Most teens and young adults will eventually need oral surgery to remove their wisdom teeth (also known as “third molars”). Because wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to erupt, there is often not enough room left in the mouth to accommodate them. The lack of space can cause wisdom teeth to come in sideways, only partially erupt or become impacted within the gums.
The disadvantages of keeping impacted, sideways or partially-erupted wisdom teeth include:
- Shifting of permanent teeth
- Jaw pain and headaches
- Chronic sinus infections
Our in-house oral surgeon will evaluate the status of your wisdom teeth with a visual exam and panoramic X-ray. If it turns out that they’re not erupting properly, he will explain your options for removal (traditional extraction or removal via oral surgery) and thoroughly discuss the pros and cons of each method.
What is an Impacted Tooth?
When a tooth is unable to fully enter the mouth, it is said to be “impacted.” In general, impacted teeth are unable to break through the gums because there is not enough room, often resulting in the need for oral surgery. Nine out of ten people have had at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
If left in the mouth, impacted wisdom teeth may damage neighboring teeth, develop cysts, or become infected. Because the third molar area of the mouth is difficult to clean, it is a site that invites bacteria that lead to gum disease. Furthermore, oral bacteria may travel from your mouth through the bloodstream, where it may cause possible systemic infections and illnesses that affect the heart, kidneys and other organs. [1] [2] [3]
Research has shown that once periodontal disease is established in the third molar areas, the problem is persistent and progressive, but may greatly improve if an oral surgeon performs an extraction of the problematic teeth. [4] [5] [6]
Do My Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed if I’m not Feeling Any Pain?
Many people believe that as long as they are not in pain, they do not have to worry about their wisdom teeth. However, wisdom teeth that come in normally may still be prone to disease, according to a study by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation. It is, therefore, important that your dentist monitors the health of your wisdom teeth during your annual dental check-ups.
What Happens During this Type of Oral Surgery?
If your dentist or healthcare professional recommends that your wisdom teeth be removed, you will most likely be referred to an oral surgeon for the procedure. Before surgery, your oral surgeon will discuss the procedure with you and tell you what to expect. This is a good time to bring up any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.
There are several conditions that affect how easy it will be to remove a wisdom tooth, or that may cause the oral surgery to be more complicated. These conditions include how the tooth is positioned, the stage of root development, and if the wisdom teeth are impacted.
In most cases, third molars can be extracted with little or no pain, and in the office of your oral surgeon. Patients are given local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, general anesthesia or a combination of these numbing agents. During your initial consultation, you and your oral surgeon will decide upon the anesthetic option that is right for you.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
Following your oral surgery, you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort, which are part of the normal healing process. Cold compresses may help decrease the swelling, and medication prescribed by your oral surgeon can help manage the discomfort. You also may be instructed to modify your diet following surgery, and progress from soft to more normal foods.
What if I Decide to Keep my Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth that are completely erupted, painless, cavity-free, disease-free and functioning in a hygienic environment with healthy gum tissue may not require extraction. They do, however, require regular, professional cleaning, annual check-ups and periodic radiographs to monitor for any changes. If, after discussing your situation with your dentist or oral surgeon, you decide to keep your wisdom teeth, be sure to take particular care in brushing and flossing your molars.
Wisdom teeth removal at Stonewalk Family Dentistry is an out-patient oral surgery procedure that can be completed in an hour or two. We offer many sedation dentistry options to make your time in our care as painless and stress-free as possible – call us at (770) 777-1911 or contact our team online today to schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon!