Wisdom Teeth

Just hearing the words "wisdom teeth removal" may make you shudder. The thought of having teeth extracted is an uncomfortable one. However, it may make you feel better to learn more about this procedure.

Many people have wisdom teeth that are impacted. There's no room for them to grow, and they may become painful or infected. In this case, they will likely need to be extracted. Sometimes, dentists recommend that impacted wisdom teeth be removed even if they aren't causing any pain—to avoid such pain in the future. If your dentist recommends wisdom teeth removal, they may recommend you visit a prosthodontist such as those at Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics. Keep reading to learn more about wisdom teeth removal.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends wisdom teeth removal at the young adult stage to prevent infection, cavities that cannot be treated, and damage to nearby teeth, among other reasons. For some, wisdom teeth simply grow in and cause no issues. For others, wisdom teeth grow in and cause overcrowding. For still others, wisdom teeth are impacted, never breaking through the gums.

Wisdom teeth usually emerge during young adulthood, or the ages of 18-24. However, in about 80 out of every 100 cases, one or more wisdom teeth never emerge, or remain impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause many problems. Because impacted wisdom teeth are beneath the gums, they are hard to keep clean, making them more prone to cavities. Bacteria can also get trapped around wisdom teeth, leading to a greater chance of gum disease. Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth can press on the molars directly next to them, causing the loss of enamel on those molars.

If you've had orthodontic work done, wisdom teeth may, over time, shift the rest of your teeth, reversing all that straightening work. They can also cause a bite to become misaligned. Either of these may require more orthodontics, an expensive and time-consuming process. Cysts can also form around the root and crown of a wisdom tooth. Dental cysts such as these can weaken both the soft tissue and the bone. If left untreated, these cysts may weaken the jawbone enough that it breaks.

It's possible for wisdom teeth to simply remain dormant and cause no concern. Conversely, there are symptoms to watch out for that could be a sign that an impacted wisdom tooth—or teeth—needs to be removed. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's time to pay your dentist or prosthodontist a visit.

  • Tender gums
  • Swollen/red gums
  • Jaw pain, which may or may not be near wisdom teeth
  • Bad taste in the mouth/bad breath
  • Swollen jaw
  • Headaches
  • Cysts/Tumors
  • Periodontal (gum) disease

The Process of Removing Wisdom Teeth

Whether you have no symptoms but want to have your wisdom teeth removed to prevent future issues or you are having symptoms which may be relieved by the removal of your wisdom teeth, the procedure is the same. If the wisdom teeth have already emerged, the extraction procedure may be done in your dentist's office. However, if the wisdom teeth are impacted or a more surgical approach is needed for removal, you will likely be referred to an oral surgeon or a prosthodontist.

In most cases, wisdom tooth removal is an outpatient surgery. All recovery is done at home. There are several options when it comes to anesthesia for wisdom tooth extraction. You will need to discuss them with your oral surgeon to determine which one will be the best for your particular procedure.

You may choose to go with local anesthesia, where the area being worked on is numb, but you are awake and alert for the procedure. You could decide to go with sedation anesthesia. In this form of anesthesia, the area being worked on is made numb, and you are given medicine through an IV that suppresses your consciousness. You will not remember very much about the surgery when it's done. In some special cases, you may choose general anesthesia, in which you are put completely under for the extraction.

Once you have been anesthetized, the surgeon will (if needed) cut through the gum and any bone to get to the wisdom tooth and the tooth's root. Next, the surgeon will remove the tooth, breaking it into pieces if that's easier. After cleaning the site out completely, the surgeon will stitch the cut (if needed) and place gauze over it to assist in the formation of a blood clot. If you were sedated or put under general anesthesia, you will be given a little time to recover before you are sent home.

After the Procedure

Whether you have had one, two, three, or all four wisdom teeth removed, there will be a recovery period following your procedure. Any pain you may have after the surgery is likely to be well-managed with over-the-counter medication, though your surgeon may also write a prescription for something stronger. You will need to take it easy for the rest of the day to help with the early healing stage.

For 24 hours, it's best to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated or hot drinks. Lots of water is recommended. Since you're trying to keep a blood clot in place, you will also need to avoid drinking through a straw for at least a week. A soft food diet is a good idea for the first few days following the extraction(s). This will help protect the surgical site(s). Your surgeon is likely to suggest not trying to brush, floss, or use mouthwash for 24 hours. After that, you can begin your routine again, taking care to be gentle around where any work was done. A warm saltwater rinse may ease your pain and help with the healing process.

You may be asked to schedule a follow-up appointment for the surgeon to ensure everything is healing correctly. (Be sure to contact your dentist or prosthodontist immediately if you have any concerning symptoms after your surgery, such as excessive pain, a fever, or swelling that does not disappear.)

Questions About Your Wisdom Teeth?

Are you thinking about having your wisdom teeth removed to prevent problems in the future? Are your wisdom teeth causing you discomfort? Has your dentist suggested seeing a prosthodontist? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, contact us at Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics today and we can discuss the best answers for you.