Wisdom teeth erupt in the back of your mouth, usually in late teens and early twenties, a time traditionally associated with increased maturity and “wisdom”. Unfortunately, these third molars are susceptible to numerous dental problems including infection, crowding and tooth damage.
When a wisdom tooth does not have enough room to erupt properly, it can become impacted (completely or partially encased in bone). Impacted wisdom teeth commonly cause problems with the second molars directly in front of them.
Infections
Although rare, infections can occur after wisdom tooth extraction Bowling Green KY. Bacterial growth can be fuelled by poor oral hygiene, smoking, certain medical conditions and the trauma caused by removing impacted teeth. Food particles that get stuck in the extraction site are also common causes of infection. It is important to recognize the signs of an infection: severe pain, swelling that worsens over time, pus or discharge and fever.
Patients can choose to be sedated for their procedure, which is performed using a local anesthetic and laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia). They will be sent home with a kit that includes postoperative instructions, prescription pain medications and antibiotics, and a suture removal appointment in one week. It is recommended that patients avoid chewing on the area until it heals. Patients may feel a tingling sensation in the lower lip, chin or tongue when the local anesthetic wears off. This is because the nerve that supplies these areas runs very close to the roots of wisdom teeth.
Damage to Other Teeth
Many dental specialists recommend removing wisdom teeth, even when they’re not causing problems. This is because they may carry infection and can affect other teeth and gums.
It’s difficult to clean the area where the wisdom tooth is growing, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Cysts and tumors can also develop, and they may push other teeth out of alignment.
During wisdom tooth removal, the dentist or oral surgeon will cut the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. They will then remove the tooth in pieces, or whole, depending on its location. They will then stitch up the wound.
It’s important to follow our advice for recovery after having your wisdom teeth removed. This includes rinsing with water and mouthwash to keep the area clean. You should also avoid smoking as it can increase the risk of an infection and dry socket. A dry socket can occur when the blood clot dislodges.
Tooth Crowding
When wisdom teeth do not erupt properly, they can create pockets that collect food debris and harmful bacteria. This can result in a painful infection and can damage adjacent teeth. It is often best to have impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth removed to avoid future dental problems.
It is normal to experience a sore jaw and chewing muscles after tooth extraction. However, swelling and pain should subside after a few days. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to your face for the first 36 hours following surgery.
It is also common to feel numb hours after the procedure. To prevent choking or injury to other teeth, avoid eating hard foods or drinking through a straw until the numbness wears off. In addition, you may experience bleeding and a sore mouth after the surgery. To minimize these issues, it is best to eat soft foods and bite down on dry gauze after surgery to control bleeding.
Impacted Teeth
The third set of molars (wisdom teeth) often get “stuck” and cannot erupt into proper position. This is referred to as impaction and can cause problems including pain, swelling, damage to other teeth, and more.
Insufficient space for wisdom tooth eruption can lead to recurrent gum infections such as pericoronitis, which is caused by the irritated and inflamed tissue around an impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted teeth can also push against adjacent molars, resulting in crowding and misalignment. Cyst formation is another problem associated with impacted wisdom teeth, which are fluid-filled pockets that slowly destroy surrounding bone and teeth.
It is important to have your wisdom teeth removed early in order to prevent future problems, especially as you get older. When you come to our office for your consultation we will take special x-rays to assess how your wisdom teeth are coming in and whether they require removal. We also discuss sedation options to ensure you have the best possible experience during this procedure.
