When You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure dentists and oral surgeons perform to remove bothersome wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, or to prevent problems that may occur later. Of the 32 pearly whites, wisdom teeth are the ones that have a reputation as the trouble-makers, often wreaking havoc and requiring removal during young adulthood.

Wisdom teeth usually start to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Problems frequently occur because most mouths are too small to accommodate the molars, which are not necessary for our survival. The teeth, which are in the very back of the mouth and are the last to emerge, are souvenirs from our prehistoric ancestors who needed the teeth to help gnaw tough food.

If your wisdom teeth are starting to emerge or if you notice pain or swelling around the teeth, visit your oral health care provider. During a checkup, your dentist or oral surgeon will take x-rays of your mouth to determine the health of your wisdom teeth. They may decide it is necessary for wisdom teeth removal for one of the following reasons:

• There is not enough room for the teeth to break through the gums and they may become impacted.
• A wisdom tooth is only partially emerged, leaving a flap of gum tissue over them, where food and bacteria can get trapped, causing your gums to become infected. A wisdom tooth that is partially erupted is also more prone to tooth decay and gum disease because they are difficult to brush and floss.
• A cyst, or fluid-filled sac, has developed around the teeth.
• One or more of your wisdom teeth are coming in at an odd angle, possibly even horizontally, and can cause damage to other teeth and bone.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

The surgical procedure may be done in the dentist or oral surgeon’s office or you may have to go to the hospital if you are having all of your wisdom teeth pulled at once. If you have an infection in your mouth, you will need to wait for the infection to clear, most likely with the help of antibiotics, before the surgery can be performed.

The position of your wisdom teeth plays a role in the procedure. Your oral health care provider will first conduct a pre-extraction exam to determine if your wisdom teeth are fully erupted or embedded to give you an idea of what to expect during wisdom teeth removal. Teeth that are fully erupted are easier to extract than teeth that are embedded under the gums and in the jawbone.

Embedded wisdom teeth will have to be removed with an incision into the gums and removal of the portion of bone that lies over the tooth. Sometimes, the dentist will have to cut the tooth into smaller sections to avoid removing too much bone and to make getting the tooth out easier.

The procedure starts with either a local or general anesthetic. A local anesthetic is applied to the tooth and surrounding gum much like the injection dentists use to numb teeth before filling a cavity. Your dentist or oral surgeon may also be able to provide a sedative, such as nitrous oxide, to help control anxiety during the procedure.

A general anesthetic, on the other hand, is used when several or all of your wisdom teeth will be removed at the same time. It works by preventing pain in the whole body and will put you to sleep during the surgery.

After your wisdom teeth are removed, you may need stitches. Your oral health care provider may either use stitches that dissolve over time or ones that have to be removed after a few days. You will most likely have to keep a folded cotton gauze pad over the wound to help stop the bleeding for at least 24 hours. Recovery can take a few days and pain medication should be provided to help alleviate any discomfort. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for a quick and safe recovery.

If you are not having any problems with your wisdom teeth, it may be difficult to decide if you should opt for wisdom teeth removal. Have your oral health care provider exam the position and health of your wisdom teeth and discuss what is best for your teeth.