|
||||
|
Wisdom
teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to
enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw
stiffness, and general illness can result.
Impacted wisdom teeth may continue growing without enough room, damaging adjacent teeth.
When to Remove Wisdom Teeth?People
between the ages of 16 and 19 should have their wisdom teeth evaluated.
If they need to be removed, it should be considered before age 20 when
generally fewer complications occur. At a younger age, tooth roots are
not fully developed, the surrounding bone is softer, and there is less
chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. There is also
less surgical risk and healing is generally faster. Extractions
of wisdom teeth may be performed by a general dentist. If your dentist
anticipates any special care will be needed, he or she may refer you to
an oral or maxillofacial surgeon. An oral or maxillofacial surgeon is a
dentist who specializes in surgery and the removal of wisdom teeth. |
What to Expect?Before
surgery, your dentist will explain what to expect, have you sign a
consent form and give you personalized instructions to follow. Keep in
mind these general items in order to help your surgery go smoothly. Wear
loose, comfortable clothing and arrange to have someone be with you
after surgery. Extraction can be performed under local conscious
sedation or general anesthesia. Following surgery, you may experience
some swelling and mild discomfort, which is part of the normal healing
process. Cold compresses can help decrease the swelling and medication
prescribed by your dentist can help decrease the pain. You may be
instructed to drink only clear liquids following surgery and later
progress to soft foods. Some
patients experience numbness or tingling following surgery. Normal
sensation usually returns in a short period of time. Occasionally, a
dry socket occurs when the blood clot breaks down earlier than normal.
A dressing placed in the socket protects it until the socket heals. Talk
with your dentist about any questions that you have. It is especially
important to let your dentist know, before surgery, of any illness that
you have and medications that you are taking. If your general dentist
has referred you to a specialist, they will both work together to
provide you with the best and most efficient care. Keeping your teeth
healthy – to a wise old age – is your dentist’s primary concern. |
Aftercare- Keep gauze in place, as instructed by your dentist - Clear liquids, not hot, must be used in the diet for the first day - Soft foods can be consumed as tolerated - Brush all but the surgical site the first day, then all areas thereafter - Brush your tongue - Avoid rinsing and spitting the first day after surgery - Follow all special instructions given by your dentist |