CALL NOW!
Information
Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Information Page is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive insights into the specialized procedure we offer. Explore in-depth guides and watch educational videos. We're committed to ensuring you're well-informed and confident when choosing us for your wisdom teeth extraction needs.
Crushing the Discomfort: Wisdom Teeth and Jaw Pain Exposed
Wisdom Teeth and Oral Health
Impact of Wisdom Teeth on Oral Health
Ah, wisdom teeth—the late bloomers of the dental world that often come with uninvited drama. These back-of-the-mouth molars can really stir things up if not given enough room to thrive, creating a doozy of problems:
- Ouch, That Hurts!: It's not uncommon for wisdom teeth to play the role of the party crasher, bringing along a lot of pain when they press against other teeth or get stuck under the gums.
- Sneaky Infections: When wisdom teeth only half-show up, they make cozy homes where bacteria love to hang out, brewing infections faster than you can say "antibiotics."
- The Battle Against Tooth Decay: Trying to reach those tricky spots behind wisdom teeth? Good luck! These elusive areas can become cavity central.
- Gum Trouble Galore: Awry-grown wisdom teeth aren't just content with being a nuisance; they also rile up your gums, paving the way for gum disease.
- Squished Neighbors: Impaction, anyone? Wisdom teeth have a knack for shoving their neighbors out of line, potentially messing up that straight-teeth smile.
Knowing these not-so-friendly impacts can point to one thing: wisdom teeth often need to go.
| Ouch Factor | What's Happening |
|---|---|
| Pain | Feel the unequal tug-of-war between growing teeth and tender gums. |
| Infections | Bacteria set up camp in partially erupted wisdom teeth. |
| Tooth Decay | Hard-to-reach areas collect cavities like medals. |
| Gum Disease | Red and achy gums are just the beginning. |
| Neighborly Damage | Misaligned wisdom teeth muscle their way in, affecting others. |
Need for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Pulling wisdom teeth might sound intimidating, but it's a smart move to dodge the mishaps talked about earlier and keep your mouth in tip-top shape. Here's why dentists recommend this little cleansing ritual:
- Jaws with No Jaws Room: Our jaws aren't quite the size they used to be (thanks, evolution!), so finding space for new teeth can be like playing a game of Tetris without the right pieces.
- Erratic Growth Spurts: Thanks to jaw size changes, wisdom teeth can end up finding their own paths of mischief, disrupting peace among your teeth.
- The Preemptive Strike: Taking out wisdom teeth before they become a bigger nuisance can save you from a medley of dental woes like decay, infections, and gnarly gum problems.
| Rationale | What’s the Deal? |
|---|---|
| Room Crunch | These jaws can't deal with wisdom teeth gate-crashing the space. |
| Growing Pains | Awkward eruptions can get problematic. |
| Proactive Purge | Nip potential problems in the bud before they blossom. |
Managing those wisdom teeth wisely can save you way more than a dollar. Feeling the pain or sensing something's off with those teeth at the back? Check in with your dentist to see if it's time to send those wisdom teeth packing. Discover more by checking out articles like signs you need wisdom teeth removed and when should wisdom teeth be removed.
The Procedure
Getting those pesky wisdom teeth yanked can sound like an absolute drag, but knowing the ins and outs beforehand can make it a lot less frightening. Let’s break down the steps of the surgery and chat about the different anesthesia vibes you can choose for wisdom teeth removal.
Surgical Process of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Typically, your local tooth expert—a dentist or oral surgeon—is the star of this show, swiftly kicking out those bothersome teeth. Here’s a sneak peek at what usually goes down in the operating chair (Dr. Wisdom Teeth):
- Incision in the Gum Tissue: They start by slicing a bit of gum to make way for reaching the tooth and its bony buddies.
- Removal of Bone: Next up, any bone blocking the tooth’s root is given a not-so-graceful exit.
- Cutting the Tooth: If your tooth likes playing hard to get, they might chop it into smaller chunks for a smoother escape.
- Extraction: Boom—out it goes, in parts or whole!
- Suturing the Incision: Lastly, it’s stitch-up time to get that healing going ASAP.
This whole shebang gets rid of the tooth while trying to be gentle with everything else in your mouth (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Anesthesia and Sedation Options
Creating a comfy, pain-free experience is the name of the game when removing wisdom teeth, and here’s a variety of ways anesthesia and sedation can help you chill.
Local Anesthesia
With local anesthesia, numbing medicine is jabbed right into your gums. Fun, right? You won’t feel any tooth-pulling pain, but you’re wide-eyed awake. It’s perfect if your tooth is just making a simple exit.
IV Sedation
IV sedation, which enters through your veins, delivers a nice chill pill, leaving you in a dozy daydream. This one's for the folks needing a more chillaxed experience or facing more complicated extractions (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
| Anesthesia Type | Description | Patient Awareness |
|---|---|---|
| Local Anesthesia | Numbs specific area | Fully awake |
| IV Sedation | Relaxed, semi-conscious state | Minimal to no memory |
For more juicy details on how to get ready for the dentist's chair, peek at our guide on how to prepare for wisdom teeth removal surgery.
Picking the right anesthesia and getting familiar with how the surgery works can really ease your mind. Check out more insights at what to expect before wisdom teeth removal surgery and how painful is wisdom teeth removal.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Getting your wisdom teeth yanked is no day at the beach, but knowing what comes after the tug-and-pull dance can make it bearable. Let’s chat about healing up and what to expect when bouncing back.
Recovery Timeline and Expectations
Healing from wisdom teeth extraction usually takes about a week. During this time, you'll likely feel pretty puffy, a bit bruised, and maybe even taste a little iron (thanks, blood). Sticking to your dentist or oral surgeon's advice will help in dodging any pesky issues. Check out the simple breakdown of what your healing journey might look like:
| Day | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Swelling and ouch hits peak levels. Ice is your new best friend, and don’t skip your pain meds. |
| 3-4 | The puffiness starts saying its goodbyes. Keep up with the meds and start showing saltwater some love with gentle rinses. |
| 5-7 | The discomfort pack its bags and you're feeling like yourself again. Ease back into your usual groove. |
Source: Dr. Wisdom Teeth
Playing by the post-op rules is your ticket to a smoother sail through recovery. For more juicy details on this whole ordeal, peek at our article on when should wisdom teeth be removed.
Tips for Smooth Recovery
Here’s how to sail through with as few hiccups as possible after getting those pesky teeth out:
Listen To the Prescription Talk: Pain meds and antibiotics are your pals, so follow the directions from your oral wizard to a tee. Pain and infections? Not on your watch.
Meet the Ice Packs: For the first couple of days, make it a habit to slap those ice packs on your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time. Freeze out the swelling.
Take It Easy: Your Netflix and chill game should be strong in those first few days. Let your body recharge and steer clear of hardcore physical activities.
Keep It Soft: Drink up but ditch the straws. Sucker-style sipping can mess with your healing. Stick to mushy grub — think yogurt, mashed taters, and soup.
Mind the Cleanliness: After a day, warm salt water swooshes are your friend. Be gentle near your extraction spots to keep them irritation-free.
Ditch the Smokes and Booze: Nicotine and alcohol are no friends of healing and might lead you to a dreaded dry socket.
Looking for more cool recovery tips? Scope out our take on tips for straightening curly hair.
By sticking to these tips, you’ll be up and at ‘em in no time with fewer hurdles along the way. For deeper dives on the whole recovery shenanigans, check out our guide on why wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
Tips and Tricks for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Getting those pesky wisdom teeth yanked can sound like a nightmare, but with some solid planning and a sprinkle of wisdom, you can cruise through it like a pro. Follow these tips and kiss complications goodbye.
Pre and Post-Op Game Plan
To make your wisdom teeth removal a breeze, stick to this game plan before and after surgery:
Pre-Surgery Checklist
- No Munchies:
- Keep your belly empty for 6-8 hours before you go under.
- Especially important if you're getting the sleepy juice (IV sedation).
- Dress Code:
- Cozy up in your baggiest, comfiest duds and leave the bling at home.
- Have your ride-or-die (aka, a driver) on standby to get you home when you’re groggy.
- Medicine Talk:
- Spill the beans about any meds you’re on with the dentist.
- Follow any special orders on stopping or taking them before your big day.
Post-Surgery Recovery Plan
- Kick Back:
- Take it easy for the first day. No marathons or heavy lifting for a bit.
- Soft and Smooth Eats:
- Think yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes—easy foods that won’t annoy your gums.
- Ditch the straws; they’re trouble when it comes to keeping your mouth’s healing on track.
- Ouch Control:
- Pop those pain pills the doc gave you and don’t be shy with the ice packs.
- Stick to the script for meds—timing is key here.
- Mouth Care:
- Give the sore spots a rest from brushing for the first day.
- After 24 hours, gently swish warm salt water to keep the area clean.
By sticking with this plan, you can dodge trouble and heal like a champ. Curious for more? Check out our guide on how to prepare for wisdom teeth removal.
How to Steer Clear of Problems
Keeping problems at bay after your teeth have been evicted is crucial. Watch out for things like dry socket, infection, and too much bleeding.
Beat the Dry Socket Blues
- No Puffing: Stay off the smokes for 72 hours. Seriously.
- Gentle Rinse Only: No need to aggressively rinse or spit right after.
- Food Choices: Skip the crunchy snacks and straws for now.
Keeping Infections at Arm's Length
- Stay Clean: Keep up the oral hygiene without messing up the surgery site.
- Med-Bomb the Germs: If you’re on antibiotics, take 'em as told to keep pesky infections away.
Taming the Bleeding Beast
- The Gauze Dance: Gently bite down on gauze to help stop the bleeding.
- Sleeping Style: Raise your noggin for the first couple of nights, even while snoozing, to aid healing.
For the lowdown on dodging these surgery side-steps, nudge over to our page on wisdom teeth surgery expectations.
Following these tips helps you waltz through recovery and laugh in the face of the usual suspects post-surgery. Want to know more? Dive into our articles on impacted wisdom teeth symptoms and the length of wisdom teeth removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are wisdom teeth, and why do they need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They often cause problems because there is insufficient space for them to fully emerge or they may grow in an improper position. This can lead to various issues like pain, infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure to address these concerns.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, or overcrowding, it is advisable to consult with a dental professional who can examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Based on their assessment, they can recommend the need for wisdom teeth removal. If you do not have a dentist, please call us and set up a FREE consultation and x-ray to determine a plan that is right for you.
Why are the third molars referred to as wisdom teeth?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, third molars are referred to as wisdom teeth because their common age of eruption is between 17 and 25. Aristotle explained it this way 2500 years ago!
"The last teeth to come in man are molars called ‘wisdom-teeth’, which come at the age of twenty years, in the case of both sexes. Cases have been known in women upwards of eighty years old where at the very close of life the wisdom-teeth have come up, causing great pain in their coming; and cases have been known of the like phenomenon in men too. This happens, when it does happen, in the case of people where the wisdom-teeth have not come up in early years."
— Aristotle, The History of Animals.
Why do we have third molars if we just remove them?
Third molars helped our human ancestors to grind plant tissue during a time when leafy greens were a more important part of our diet. It is thought that the skulls of our ancestors had larger jaws with more room to accommodate more teeth which helped them to chew foliage more efficiently. This was important because humans lack the ability to efficiently digest cellulose, an important part of plant cell walls. Since the advent of agriculture, almost 10,000 years ago, our diets have become softer and include a larger amount of sugar and high energy foods. These diets have resulted in smaller jaws and not enough room for the wisdom teeth. So when they begin to erupt, they are often painful or crooked and do not fit properly in the mouth. Their removal becomes mandatory for a healthy mouth.
What is the process for removing wisdom teeth?
The process for wisdom teeth removal involves a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It typically includes making an incision in the gum tissue, removing any bone that blocks access to the tooth, cutting the tooth into smaller pieces and then removing the pieces and suturing the incision. This procedure ensures the complete removal of the impacted or problematic wisdom tooth.
Does everyone have 4 wisdom teeth?
No, although 4 is the most common number (one in each corner of the mouth); some people have 1, 2 or 3 wisdom teeth and some people don’t have any at all! In rare cases people develop additional teeth in the area of the wisdom teeth call ‘para-molars’ and may have 5 or more!
Does wisdom teeth removal require anesthesia or sedation?
Wisdom teeth removal usually requires some form of anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the options with you, which may include local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or general anesthesia to render you unconscious during the surgery. We provide an IV sedation for each patient we see. This guarantees you maximum comfort, no memory of the procedure and a faster recovery.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal varies from person to person, but it generally takes about a week to fully recover. During this time, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Following the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as taking prescribed pain medications and applying ice packs, can aid in a smoother recovery process.
What are the potential risks and complications of wisdom teeth removal?
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal. These include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, sinus problems, and temporary or permanent jaw stiffness. However, these complications are relatively rare, and your dental professional will take necessary precautions to minimize the risks.
Can I eat normally after wisdom teeth removal?
Initially, you’ll need to stick to a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after the surgery to facilitate healing. As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. It’s important to avoid straws and hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction sites. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific dietary guidelines to follow.
Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the procedure?
Prior to wisdom teeth removal, your dental professional will provide you with detailed instructions tailored to your specific situation. These instructions include: fasting 5-6 hours before the surgery, avoid smoking or using a straw post-surgery, take regularly prescribed medications, apply ice packs, maintain proper oral hygiene, and call us if you encounter any problems on our 24/7 after care nurse line. Adhering to these instructions is crucial for a successful recovery.
Will I experience pain during or after the removal?
The procedure itself is usually painless due to anesthesia or sedation. However, it is common to experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications to manage any post-operative pain. Additionally, using home remedies such as applying ice packs and rinsing with warm saltwater can help alleviate discomfort during the recovery period.
What are the alternatives to wisdom teeth removal?
In certain cases where the wisdom teeth are fully erupted, positioned correctly, and not causing any problems, they may not need to be removed. Regular monitoring and good oral hygiene practices are essential to ensure they do not cause complications in the future. However, if extraction is recommended, it is typically the most effective solution to prevent potential issues associated with impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.
What does it mean that a wisdom tooth is ‘impacted’?
Your dentist will classify a tooth by the degree to which it has been able to grow out of your jaw bone. If a tooth remains trapped in the bone, usually by a lack of space or close proximity to other teeth, the tooth is considered to be ‘impacted’. If your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be removed, you will experience some degree of swelling around the lower wisdom teeth. Sometimes patient’s refer to this as the “chipmunk effect” because after surgery you look like you are packing nuts in your cheeks like a chipmunk!
When is the best time to remove the wisdom teeth?
This is always a hard question to answer, simply because we can’t see into the future. However, if an X-ray indicates that there is inadequate room for the wisdom teeth to develop then a few criteria may indicate the ideal time to remove the wisdom teeth. Your doctor will help you decide when the time is right - They are best removed before the roots have fully developed. Ideally, when root development is between 25% and 50%. Undeveloped roots increase the chances that your surgery will be successful and you will not suffer any long term negative effects.- If possible, allowing the tooth to erupt as much as possible before it gets ‘stuck’ is also favorable. The closer the tooth gets to erupting, the simpler the surgery to remove it will be.- Age is a consideration and patients in their late teens are ideal candidates for removal. However, in some instances patients as young as 10 years old or as old as 90 may require wisdom tooth removal.- Oftentimes patients will remove the wisdom teeth to prepare for braces at the request of their Orthodontist.- …And, if your wisdom teeth are hurting…this is a great time to remove them!
What could happen if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth when my doctor recommends that I do?
If you wait until your adult years to remove your wisdom teeth several things become more complicated about your surgery.- First, at some point in your late-late teens or early twenties, your lower wisdom teeth will grow root tips and finish developing. Once this happens, the risk of the root tips interfering with the nerve in your mandible raises the risk of temporary or permanent numbness in your lower lip and chin.- The older you become, generally the more dense your bone becomes. Increased bone density will increase the difficulty of removing the wisdom teeth and could cause additional swelling and healing time.- Younger patients heal faster and with less complications overall than older patients. Younger patients generally experience less dry socket, pain and swelling than older patients.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket (local alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot is lost from the hole left in the jaw after a wisdom tooth is extracted. It generally results in a dull, uncomfortable ache. It is easily treated in the office where you had your wisdom teeth removed.
What can be done to prevent a dry socket?
We see very few dry sockets in our practice! We are excited to provide you with a state of the art procedure called Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) to reduce your chances of dry socket from 1 in 10 to 1 in 100! We offer this procedure at no charge to you! After placing your IV, we will draw a small amount of blood. That blood will be put into a centrifuge and spun very fast until it separates into distinct layers. One of the layers, the Platelet Rich layer contains numerous white blood cells, neutrophils and other key components of healing. This portion of your blood will be put back into the socket to stimulate bone growth and healing, reduce pain and inflammation and dramatically reduce your chance of dry socket. Dr. Hendrickson believes PRF is so beneficial that he provides this service to all of his patients at no cost. Thanks to PRF treatment we see a very small number of dry socket.
Where are you located?
We have 2 locations. Our Provo & Murray offices are located...
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
What are your hours?
We are open Monday - Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm MST.
Surgeries are scheduled on Thursdays (Provo) and Fridays (Murray).
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
Social Media Links
