Wisdom Teeth

WISDOM TEETH

Of all the teeth in the mouth, wisdom teeth are the most commonly extracted. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge during the late teens or early twenties. Since these teeth are the last to erupt, they can lead to oral infections, orthodontic issues and orofacial pain. Due to the many complications associated with the arrival of third molars, dentists often refer patients to an oral surgeon for their removal.

Smiling teens

WISDOM TEETH

Of all the teeth in the mouth, wisdom teeth are the most commonly extracted. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge during the late teens or early twenties. Since these teeth are the last to erupt, they can lead to oral infections, orthodontic issues and orofacial pain. Due to the many complications associated with the arrival of third molars, dentists often refer patients to an oral surgeon for their removal.

Why Wisdom Teeth Should Be Extracted

In addition to orthodontic issues, the emergence of wisdom teeth can greatly increase a person’s risk for oral diseases, including tooth decay, periodontitis and abscesses. When a wisdom tooth partially emerges through the gums, debris and bacteria can collect under the gums and lead to tooth decay. On top of an increased risk for cavities, the gingival tissue surrounding the tooth can become inflamed and infected (periodontitis). Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, can destroy a person’s oral health if they do not seek treatment in a timely manner. Another complication associated with the increased risk for disease is the development of an abscess within the wisdom tooth. An abscess is a very painful infection that occurs at the root of a tooth and protrudes through the gums. This type of infection, without treatment, can damage bone and gum tissue.

Since retaining wisdom teeth is so problematic to oral health, having them extracted by an oral surgeon is often viewed as a preventive and necessary measure to safeguard a patient’s well being, oral function and quality of life.

VIDEO: Removal of impacted teeth

Why Choose an Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon is a dentist with advanced education, training and experience to perform an array of oral health treatments that involve diseases, deformities and injuries. Since tooth extractions make up a large part of an oral surgeon’s area of expertise, patients can have peace of mind knowing they will receive excellent care from an expert.

Wisdom Teeth FAQs

Most frequent questions and answers

A: Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth can vary among patients based on the amount of tooth exposed through the gums, and whether complications related to impacted teeth have developed. Some patients may experience orofacial pain, specifically near the jawbone just under the earlobes. Headaches are common as well. Sometimes, if the impacted tooth has become infected or if neighboring teeth and gingival tissue are infected as well, people might experience swelling and painful sores at the back of the mouth along with toothaches.

Severe symptoms associated with infections caused by an impacted tooth include fever, severely inflamed gums, and pockets of pus.

A: The time a patient spends in our operatory depends on a few factors. If a patient is having multiple wisdom teeth removed, treatment will obviously take longer. Since wisdom teeth are often impacted, they are more difficult to remove than other teeth. For this reason, very precise and technical care is required. If you have questions about the length of your treatment, be sure to speak with a member of our staff prior to your procedure.
A: Costs for wisdom teeth extractions can vary depending on certain factors related to the patient’s unique situation, such as the number of teeth involved and the extent of the procedure. Associated costs may also include imaging, anesthesia and follow-up care, among others. Before your appointment, our financial coordinator will go over costs with you. We will help you file insurance claims as well.

A: It is unwise to smoke after any oral surgery procedure – especially a tooth extraction. Smoking can cause inflammation and affect the healing process. Using cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco can increase your risk for developing a post-operative infection. Our practice strongly encourages patients to abstain from any tobacco use after oral surgery.

A: Dry socket is a common post-treatment issue that involves the blood clot that forms over an empty tooth socket becoming dislodged. When dry socket occurs, patients will need to return to our practice to have their wound site reopened to form a new blood clot. Clotting over the empty tooth socket after extraction is an essential part of the recovery process as it helps soft tissue regenerate over the extraction site. After your surgery, our staff will provide you with post-operative instructions that include how to keep blood clots in tact over empty tooth sockets. We encourage patients to avoid vigorous brushing, eating foods with sharp edges and drinking through straws to protect the clot from becoming dislodged.