Also
called third molars, wisdom teeth usually make their first appearance
in young adults between the ages of 15 to 25. Because most mouths
are too small for these four additional molars, an extraction
procedure, sometimes immediately after they surface, is often
necessary.
What
are "impacted wisdom teeth?"
In
dental terminology an "impacted tooth" refers to a
tooth that has failed to emerge fully into its expected position.
This failure to erupt properly may occur either because there
is not room enough in the jaw for the tooth, or because the
angulation of the tooth is improper.
When
should wisdom teeth be removed?
The
following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted
and surfaced, and should be removed before they become impacted
-- meaning, the teeth have surfaced and have no room in the
mouth to grow. However, each individual may experience symptoms
differently. Symptoms may include:
- pain
- infection in the mouth
- facial swelling
- swelling of the gumline in the back of the mouth
Most oral health specialists will recommend an immediate removal
of the wisdom teeth, as early removal will help to eliminate
problems, such as an impacted tooth that destroys the second
molar. According to the Australian Dental Association, third
molar impaction is the most prevalent medical developmental
disorder.
What
problems are often associated with impacted third molars?
-
bacteria and plaque build-up
- cysts development (a fluid-filled sac)
- tumor development
- infection
- jaw and gum disease
What
is involved in the extraction procedure?
Wisdom
tooth extraction surgery involves removing the gum tissue that
presides over the tooth, gently detaching the connective tissue
between the tooth and the bone, removing the tooth, and suturing
the opening in the gumline.
What
Can I Expect During the Healing Process?
During
the normal healing process, you may experience initial swelling
and discomfort in your gums and jaw, making it wise to plan
''taking it easy'' for a few days after the surgery. Discomfort
and swelling can be relieved by placing ice packs on your face.
We may also prescribe pain medication to increase your comfort
during the healing process and antibiotics if necessary. Other
things you can do to help with the healing process include:
o
Drink lots of liquids and limit your diet to soft foods after
the bleeding stops.
o Avoid hard or crunchy foods for at least two weeks.
o Avoid brushing the teeth next to the ones that were removed
until at least a day after surgery. When you do begin brushing
the area again, be very gentle so as not to disturb the blood
clot that forms in the socket. For the same reason, don not
rinse your mouth vigorously, smoke, spit forcefully or drink
from a straw during the healing process.
o Avoid alcohol the day of surgery and do not mix with pain
medications.
o Call us if you have fever, persistent and severe pain, excessive
swelling or bleeding, or any adverse reaction to your medication.
If
you require any more information on EMERGENCY
DENTISTRY IN SYDNEY please do not hesitate to
contact us.
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