Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt during the late teens or early twenties for the majority of people. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have more or fewer, or none at all. Wisdom teeth can be a valuable asset to the overall health and function of your jaw as long as they pose no problems to existing teeth and are properly aligned. But more often than not, wisdom teeth grow in misaligned and require removal so they don't negatively affect other teeth. Sometimes they grow in horizontally and begin pushing against the second molars. This can cause existing teeth to change position, affecting your bite and the ability to chew and talk effectively. Many people simply do not have room in their mouth to accommodate more teeth, so crowding of existing teeth becomes a problem.  This crowding can lead to damage and decay of the second molars.  Additionally, third molars that are partially or completely entrapped within the gum tissue or the jawbone (impaction) may allow bacteria to penetrate the gum line around the tooth, causing an infection and resulting in pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and general threats to your overall health.    
Extraction
A wisdom tooth is extracted to treat an actual problem or to prevent problems that may arise in the future.

There are three primary reasons for extraction:

  • The tooth has become impacted.
  • The tooth could become problematic if not removed.
  • The tooth has grown in improperly, causing crowding and frequent infections.

Even if the wisdom teeth have grown-in straight, infections caused by food particles is a concern. Because  these particles can be trapped in the area behind the wisdom teeth, regular brushing and flossing can be difficult and ineffective. Tongue pain is another concern, as the constant friction of the tongue against the misaligned tooth can cause discomfort and numbness.  Additionally, it may be wise to have your wisdom teeth removed if you're planning to undergo extensive orthodontic work.

The extraction of wisdom teeth can be a simple, but also a challenging surgical procedure, and should only be performed by dental professionals with proper training and experience performing such extractions. Our skilled team can answer any questions you may have about wisdom teeth.

Dry socket

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at an extraction site is dislodged, falls out, or fails to form. A dry socket is not an infection, but can be extremely painful. In some cases the failure of a blood clot to take hold is beyond the patient's control. In other cases, however, this happens because the patient has disregarded the instructions given by the surgeon. Everyday, activities like smoking, spitting, drinking through a straw, or playing a musical instrument can dislodge the blood clot necessary for healing, resulting in a painful dry socket.  Essentially, any activity that changes the pressure inside of the mouth (sucking, blowing) can potentially dislodge the blood clot. The resulting pain is due to inflammation in the bone underlying the tooth socket.

We can help if you suspect you have a dry socket due to a tooth extraction.  In some cases a dry socket can be treated with a thorough cleaning, but medications or a topical application may also be necessary. Generally, however, dry sockets heal on their own within 2-4 weeks without treatment.

Swelling

Some swelling at the extraction site is an indication that the healing process is progressing normally. The duration and severity of this uncomfortable state varies from individual to individual. While swelling will generally not disappear completely for several days after it peaks, swelling that does not begin to subside, or gets worse, may be a sign of infection. Swelling that subsides but then re-appears after a few weeks may be an indication of infection, possibly caused by a bone or tooth fragment still lodged in or near the extraction site.  This type of pain should be treated immediately. If you are suffering from chronic swelling after a tooth extraction, call us immediately and we will get you back on the road to good health!