Wisdom Teeth Removal
The third molars, more commonly referred to as the wisdom teeth, are the last of your adult teeth to erupt, and the teeth that are most likely to cause significant complications. The most common issue faced by wisdom teeth is that they become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are those that cannot properly erupt through the gums. In some cases, they may not be able to erupt at all. When wisdom teeth are impacted, you could be faced with severe pain, and you may find it difficult to do basic things like eating and speaking. If you have impacted wisdom teeth, Simon K. Choyee, DDS, Inc. can help with a wisdom tooth removal.
Do You Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that cannot properly erupt through the gums. They may not erupt at all or they may only partially erupt. The teeth may be blocked by bone or soft tissue, or they may be growing at an angle. In many cases, there simply just is not enough room for the teeth to completely grow in. When your wisdom teeth are impacted, it can cause several significant complications, including
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Issues with overcrowding. Wisdom teeth attempting to erupt can push against your adjacent teeth, shoving them out of alignment. This can cause issues such as uneven tooth wear, bruxism, and TMJ pain.
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Infections in the back of your mouth. Partially erupted teeth can more easily trap food particles and bacteria. This can result in an infection.
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Cysts in your jaw. Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, can sometimes develop as a result of an infection. Over time, these sacs grow, destroying your jawbone in the process.
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Damage to your adjacent teeth. If your wisdom teeth are growing at an angle toward your other teeth, they can eventually make contact with these teeth. This can cause damage to the roots of your teeth. |
Diagnosing and Treating Impacted Wisdom Teeth
One of the biggest indications that there is a problem with your wisdom teeth is experiencing pain at the back of the jaw. You may also notice that you have a difficult time biting, chewing, and otherwise using your mouth. Diagnosing impacted wisdom teeth requires an oral exam, complete with a visual inspection of your mouth as well as dental X-rays. Once we have made a diagnosis, we are then able to formulate a customized treatment plan.
The most effective way to treat impacted wisdom teeth is with an extraction or removal. There are two ways teeth can be extracted. Wisdom teeth are commonly extracted using a surgical extraction. With this type of extraction, we make incisions in your gums to expose the teeth and the surrounding bone. We then remove the teeth. This may involve removing bone or tissue blocking the teeth or sectioning the teeth to remove them in pieces. Once the teeth are completely removed, the sockets are cleaned, and the gums sutured closed.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After removing your wisdom teeth, there is a recovery process. During this time, you may experience some pain and swelling. These issues are temporary and will dissipate over time. Pain and swelling can be dealt with using over the counter or prescription pain relievers. Ice can also be used during the first 24 hours and heat after 48 hours. It is important to avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods for a few days. As you begin to heal, you can slowly resume your normal diet. It is also important that you maintain a normal oral hygiene routine, taking care near the back of your mouth, to keep your mouth healthy and prevent infections while you heal.
If you have any questions or concerns about your wisdom tooth removal, call Simon K. Choyee, DDS, Inc. at (562) 947-4781 today for more information. |
