Wisdom Teeth Removal
East Syracuse, NY
Wisdom Teeth Removal provided by David Thurber, DDS in East Syracuse, NY at David Thurber, DDS - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
The wisdom teeth, or your third molars, are the last of your adult teeth to come in. Where most of the adult teeth are in by around the age of 13, the wisdom teeth do not begin to erupt until your late teens to early 20s. This is actually how they got their name. The last to erupt, the wisdom teeth are the most likely to become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause serious issues and often need to be extracted. David Thurber, DDS - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can help.How Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?
An impacted tooth is one that cannot properly erupt through the gums. Your wisdom teeth can become impacted for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of impacted wisdom teeth include:
| • | Not enough space in the jaw to accommodate all of your teeth. |
| • | You have bone or soft tissue blocking the path of the tooth, preventing it from erupting properly, or at all. |
| • | The wisdom teeth are growing at an angle, rather than up through the gums. They may even be growing sideways. |
Effects of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When the wisdom teeth are impacted, many issues can develop. Issues caused by impacted wisdom teeth include:
| • | Overcrowding. If there is insufficient space in your jaw, the wisdom teeth can force adjacent teeth out of alignment as they attempt to erupt. This continues to put pressure on your other teeth, creating a domino effect. Your teeth become crooked and your smile overcrowded. This alters your bite and can cause serious issues such as an increased risk for tooth decay and tooth damage, as well as bruxism and TMJ disorder. |
| • | A localized infection, or pericoronitis. If your wisdom teeth are only able to erupt partially, the back of your mouth becomes very difficult to keep clean. Bacteria, food particles, and plaque are all able to accumulate, which can lead to a localized infection. |
| • | A cyst. A cyst can form as a result of an impacted tooth or because of an infection. This is a fluid-filled sac that continues to grow in size the longer it goes untreated. Eventually, it can begin to destroy your jawbone. You may even require a bone graft after the issue is finally treated. |
| • | Damage to adjacent teeth. If your wisdom teeth are growing at an angle, or sideways, toward the adjacent teeth, they can collide with the other teeth. As they continue to grow, they can press on the teeth, which can cause serious damage below the gumline. |
Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When your wisdom teeth are impacted, the best way to treat them is to remove them. Wisdom tooth removal is done with a surgical extraction. This procedure is performed under a local anesthetic as well as sedation. The local anesthetic prevents you from feeling any pain while sedation helps you to feel relaxed and comfortable.
A surgical extraction begins with incisions in your gums near the impacted teeth. This exposes the teeth under the gums, as well as the surrounding bone. Next, the impacted teeth are removed. This may require the removal of a small amount of bone. The teeth may need to be broken into sections and removed in separate pieces. Once the teeth have been removed, the sockets are cleaned, and your gums are sutured closed.
FAQs
What is wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure to extract one or more wisdom teeth — the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom. If a wisdom tooth doesn't have room to grow (impacted wisdom tooth), resulting in pain, infection, or other dental problems, you'll likely need to have it pulled. Wisdom teeth removal is often performed by an oral surgeon.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth should be removed when they cause problems such as pain, infection, cysts, or damage to neighboring teeth. Many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth before these issues arise, typically during the late teens or early twenties when the roots are not fully formed and the recovery is faster. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the development of wisdom teeth and determine the best time for their removal.
What are the risks of wisdom teeth removal?
Risks of wisdom teeth removal include infection, dry socket (painful inflammation of the socket after tooth extraction), damage to nearby teeth, nerves, jawbone, or sinuses. However, serious complications are rare, and your oral surgeon will take steps to minimize risks. Discuss any concerns with your surgeon before the procedure to understand how these risks apply to your specific situation.
What can I expect during the wisdom teeth removal procedure?
During the wisdom teeth removal procedure, you will be given anesthesia to prevent pain. Options include local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level. The oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue, remove any bone blocking access to the tooth root, and then extract the tooth. After removal, the site will be cleaned, and stitches may be used to close the wound. Gauze will be placed to control bleeding.
How long is the recovery time after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery time after wisdom teeth removal typically takes a few days to a week. Most people can resume normal activities within a few days, but complete healing of the gums may take a few weeks. During the first 24 hours, it is important to rest and follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully. Swelling and discomfort are normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medication and ice packs. Avoid strenuous activities, smoking, and drinking through a straw to prevent complications like dry socket.
What should I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
After wisdom teeth removal, stick to soft foods and liquids for the first few days. Good options include yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soups. Avoid hot, spicy, acidic, crunchy, or hard foods that can irritate the extraction site. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as you feel comfortable. Staying hydrated is important, but avoid using straws as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
How can I manage pain after wisdom teeth removal?
Pain management after wisdom teeth removal includes using prescribed pain medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and applying ice packs to reduce swelling. It is important to follow your surgeon's instructions regarding medication and care. Rinsing with warm salt water after the first 24 hours can also help keep the area clean and reduce discomfort. If pain persists or worsens, contact your oral surgeon for advice.
Will my insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?
Insurance coverage for wisdom teeth removal varies depending on your insurance plan and the specifics of the procedure. Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost, especially if the removal is deemed medically necessary. It is best to contact your insurance provider directly to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur. Your dental office may also help you with insurance claims and provide an estimate of costs.
Contact Us Today!
If your wisdom teeth are causing significant pain at the back of your jaw and you are finding it difficult to move your mouth, they may be impacted and in need of removal. Call David Thurber, DDS - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at 315-457-9999 today to schedule your appointment.
