Wisdom Teeth

There are many questions surrounding wisdom teeth and the procedure of extracting them. Below is some general information on impacted teeth and why it is recommended that they are removed as well as answers to common questions on the procedure for removing them.

>> Are you getting your wisdom teeth removed? Here is important information on preparing for your next visit!
>> For more information and illustrations on the Story of Impacted Wisdom Teeth, click here.

WHAT IS AN IMPACTED TOOTH?

All of your teeth are formed in your jaw bones. At the right time, these teeth “erupt” or come into your mouth in the right place. Sometimes a tooth may go in the wrong direction or it may be blocked either by another tooth or the hard bone of the jaw. When this happens, the tooth is called an impaction or implanted tooth.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO AN IMPACTED TOOTH?

Several things can go wrong with an impacted tooth – all of them are bad for your health. 1) The tissue around the tooth may become infected and this infection could spread to other parts of your body. 2) Bacteria in your mouth can reach impacted teeth even though they are under the gums. This can cause impacted teeth to decay. It is impossible for a dentist to fill the cavity and severe pain will happen. 3) An impacted tooth can put pressure on the roots of good teeth and injure them or push them out of position. 4) A cyst may form around the impacted tooth and destroy bone.

IF IT DOES NOT HURT, MUST IT COME OUT?

The best time to have impacted teeth removed is before trouble begins. If infection or other trouble develops, it must be treated first. This means a chance of being sick, loss of time, and increased costs.

WHAT IS THE OPERATION LIKE?

The removal of an impacted tooth is a surgical operation. It requires the cutting of gum and the tooth, and probably some bone removal. Stitches are often used to close the wound. You may have some swelling, pain or discomfort, or discoloration of the skin. Our nurses will give you home care instructions, which will help to make you comfortable.

WHAT COMPLICATIONS MAY DEVELOP?

All operations carry some risk. How fast you heal is an individual thing and often depends on your general health. If the impacted tooth is found in the lower jaw, it may lay on the main nerve of the jaw. Extreme care will be taken but if the main nerve is touched, pushed or moved, this could result in some numbness of the lower lip on that side. In most cases, this usually does not last more than a few weeks or months.

Impacted teeth in the upper jaw are often close to or in the sinus, and this bone is very thin. Occasionally an opening may occur. If so, you may notice a trace of blood in the nose. Please do not blow your nose or sneeze. This will require special instructions.

Occasionally pain or swelling may come 4 to 5 days after the surgery. You should immediately contact our office so we may make you comfortable. There is no need to suffer as we are close to you as your phone.

During oral surgery, it is necessary to retract the lips and corners of the mouth. There may be abrasions (brush burn type) to the skin surrounding the mouth and cracking of the lips requiring treatment.  

If any part of the above information is unclear, please contact us for futher information.