Allsmiles

Having wisdom teeth removed is something of a modern day rite-of-passage for many people. Wisdom teeth – the far back molars – are the last teeth to come in. By that time, the mouth is already pretty crowded, so complications are frequent, and painful.

One of the most common conditions involves impacted wisdom teeth that are lodged underneath the gum line. But wisdom teeth can also break through the side of the gum or only come in partially. Some dentists are certified to treat these conditions but an oral surgeon is the best bet for making it through the procedure relatively unscathed. Impacted wisdom teeth pose the greatest risk for infection and other complications if left untreated. It has been confirmed that impacted wisdom teeth can disrupt sinus passages resulting in infection and contribute to bone loss in the jaw, cysts and cavities and Periodontal pockets.

A dentist can best decide whether a wisdom tooth needs to be extracted or whether it can remain in place. Some wisdom teeth come in straight and don’t pressure other teeth or result in pain or discomfort. In this case, the wisdom teeth may be left. But it is important to remember that complications later can be more costly.

Risks associated with wisdom teeth extraction increase with age. Senior citizens may encounter bone fused with teeth and a higher risk of complications resulting from general anesthesia. Because of this it is normally a good idea to remove wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 21 when the risk is considerably lower.

When wisdom teeth are removed, most often the patient is sedated with a general anesthesia while the teeth are extracted. The procedure is relatively quick and does not require a hospital stay. Pain, swelling, bleeding in the gum area and numbness can persist for days after the extraction but should subside after that. Fully recovery of the extraction area can take up to a month if no complications occur.

One of the most common complications with wisdom teeth extraction is dry sockets. This condition is caused by a blood clot that does not form correctly or that dislodges prematurely and is accompanied by a great deal of pain that does not quickly subside. In general oral surgeons will advise patients not to smoke or use straws in the days following an extraction. High estrogen levels can also be a contributor along with poor diet. Some foods – such as nuts, pasta, grains – can hamper clotting as can hot liquids.

Once wisdom teeth extraction is complete, proper after care can help reduce the likelihood of dry sockets. During the initial days, a soft or liquid diet is best as chewy foods are going to irritate the fresh wounds and possibly tear stitches. A gradual progression to harder foods from potatoes, pudding and similar foods can begin after about a week. While it is OK to brush and floss other teeth as usual, avoid the extraction areas. After about a day, lightly rinse the extraction area with warm salt water following eating and before sleep.

If these steps are followed, wisdom teeth extraction doesn’t have to be a prolonged or particularly painful process.