Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Out?
Wisdom teeth or your third molars are the last set of teeth that develop in your mouth. Wisdom teeth usually come in between the ages of 17-25. Sometimes wisdom teeth will erupt and there is enough room for them, but in most cases, there is usually not enough room for the third molars. Wisdom teeth extractions are most often performed because of an active problem such as pain, swelling, decay, an infection, or as a way to prevent serious problems in the future. When one or more wisdom teeth are impacted, or left untreated, a number of potentially problems could occur, including:
Damage to nearby teeth: Second molars (the teeth that are directly in front of the wisdom teeth) can be affected by an impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in tooth decay, periodontal disease, and possible bone loss.
Disease: Although it is uncommon, cysts and tumors can occur in the area surrounding impacted wisdom teeth.
Infection: Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in an infection. That infection can cause pain.
Tooth Crowding: Wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth and can cause them to be misaligned (crowded or twisted).
As with any dental procedure, the dentist will want to conduct an examination of the wisdom teeth and surrounding teeth. A panoramic x-ray will be taken in order for the dentist to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and to determine if there are current problems or to see if there is any likelihood of potential future problems that could happen with the wisdom teeth. The panoramic x-ray will also help the dentist to determine any additional risk factors, such as deterioration, or decay on other teeth. Early evaluation and treatment (usually in the mid-teen years) is recommended in order to identify problems and also to improve the results for the patient requiring wisdom teeth removal. After doing an examination, the dentist can go over the best option for your particular case. If wisdom teeth come in normally and they are functional, it is recommended to have the wisdom teeth check periodically to make sure they remain cavity free, by having routine check-ups and cleanings.
What to expect with wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a very common procedure, generally done with local anesthesia, but you can be put out under IV if you choose to do so. The surgery does not require you to stay over-night. You will be given medications to help (if necessary) with pain, swelling and discomfort you may experience.
The gum tissue will need to be cut open around the wisdom teeth to reveal them. The tooth will be loosened by gripping it tightly and wiggling it back and forth until the tooth can be lifted out of the gums. Sometimes the wisdom tooth can be impacted tightly that it cannot just be lifted out of the gums. In this case the tooth will be broken up into pieces first before removing it. Depending on the incision and the extraction site, sutures may be required to close the area.
After the surgery you will need to rest. You can expect that the extraction site may bleed for a while after the surgery. When you leave you will have gauze in your mouth that are applied over the extraction sites. You will need to change the gauze when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues to last longer than 24 hours you should call the dentist. When you get home you will want to rest, but do not lie flat, this could prolong the bleeding. You will want to prop your head up on a pillow when lying down.
You will want to have soft cooler food for a few days after your surgery. Some of the recommended foods are
Gelatins
Pudding
Yogurts
Mashed Potatoes
Ice Cream
Oatmeal
Scrambled eggs
And anything else that is soft that you do not have to chew while eating.
When you drink, you will want to make sure that you do not drink through a straw, that sucking motion can slow the clotting process and you can bleed more. You also do not want to smoke, that can also prolong the healing process. If you experience prolonged pain, bleeding, swelling, irritation or feel that the extraction sites are not healing properly, call the office for a follow up appointment.