WISDOM TEETH

Wisdom teeth are the most common teeth to be impacted in the mouth.  An impacted tooth is a tooth that has failed to come through the gums.  Not all patients need their wisdom teeth removed.  If the wisdom teeth are completely through the gums, in proper alignment, not causing any discomfort, not causing any risk for damage to nearby teeth, and can be easily cleansible, then they do not have to be removed.

 

While impacted wisdom teeth may not cause discomfort immediately, they may be problematic to oral health down the road.  Some of the reasons to have you wisdom teeth evaluated for removal include local infection, discomfort in the area, risk of causing damage to adjacent teeth, risk of developing cysts or tumors in the jaws necessitating further more aggressive treatment, and increased chance of jaw fractures.

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Removal of wisdom teeth can be safely performed in our office with IV sedation/general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or nitrous oxide/“laughing gas” for your comfort.  If you are planning to have IV sedation/ general anesthesia, please arrive with an adult who can drive you home, and have nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to the appointment.  The procedure typically can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.   If stitches are placed, they will usually dissolve on their own.  The patient is asked to follow up with Dr. Munarov in 1 week to ensure that the surgical sites are healing well.  The patient can expect swelling and discomfort on the 2nd to 3rd day after the procedure.  Swelling and discomfort usually will subside within 7 to 10 days of the procedure.

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Although uncommon, some of the risks associated with extraction of wisdom teeth include: discomfort, swelling, bruising, dry socket, infection, and numbness.  Dr. Munarov will usually prescribe an antibiotic and pain medication to prevent infection and relieve discomfort.  Please see the video below for more information on wisdom teeth removal.

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Please click here for more information on importance of wisdom tooth management

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth

 

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When is the best time to have an evaluation of wisdom teeth for removal?

The best time to have an evaluation for wisdom tooth removal is around the age of 16 years old.  To evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth, we take a Panoramic radiograph in out office and perform a clinical examination along with a head and neck exam.  Dr Munarov will then discuss the findings with you and answer any questions you may have.

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How many wisdom teeth can be removed at one time?

Usually patient’s will have 4 wisdom teeth present.  It is common and safe to have all 4 wisdom teeth removed at the same time especially if the patient wishes to have sedation.

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What is dry socket and how can it be prevented?

Dry socket is pain that is radiating to the jaw and the ear, usually 2-3 days after an extraction.  The cause of dry socket is dislodgment or breakdown of the blood clot that forms in the socket after the tooth is extracted.  The best way to prevent dry socket is to avoid spitting or smoking after extractions. To treat dry socket, we will rinse the site and place a medicinal dressing.  Dry socket should heal in 7-10 days.

 

What instructions need to be followed after removal of wisdom teeth?

Please click here for post op instructions

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Please feel free to give our office a call with any questions or concerns about wisdom teeth.

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