Wisdom teeth removal in La Mesa
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow in, and they typically emerge between the age of 17 and 21, but most people don’t have enough space in their mouth to accommodate them. As a result, many wisdom teeth erupt in the wrong position or do not fully emerge, becoming impacted and necessitating removal to prevent pain and other oral health issues.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third set of molars, are located in the very back of your mouth. Fun fact: their name derives from the assumption that you’re older and wiser by the time they emerge. Scientists believe the teeth were necessary long ago for our ancestors to consume raw food, but with the advent of cooking and cutlery, they are no longer needed, and human mouths have evolved to become too small to accommodate them.
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
Some people are lucky enough to have their wisdom teeth grow in straight with plenty of room, but for most of us, wisdom teeth erupt at an angle or only partially emerge, which can lead to chronic tooth pain and other oral health issues, including:
- Damage to nearby teeth and gums
- Damage to the jawbone
- Deep caries
- Trapped food particles that can cause decay
- Bacterial growth in the gumline
- Infection and gum disease
- Development of cysts or tumors near the impacted tooth
To prevent these issues from occurring, most children around age 16-19 are evaluated for possible wisdom tooth removal, as X-rays and dental CBCT scan images can show the angle of the tooth and potential complications long before the teeth erupt from the gums.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom tooth removal surgery may sometimes involve sedation or general anesthesia, but it’s not required. Local or nerve block anesthesia near the extraction site usually provides adequate numbing effects to blunt any pain. During the procedure, the dentist makes an incision in the gumline to expose the tooth and underlying bone. After the connective tissue between the tooth and the bone is removed, the tooth is typically divided into sections for easier removal. The dentist then cleans the area, removes any remaining debris, and stitches the gums back together. Gauze is applied to control extra bleeding, and the dentist usually prescribes pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection.
If your dentist uses removable stitches, you will need to return to have them removed, but many dentists use self-dissolving stitches that do not require professional removal.
What is the recovery period like for wisdom teeth removal?
The healing process can take a few days, and you should expect bleeding in the first 24 hours following the surgery. To control bleeding, you can place gauze over the site and bite down for 30 minutes. Sometimes swelling may develop in the first 48-72 hours, and you can apply an ice pack for 10-minute intervals (removing for 20 minutes in between). Other tips to ensure a successful recovery:
- Do not rinse your mouth for 72 hours after surgery,
- After the first 72 hours, rinse gently with salt water after meals and at bedtime for about 4 days
- Continue to brush your teeth but avoid the area around the surgery site until fully healed
- Eat soft foods for the first week that are high in protein to encourage healing
- Keep hydrated, but do not use a straw for at least a week after surgery
What are the potential complications from wisdom teeth removal?
As with most dental surgeries, there are possible complications you might face after wisdom teeth removal. Infections in recent day dentistry are very rare, which can be treated with antibiotics, and is much more likely if you smoke during your recovery. The most common complication is known as “dry socket” or alveolitis. It happens when the blood clot that forms in the jawbone hole after extraction is dislodged or dissolves, leaving the bone exposed to air, fluid, and food. If you notice a dull, aching sensation in your gum or jaw, you’ll need to make an immediate appointment with your dentist. Dry socket may be a very painful and unpleasant condition, but is fortunately very easy to treat.
The best way to prevent oral health issues arising from impacted wisdom teeth is to have them removed long before they erupt. To schedule a wisdom tooth evaluation, call La Mesa Dental Center at (619) 337-2424.