Wisdom teeth (also referred to as the “third molars”) generally do not push through the gums until the late teens, twenties or sometimes even older. Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to erupt through the gums.Most people have four wisdom teeth, although some people have none at all. Frequently, there is not enough space at the rear of the jaws for wisdom teeth to erupt easily through the gums. If the jaw does not allow enough room for the wisdom tooth to come through, the tooth will become crammed or “impacted”. Show
Some impacted wisdom teeth remain buried and cause no trouble whatsoever. However, other impacted wisdom teeth may cause severe problems. If one or more of your wisdom teeth become problematic, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon may recommend that they be removed. Removal of a wisdom tooth or wisdom teeth is a very common procedure. Removal of troublesome wisdom teeth should usually be performed as soon as possible so as to avoid further problems. As shown in this illustration, an impacted wisdom tooth may be in contact, or be close to a major nerve. This can sometimes lead to complications during surgical removal of the tooth, as outlined further on. Treatment of Potential InfectionYour dentist may be required to gently clean the infected area around the tooth. You may also be advised to rinse your mouth frequently with warm salt water mouth washes. Use one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. The water should be as warm as you can safely tolerate, but not too hot. Your surgeon may also suggest a particular mouth wash and oral pain relief. Your surgeon may need to prescribe antibiotics. It is important to inform your surgeon if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any antibiotics or other medications. It is essential that you take the complete course of antibiotics. If a lower wisdom tooth is infected, it can be made worse by the upper wisdom tooth biting down on the gums. Removal of the upper wisdom tooth will help in this situation. Consent FormIf you decide to undergo tooth extraction/s, your surgeon will ask you to sign a CONSENT FORM. Read it carefully and if you have any questions are concerns, ask your surgeon. Problems Caused By Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The Decision to Remove TeethFollowing examination of your mouth, jaws and x-ray films, your surgeon will discuss the diagnosis with you. Your surgeon may recommend removal of one or more wisdom teeth, or possibly other options of treatment. Early Removal Of Wisdom TeethIt is generally a course of action to have troublesome wisdom teeth removed while a person in young. In young people, a tooth’s roots have not formed completely, and the bone surrounding the tooth is softer. This allows for easier removal of the tooth and there is less risk of damage to nerves, bone or other teeth. Your surgeon may recommend early removal of one or more wisdom teeth for the following reasons:
Your Dental and Medical HistoryYour surgeon will ask you about any problems you may have had with your teeth and general health. Some health problems may interfere with surgery, anaesthesia and postoperative care. This information assists your surgeon in planning the best possible treatment. Your surgeon may recommend blood tests or other health tests in the case of certain conditions such as a bleeding disorder. MedicationsTo assist your surgeon, provide a list of all medications you are taking now or have been taking recently. This includes the contraceptive pill, blood thinners (such as Warfarin), and any other over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin or cough medications. Tell your surgeon if you have ever experienced any allergic or bad reaction to antibiotics or any other medications. PregnancyInform you surgeon if you are or may be pregnant. This could affect your treatment options, including:
Bleeding or Blood DisordersTell your surgeon if you:
SmokingIt is important that you cease smoking two weeks prior to your surgery. Smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of postoperative infection. X-Ray ExaminationYour surgeon will need to organise x-ray films of your jaw. The films will help your surgeon plan the best way to remove troublesome wisdom teeth. Where to Have The SurgeryYour surgeon will advise you whether your wisdom teeth should be removed in the hospital or day-procedure clinic. AnaesthesiaFollowing discussion with your surgeon, a decision will be made whether the wisdom tooth/teeth require extraction under a local or general anaesthetic. Discuss the options with your surgeon. Local anaesthetic: If the surgery is fairly straight forward, your surgeon may suggest a local anaesthetic with a needle. The local anaesthetic will numb gums and lower parts of the face. The surgeon can then remove the tooth. IV sedation: Some patients may benefit from a sedative drug administered into a vein during local anaesthesia to help relieve pain and anxiety. General anaesthesia: For some people, your surgeon may recommend a general anaesthetic. General anaesthesia is administered by a specialist anaesthetist. If may be required in people who:
Modern anaesthesia is safe with few risks. However, a few people may have serious reactions to them. If you have ever had a reaction to an anaesthetic drug, tell your surgeon. Removal of Wisdom TeethThe incision in your gums may have to be closed with stitches. Some stitches are self-dissolving after a few days. Other stitches will be removed by your surgeon. NOTE: For six (6) hours prior to your surgery you cannot eat or drink anything. If your surgery will be performed in the morning, you may not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. Your surgeon will give you full instructions and written information for you to take home. Following SurgeryFollowing your surgery, you will be required to rest for a while before you go home. Your surgeon will check on you as you recover. When your surgeon is satisfied with your recovery, you will be allowed to go home. A family member or friend should take you home after the surgery. Arrange this well in advance. You are advised not to drive a motor vehicle following surgery. If you have been staying in hospital, you will return to your room when you have recovered from the anaesthetic. Taking Care of Yourself
Pain Relief Following SurgeryPain may be minor in some people and greater in others. Your surgeon will prescribe pain relief for you. If you are uncertain about the best pain relief medication for you, ask your surgeon. Pain usually begins to decrease after the second day. However, some people may still need pain relief after one week. If your pain does not seem to be improving as the days go by, inform your surgeon. Further pain management may be required. Control of BleedingYou can apply pressure over the area of bleeding by biting gently but firmly on a piece of cotton gauze. The pressure helps to stop bleeding and a blood clot forms. It is important not to disturb the area or bleeding may start again. The gums may ooze blood slightly for a day following surgery. Any bleeding should stop by the second day. If bleeding does not stop, contact your surgeon. SwellingSwelling almost always occurs following surgery and can vary from minor to severe. Most swelling takes 4-5 days to settle down completely. Swelling can be reduced by applying ice packs on the cheeks. Follow UpYou may be required to attend a follow up visit with your surgeon. Your surgeon may wish to check on healing and remove any stitches if required. Possible Complications of the SurgeryAs with all surgical procedures, wisdom teeth surgery does have potential risks, despite the highest standards of surgical practice. Whilst your surgeon endeavours to minimise any risks from your surgery, complications can sometimes occur, and occasionally some may have permanent effects. Your surgeon will outline every possible or rare complication of your surgery. However, it is important that you have enough information to fully weigh up the benefits and risks involved with the surgery. Most people will not experience any complications, but if you have concerns about possible side effects, discuss them with your surgeon. The following possible complications are listed to inform you and not to alarm. There may be others that are not listed. Numbness or altered sensationAn impacted tooth may be close to major nerves (see pages…….). When the tooth is extracted, the nerve may become bruised. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling and loss of feeling in teeth, gums, cheeks, lips, chin, tongue and around the upper and lower jaw. If the lingual nerve is damaged, there is a risk of altered taste sensation. Speech may be affected in some cases. If a nerve is injured, it will generally heal. As it heals, the numbness, tingling, pain and any dysfunction will go away. This may take four to eight weeks. In the meantime, keep hot foods and drinks away from numb areas and be careful not to bite the lip or tongue. In some people, complete healing of the nerve may take six to eighteen months. In rare cases, the nerve may not heal completely, and numbness or altered sensation may be permanent. If feeling is reduced in the tongue, lips or face, or if speech or taste is affected, this can create major problems for some patients, particularly if it affects their daily work. If this might apply to you, tell your surgeon so these risks can be further discussed. Nerve damage causing painIn rare instances, an injured nerve may heal poorly and pain may persist or recur without diminishing. This can happen even though the surgery was successful and all care was taken to avoid injury to major nerves. It is now known why some nerves react in this manner. The pain in these cases can sometimes be difficult to treat.
Costs of TreatmentAn estimate of fees, which lists all the fees for the complete treatment, will be given to you at the time of consultation. Cost varies according to the extent of treatment and the number of teeth extracted. Additional costs may be incurred if more treatment becomes necessary. As the treatment and outcome may alter from what was initially proposed, the final account may therefore be different from the original estimate. It is always best to discuss costs prior to treatment. Talk to Your SurgeonThis information is intended to provide a general overview. It is not a substitute for advice from your surgeon. This information does not contain all known facts about this topic. If you are not sure about the benefits and risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction, ask your surgeon. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon is specially trained and will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your condition, surgery or anaesthesia. Your surgeon cannot guarantee that treatment will meet all of your expectations or that there are no risks involved in undergoing treatment. You may wish to seek a second opinion from another oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This information should be used only in consultation with your surgeon. Why is my wisdom tooth growing to the side?When there's not enough space in the mouth, wisdom teeth can come in horizontally and become impacted. This means they aren't able to break through the gums to fully emerge. These “sideways” wisdom teeth are parallel with the jawbone, and they can lead to swelling or infection in the gums.
Why is my wisdom tooth poking through my gum?If you see a white bump poking through the gums behind your last molar, it may be part of your wisdom tooth poking through the gums and bone. Erupting or impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling in the surrounding structures, including the jaw joint which may make it difficult to open and close.
Can wisdom teeth erupt sideways?Wisdom teeth can also grow in an atypical direction, coming out sideways, at an atypical angle, or only partially. Wisdom teeth that grow in a different position can cause pain and damage adjacent teeth.
Do sideways wisdom teeth need to be removed?If not extracted, it can damage the adjacent teeth, and make them vulnerable to gum disease and dental decay. This is why you need to pull out your horizontally impacted wisdom teeth as early as possible to save other healthy teeth.
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