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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.
Navigating Oral Care: The Ultimate Guide to Wisdom Teeth Removal vs. Extraction
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, the notorious third molars, often make life a bit more interesting when they decide to poke their heads out. Rolling in between the ages of 17 and 25, these teeth can stir up some real drama if there ain't enough room in your mouth for them to squeeze in.
Basics of Wisdom Teeth
These late bloomers are the last molars to show up, usually when folks are wrapping up their teenage years. Unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth seem to have a knack for finding trouble. Most jaws just don't have the space for a new tenant, leaving wisdom teeth to crash the party uninvited, stuck under the gum and bone. Because of this, they often end up impacted, leading to all sorts of dental hiccups requiring a dreaded wisdom teeth removal.
Overview of Wisdom Teeth Development
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Teeth Type | Third Molars |
| Appearing Usually | Ages 17-25 |
| Whopper Issues | Getting stuck, pain, infection, shifts |
| Possible Complications | Rotting, gum troubles, collateral damage |
Common Issues with Wisdom Teeth
These back-of-the-mouth bandits aren't without their trials. They face struggles like space shortages or hang out at awkward angles:
- Impaction: Sometimes these teeth can't pop out fully, getting trapped in the gum or jawbone—a condition called impaction—which can cause nagging pain and pesky infections.
- Pain and Discomfort: Imagine these new chompers pushing against your existing ones. That can't feel good, right? A sure tale sign that removal might be needed includes swelling and soreness near the back of your mouth.
- Infection: A partially popped wisdom tooth can act like an Airbnb for bacteria, inviting infections. Find out why these infections happen.
- Rot and Gum Troubles: Being tucked way at the back makes these teeth tough to clean, hiking up the chances for cavities and gum issues. See how to spot when it's time to pull them out.
- Neighbor Nuisance: If these mollies grow in sideways, they might crowd or damage the neighbors. For more, peep the risks of skipping removal.
Catching these hiccups early with a dentist's help can steer you clear of some of the headaches. It'll help in deciding if a kick-out is in order.
Getting a good grasp on what these teeth can put you through can help you and your loved ones decide when to make the call to remove them. Regular check-ups and consistent brushing and flossing keep a close watch on your wisdom teeth antics, ensuring they don't mess with your overall oral health.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Getting a grip on the details of wisdom teeth removal can seriously ease your nerves and get you ready for the whole shebang. Knowing what's coming can also help when you're trying to figure out the differences between wisdom teeth removal and extraction, so you're not left scratching your head.
Surgical Process Explained
Pulling those pesky third molars, aka wisdom teeth, is a bit of a surgical dance, especially if they're playing hide and seek or causing a ruckus.
Initial Evaluation: It all kicks off with a dentist or oral surgeon giving a thorough look-see, using X-rays to decide just how those wisdom teeth are getting on.
Incision: Time for the knife! A tiny slice in the gum opens things up for the real action.
Bone Removal: If any bone's in the way, out it goes — no beating around the bush here!
Tooth Sectioning: Sometimes, the tooth gets the chop into smaller bits to make life a tad easier.
Extraction: Each piece gets whisked away until it’s all cleared out.
Suturing: Finished up with a few stitches to help everything heal up nicely.
Everything's done in a step-by-step manner to make sure those teeth are outta there and to keep complications to a minimum. If you’re looking for more signs it’s time for wisdom teeth removal, we've got a detailed breakdown over on our website.
Anesthesia and Sedation Options
Keeping folks comfy and chill during the procedure is the name of the game. Normally, there's a choice of anesthesia to keep things pain-free.
| Anesthesia Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Local Anesthesia | Just numbs the specific area | Minor pain, least disruption |
| IV Sedation | Calm feel, might forget the whole thing | Folks seeking super chill vibes |
| General Anesthesia | Knocked out cold, zero clue what's happening | Big surgeries, those with major jitters |
- Local Anesthesia: You’ll only feel a light pinch where the action's at. You're wide awake but zero pain; magic, right?
- IV Sedation: This one's a chill pill in liquid form—straight into your veins, leaving you mellow, maybe with a blank slate afterward. Great for those feeling extra jittery or getting several teeth pulled.
- General Anesthesia: Lights out! You're snoozing through the whole thing, no memories of the ordeal. Picked for complex cases or if you're super nervous.
Picking the anesthesia that suits you best involves a quick chat with a dental expert. They’ll help sort out what's good for your health and what you're comfy with. Thinking ahead? Sneak a peek at our advice on how to prep for wisdom teeth removal.
There's more! To know what's next after you’ve left the chair, from healing to dealing with the aches, check our guides on post-surgery care and managing the puffiness and pain.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Post-Operative Care Instructions
After getting those pesky wisdom teeth out, you're looking at about a week of recovery time according to Dr. Wisdom Teeth. Stick to the game plan your surgeon laid out, and you'll be back to your usual self in no time. Here's the lowdown on post-op care:
- Take It Easy: For the first 24 hours, your couch or bed is calling your name. Prop yourself up with some comfy pillows to keep swelling down and speed up healing.
- Chill Out: Hold a cold pack against your face for 15-20 minutes on and then give it a break for 20 minutes. Keep it up for 48 hours to keep swelling and pain in check.
- Pain Control: Pop your meds as prescribed. Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen can do the trick, too.
- Keep It Clean: Skip the brushing, rinsing, and mouthwash for a day. After that, rinse with some warm salt water—gentle is the word.
- Soft Foods Only: Think mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies for the first days. Hot or crunchy stuff can irritate the area, so keep it cool and soft.
- Skip Straws and Cigarettes: No straws or smoking for a week to keep the blood clots in place and avoid trouble like dry sockets.
Managing Swelling and Discomfort
Swelling and a bit of hurt is normal after wisdom teeth come out. Here's the scoop on handling the rough parts (Dr. Wisdom Teeth):
| Symptom | How to Handle It |
|---|---|
| Swelling | Ice packs for the first two days. After that, switch to warm compresses to help the swelling go down even more. |
| Discomfort | Stick with your prescribed meds, and add over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Keep sipping water and resting. |
| Bleeding | Bleeding can happen. Use gauze pads, gently biting down and changing them as needed. If it keeps up past a few hours, give your doctor a ring. |
| Nausea | Might feel queasy from the meds. Clear liquids first, then slowly ease back into soft foods. If it doesn't go away, call your surgeon. |
For more info on watching over your teeth after surgery, check out our article on how to prepare for wisdom teeth removal surgery.
Following these steps will help ease the bumps along the recovery road. Hit up your dentist if something feels off, like crazy pain or lots of bleeding. For more tips on what to expect before getting your wisdom teeth out, drop by our section on what to expect before wisdom teeth removal surgery.
Risks and Complications
Potential Side Effects
Taking out wisdom teeth, while a common procedure, isn't without possible pitfalls. It's good to be clued up on what might go sideways, even if such things aren’t everyday occurrences:
- Infection: You gotta keep things tidy! If the extraction spot isn't cleaned right, you could end up dealing with an infection.
- Dry Socket: Sounds wild, right? This refers to losing the blood clot over the extraction spot, leaving nerves and bones exposed, and it can hurt—a lot.
- Nerve Damage: Some folks experience numbness or that tingly feeling in the lip and chin if a nerve catches a break during the procedure. Could be short-term; could stick around.
- Sinus Problems: Those upper chompers play it cozy with your sinuses, and moving them out can sometimes stir up trouble in that department.
- Jaw Stiffness: Sometimes the jaw needs a break and rebels with stiffness after being nudged around. It's usually temporary but might stick around.
| Potential Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Infection | Often hits when post-surgery cleanliness takes a backseat. |
| Dry Socket | No clot means exposed nerves and bones—a recipe for pain. |
| Nerve Damage | Numbness or tingling in the lower lip and chin might show up. |
| Sinus Problems | Upper wisdom teeth removal can make sinus act out. |
| Jaw Stiffness | The jaw might feel reluctant to move, temporarily or longer. |
Source: Dr. Wisdom Teeth
Precautions for Minimizing Risks
Dental experts have got tricks up their sleeves to keep risks in check during and after wisdom tooth removal. Here’s how you can tiptoe around complications:
- Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions: What the doc says goes! They’ve got a playbook for a good reason, and sticking to it can dodge most post-op drama.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Think of it like your extraction site’s bestie. Keeping things neat reduces infection risks—rinse gently with some dentist-approved antiseptic goodness.
- Avoid Dislodging the Clot: Straws, smokes, and wild rinsing moves? Nope, not now. You need that clot to stick around and do its job.
- Manage Swelling: It’s you versus puffiness. Arm yourself with ice packs right after surgery to keep your face’s holiday from swelling worse.
- Monitor for Signs of Complications: Keep an eye out for nasty surprises like gnarly pain, heat waves (a.k.a fever), or any unsettling swelling that won’t quit, and holler at your dentist if they pop up.
| Precaution | Action |
|---|---|
| Follow Care Instructions | Stick to the script and heed your dental pro's advice. |
| Maintain Oral Hygiene | Tread lightly with antiseptic solutions as instructed. |
| Avoid Clot Dislodging Activities | Steer clear of straws, smoking, or overzealous rinsing. |
| Manage Swelling | Ice packs are your friends—use them in the early hours post-op. |
| Monitor for Complications | If in doubt—pain, fever, or swelling that lingers—call your dentist. |
Source: Dr. Wisdom Teeth
If you’re itching for more know-how on wisdom teeth removal, dive into resources about impacted wisdom teeth and post-op advice to help you make savvy choices and sail through the experience.
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
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