What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the back of the dental arch; two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 21.

Wisdom teeth don’t always emerge from the gums like other adult teeth and can cause tooth crowding, crookedness, and decay because the jaw is not large enough to accommodate the teeth. When wisdom teeth do not erupt or only partially erupt from the gums, they become impacted.

Both impacted and visible wisdom teeth may need to be removed. Impacted wisdom teeth typically don’t have enough room to grow and may become infected or damage adjacent teeth.

Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Identifying signs of potential wisdom teeth problems early reduces the potential for complications later. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to have your wisdom teeth evaluated and possibly removed.

• Pain in the back of the mouth, in the jaw, or while chewing
• Swelling of gums or around the jaw
• Infection near the back of the mouth
• Cavities in erupted wisdom teeth or the adjacent molars
• Sinus pain or post-nasal drip
• Earaches or headaches
• Persistent bad breath
• Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
• Bleeding gums
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Many dentists recommend removal before problems emerge as the teeth are not fully formed. This makes them easier to remove and reduces recovery time.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

Wisdom tooth removal is an outpatient surgical procedure. The surgical procedure is recommended if an X-ray reveals that your wisdom teeth are impacted or that erupted teeth have grown abnormally and may cause oral health issues like misalignment.

General Procedure

There are two types of wisdom tooth extraction: simple and complex. A simple extraction is performed under local anesthesia and does not require an incision in the gum tissue.

For a complex extraction, you are put under anesthesia (typically using nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation). Dr. Young will decide which anesthetic to use depending on your anxiety level, the complexity of the procedure, and how many teeth need to be removed.

Dr. Young applies a numbing agent to the gums before administering a local anesthetic to the area surrounding your wisdom tooth to numb them. He then incises the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone underneath.

Sometimes, impacted wisdom teeth can be completely covered with bone. In this situation, Dr. Young uses a high-speed hand tool to drill through and remove the obstructing bone.

Once the teeth are in view, Dr. Young loosens the teeth to detach them from any connective tissue in the root. He may also cut the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.

The tooth or fragments are then removed using extraction forceps. Dr. Young may suture the extraction site for faster healing, depending on the procedure. He will then pack the area with gauze and instruct you to bite down to help a blood clot form in the empty socket.

Recovery

It typically takes up to two weeks to recover from wisdom tooth removal. During the first 24-48 hours post-op, it is recommended that you:

• Don’t drink alcohol or use an alcohol-based mouthwash
• Avoid brushing your teeth near where the teeth were extracted
• Avoid acidic, spicy, and difficult to chew foods
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
• Avoid drinking with a straw or spitting

Some swelling, bleeding, and pain are normal after this procedure and may continue for several days after the surgery. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is critical to avoid post-surgical complications like infection or dry sockets.

Use OTC pain medications to alleviate discomfort, eat a soft food diet, and apply ice packs to the side of your face to reduce swelling.

Wisdom Tooth Assessment

Wisdom teeth can adversely impact oral health and cause severe discomfort. If you are experiencing any symptoms of wisdom tooth pain or want to have the position of your wisdom teeth evaluated, contact Dr. Justin M. Young today using our online form to schedule a consultation.

Years of Dental Experience