WISDOM TEETH that are healthy and properly positioned can be an asset. In most cases, however, wisdom teeth remain impacted, trapped beneath the gum and bone and against the teeth in front of them.
Why wisdom teeth are sometimes removed?
Because they are far back in the mouth, wisdom teeth often are not needed for chewing and are difficult to keep clean. Your dentist may recommend the early removal of impacted wisdom teeth because waiting until you are older can increase complications.
Removal of wisdom teeth can prevent these possibilities:
- A wisdom tooth partially erupting through the gum. This creates an opening where bacteria may enter and cause infection. Pain, swelling, and jaw stiffness may result.
- An impacted wisdom tooth growing without having enough room, which may damage adjacent teeth.
- A fluid-filled sac (cyst) or tumor forming on or near an impacted tooth, destroying surrounding bone or tooth roots.
- A general dentist can perform wisdom tooth extraction. However, if your dentist anticipates a need for any special care, you may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon– a dentist who specializes in dental surgery, including the removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
What can you expect?
Before surgery, the dentist will explain what to expect and help you plan for the appointment. Advice probably will include dressing comfortably in loose clothing and perhaps arranging for someone to be with you after your dental visit.
Extractions can be performed under local anesthesia. Your dentist can discuss what types of anesthesia and pain or anxiety-reducing medication are available and suitable for you.
Following surgery, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, which is part of the normal healing process. Cold compresses can help decrease the swelling. Medication prescribed by your dentist can also help relieve discomfort. You may be instructed to drink only clear liquids after the surgery until such a time as you can comfortably begin to eat soft foods.
Some patients experience numbness or tingling in their face of jaw after the surgery. Normal sensation usually returns within a few days. A condition called “dry socket” occasionally occurs when the blood clot breaks down sooner than normal. If this happens, your dentist may place a special dressing in the tooth’s socket to protect it, as it heals.
Wisdom teeth are so called because they are the last teeth to come in, at about the time of young adulthood— presumably the age when a person gains maturity and wisdom. The majority of us have most of our permanent (adult) teeth by age 13, followed by our wisdom teeth (third molars), which usually push their way through the gums between ages 17-21. One or more of the four wisdom teeth never form in some.