Dental surgery

Placed at the very back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, usually only doing so around the age of 20. Due to their small size, modern human jaw bones have trouble accommodating four wisdom teeth, which often causes problems. Nine out of ten people have problems with at least one of their wisdom teeth, which remain impacted.
If a wisdom tooth cannot erupt, or grows abnormally, it is called an impacted tooth. This tooth can remain partially impacted (grow vertically or partially erupt) or completely impacted (stays in the bone). Partially impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infections, and damage to other teeth.
Whether a wisdom tooth needs to be removed is first assessed by x-ray. Factors taken into account include the shape of the tooth and its roots, and the positioning of the tooth with respect to maxillary sinuses and the mandibular nerve. Methods of removal depend on whether the tooth is fully or partially erupted. This procedure is conducted with local anesthesia, and includes removing the gums that cover the tooth and making space for its removal. After removing an impacted wisdom tooth, the wound is stitched together. If necessary, antibiotics are prescribed. The patient is also instructed on how to maintain the wound in order for it to heal well.
It is completely normal for the wound to bleed. If bleeding does not stop after two to three hours, the patient should contact their dentist. Swelling of the area is normal as well, and it can increase in size during the first days after the procedure, after which it will decline. During the first days after the operation, pain can occur, in which case the dentist will instruct you on the use of painkillers.