Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the back-most teeth present in the mouth.
Wisdom teeth are also the last of the adult teeth to erupt (surface) in the mouth. They commonly erupt when a person is 15 to 25 years of age. By this time, the growth of the jaw bone is almost complete and it may not have enough space to accommodate the newly erupting wisdom tooth.
When a new tooth erupts, it makes its way through the jaw bone, the gums then appears in the mouth. In normal circumstances, there is enough space in the jaw to accommodate the newly erupting tooth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Inadequate space for the new teeth can prevent them from erupting and are called impacted. This results in their inability to surface in a normal healthy position to allow proper cleaning and chewing.
The main reason for an impacted tooth is lack of space to surface in its proper position in the mouth. An impacted wisdom tooth may partially emerge so that some of the crown is visible (partially impacted), or it may never break through the gums (fully impacted). Whether partially or fully impacted, the tooth may grow at an angle toward the next tooth or at an angle to the back of the mouth. Its eruption can also be prevented from growing straight up and it can become locked in the jaw bone.
Impacted wisdom teeth may not always show symptoms. However, when it becomes infected, it can be troublesome and can damage other teeth as well. You may experience one or more symptoms like redness and swelling of gums, pain in the area of the impacted tooth or painful and bleeding gums. The jaw may become swollen on the affected side and you may find difficulty in chewing food, talking and opening the mouth. You may also experience bad breath and unpleasant taste in your mouth. It may also lead to complications like gum inflammation (pericoronitis), cyst formation or decay in the neighbouring tooth
In almost every case the treatment is surgical removal of the tooth.
Before Surgery
You’ll meet with the oral surgeon to talk about the process. At this appointment, make sure you talk about any medical issues you have. Also inform the oral surgeon about any drugs you take on a regular basis.
During Surgery
Your surgery should take 45 minutes or less.
You’ll get one of these types of anesthesia so you don’t feel pain during the removal:
- Local: Your doctor will numb your mouth with a shot of Novocaine in your gums.You may also breathe nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to relax or even doze during surgery. You should feel alert again shortly afterward.
- IV sedation: The surgeon will numb your mouth and also give you drugs through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy. You might sleep during the whole procedure.
- General: You’ll either get drugs through a vein or breathe gas through a mask. You’ll be asleep the whole time and might not wake up for an hour or so after the surgery.
Your doctor may have to cut your gums or bone to get the teeth out. If so, he’ll stitch the wounds shut so they heal quickly. These stitches usually dissolve after a few days.
If you are having wisdom tooth pain or other dental concerns, it is best to get it checked by one of Harbour Pointe’s experienced oral surgeons. We have highly skilled and experienced oral surgeons team who will guide you to the right solution for you . For more information visit https://www.harbourpointeoralsurgery.net/. You can book an appointment https://www.harbourpointeoralsurgery.net/contact-us/