Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Patients Can Expect
Many people experience a problem with impaction when it comes to their wisdom teeth. Let's take a moment right now to consider this matter and why extraction of wisdom teeth is a good idea.
About Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth at an extra set of molars that grow in behind your rear molars. These teeth tend to come in when a person is in his or her late teens or early twenties. They are not necessary teeth to have since your existing rear molars are able to mash food and help in the chewing process on their own.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth refers to a wisdom tooth that is growing in crooked and placing pressure on your adjacent rear molars. These teeth often place pressure inward on your existing teeth.
Dental Problems Related to Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The following kinds of dental problems may be the result of impacted wisdom teeth:
- Tooth Pain - When wisdom teeth place pressure on your rear molars, it can be quite painful. This is especially true when the wisdom teeth are pressing into your molars at an angle. Severe impaction can lead to soreness or tenderness of your pre-molars and other teeth as well.
- Tooth Damage - Major impaction of your teeth can cause damage of varying degrees over time. Cracks may form, weakening a tooth. In major cases, the rear molars may become structurally compromised and more likely to break or be harmed by simple biting and chewing.
- Possibility of Abscesses and Infections - With the possibility of tooth damage comes the increased likelihood of infection to the internal structures of the tooth. This means the need for a root canal to save the tooth.
Should I get my wisdom teeth removed?
If your wisdom teeth are growing in crooked and placing pressure on your teeth, it's a good idea to undergo an extraction. This relieves pressure on your existing permanent teeth and prevents serious dental health and general wellness issues down the road.
What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal
During the wisdom tooth removal process, patients are typically placed under general anesthesia to prevent undue discomfort and anxiety.
Your oral surgeon will make incisions in the gum tissue to access the roots of the wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth are then extracted following exposure of the root structure. If the teeth are difficult to remove whole, you surgeon may break the wisdom teeth into pieces in order to remove the teeth in question.
What to Expect During the Recovery from Wisdom Tooth Surgery
When recovering from wisdom tooth removal surgery, patients will be on a liquid and soft food diet, which allows them to receive nourishment without chewing and potentially affecting the incision sites. Prescription medications may be used to address soreness after surgery.
Full post-op instructions will be provided during the consultation process. In general, patients may want to take two days off of work (depending on when the surgery is performed and the patient's work schedule) in order to dedicate time to resting and recovery.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Andrew R. Glenn
For more information about wisdom tooth extraction and your many other options for effective dental care, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Glenn and the entire team look forward to your visit and going over all of your health and wellness needs.
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