgery.
Conclusion
While there have been rare cases of death associated with wisdom teeth removal surgery, the risk is very low. Most people undergo the procedure without any serious complications. To reduce the risk of complications, it is important to follow the dentist or oral surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery, and to seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms such as excessive bleeding or fever. With proper care and precautions, wisdom teeth removal surgery can be a safe and effective way to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by these troublesome molars.