Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth or 3rd molars, are usually large molars that begin to erupt (grow in) when we are about 18-21 yrs of age. Most of us do not have the proper amount of space to allow them to come in all of the way making our gums and teeth very sore once they begin to erupt. In many situations wisdom teeth are what we call impacted. This means they are trapped under the gums and bone of our jaws. They may be leaning sideways, forward, or even backwards, and upside down! Most people will unfortunately have to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent future problems. If they are not removed they can ultimately cause decay, bone loss, and infection in the bones and gums surrounding them.
Wisdom teeth extractions are a fairly common procedure. Wisdom teeth often cause problems as they are trying to protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially.
When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially a flap of skin, called an operculum, may form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under the skin. This makes it easy for an infection, called pericoronitis, to develop. It will usually go away on its own, but it causes swelling and pain in the area.
Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth that can potentially cause problems, like infections, need to be removed. Extractions can range from a single tooth to removing all four wisdom teeth at once. Based on the preference of the doctor and/or the patient, a local anesthetic could be used to numb the areas where the teeth will be extracted. Others will prefer to go under a general anesthetic so that they will be sedated during the procedure. Although we do not provide general anesthesia in our office, we will be able to refer you to the oral surgeon of your choice. In this case you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia.
Procedure:
You can choose to see an oral surgeon and be put to sleep with an IV or you can be treated in our office with local anesthesia (complete numbing of the entire area). Both options will be thouroughly discussed with you.
Once you are completely numb and comfortable- The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is cut open by making a surgical incision to reveal the tooth. The tooth is loosened by gripping it tightly and wiggling it back and forth until it can be lifted out of the gums. Sometimes a tooth may be impacted so tightly that it cannot be simply lifted out of the gums. In cases like this the tooth will be broken up into pieces first before being removed. In other words, the tooth will be made smaller by drilling on it. Don't worry, it is just like getting a filling. At this point it can be removed. Depending on the incision and extraction site, sutures may be needed to close the area. Soluble sutures are the best option, which will dissolve on their own. You will be given clear instructions on the healing process and home care. You may be placed on antibiotics, this decision is made at the time of surgery and is dependent on several factors. It is important to remember that this is surgery and you will need to schedule time off, at least 3-5 days to recover. You will be sore for 2-4 weeks. Rest is always best.
Please see our post operative care instructions for more information.
Wisdom teeth extractions are a fairly common procedure. Wisdom teeth often cause problems as they are trying to protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially.
When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially a flap of skin, called an operculum, may form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under the skin. This makes it easy for an infection, called pericoronitis, to develop. It will usually go away on its own, but it causes swelling and pain in the area.
Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth that can potentially cause problems, like infections, need to be removed. Extractions can range from a single tooth to removing all four wisdom teeth at once. Based on the preference of the doctor and/or the patient, a local anesthetic could be used to numb the areas where the teeth will be extracted. Others will prefer to go under a general anesthetic so that they will be sedated during the procedure. Although we do not provide general anesthesia in our office, we will be able to refer you to the oral surgeon of your choice. In this case you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia.
Procedure:
You can choose to see an oral surgeon and be put to sleep with an IV or you can be treated in our office with local anesthesia (complete numbing of the entire area). Both options will be thouroughly discussed with you.
Once you are completely numb and comfortable- The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is cut open by making a surgical incision to reveal the tooth. The tooth is loosened by gripping it tightly and wiggling it back and forth until it can be lifted out of the gums. Sometimes a tooth may be impacted so tightly that it cannot be simply lifted out of the gums. In cases like this the tooth will be broken up into pieces first before being removed. In other words, the tooth will be made smaller by drilling on it. Don't worry, it is just like getting a filling. At this point it can be removed. Depending on the incision and extraction site, sutures may be needed to close the area. Soluble sutures are the best option, which will dissolve on their own. You will be given clear instructions on the healing process and home care. You may be placed on antibiotics, this decision is made at the time of surgery and is dependent on several factors. It is important to remember that this is surgery and you will need to schedule time off, at least 3-5 days to recover. You will be sore for 2-4 weeks. Rest is always best.
Please see our post operative care instructions for more information.