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Oral Surgeons and Wisdom Tooth FAQ

Q. What is an oral surgeon?

A. An oral surgeon is a dentist that performs many aspects of surgery in and about the head area including wisdom tooth removal. They can perform simple to extremely difficult extractions, such as wisdom teeth extraction. They also perform dental biopsies and remove tumors in the head and neck region. Most place implants in the jaw for future restorations and do complex jaw realignment surgeries. They usually have four or more years of continuing education after graduating dental school, and most limit their practice to only oral surgery.

Q. What is oral surgery?

A. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry that includes diagnosis, surgical, and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the head, face, mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, and neck. An example of oral surgery would be extracting an impacted wisdom tooth or even extracting multiple impacted wisdom teeth.

Q. What are wisdom teeth?

A. Wisdom teeth are third molars. Normally people have three permanent molars that develop in each quadrant of the mouth; upper, lower, right and left. The first molars usually grow into the mouth at around six years of age. The second molars grow in at around age 12.

The third molars, wisdom teeth, usually will try to grow in at around age 18 to 20 years. Since that is considered to be the age when people become wiser, third molars gained the nickname, "wisdom teeth".

Actually, wisdom teeth are no different than any other tooth except that they are the last teeth to erupt, or grow into the mouth. Wisdom teeth are just as useful as any other tooth if they grow in properly, have a proper bite relationship, and have healthy gum tissue around them.

Q. Why do wisdom teeth cause problems?

A. Wisdom teeth cause problems because the shape of the modern human mouth may be too small to accommodate these teeth. As a result, they become impacted, or unable to come in or move into their proper place.

When wisdom teeth are prevented from erupting into the mouth properly, they are referred to as impacted. Teeth that have not erupted are not necessarily impacted. It may be that it is still too early in someone's dental development, and if time passes they might grow in properly. A dentist must examine a patient's mouth and his or her x-rays to determine if the teeth are impacted or will not grow in properly.

Impacted wisdom teeth may cause problems. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in infection, decay of adjacent teeth, gum disease or formation of a cyst or tumor from the follicle, which is the tissue which formed the crown of the tooth. Many dentists recommend removal of impacted wisdom teeth to prevent potential problems.

Q. What problems occur from partially erupted wisdom teeth?

A. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs that may cause infection, and cysts and tumors may grow on a trapped wisdom tooth. Jaw pain and gum disease may occur.

Partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause problems with the teeth in front of them, such as decay, bone loss, or root resorption. Any soft tissue which may is partially covering them is subject to infection. Again, if any of your wisdom teeth are partially erupted, you may want to carefully consider extraction. Not all wisdom teeth cause problems.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction or Removal - Oral Surgery Guidelines To Speed Healing

After oral surgery, it is important to follow all the instructions provided by your oral surgeon or wisdom tooth dentist.

Here are some guidelines to speed your recovery and healing.

The First Step After Oral Surgery: Proper Care for Bleeding

To limit bleeding after oral surgery, your wisdom tooth dentist or oral surgeon may place a gauze pack on the wisdom tooth extraction site.

This should be left in place for 30 to 45 minutes after leaving the office.

Bleeding might continue after the pack is removed.

If it does, follow these instructions:

• Form a thick pad from clean gauze; dampen it and place the pad directly on the wisdom tooth extraction site.
• Apply some pressure by firmly biting on it for about 30 minutes.
• Replace the pad with a clean one if it becomes soaked with blood.
• If heavy bleeding continues, call your wisdom tooth dentist.
• Avoid sucking on the wisdom tooth extraction site.

Protect the Blood Clot

A blood clot should form in the wisdom tooth extraction site; this needs to be protected for proper healing. Healing is a delicate process and requires the restriction of certain activities; otherwise the blood clot can be dislodged.

Dental Care And Things You Must Avoid After Oral Surgery:

• Sucking or blowing motions
• Smoking
• Drinking through a straw for 24 hours
• Rinsing your mouth vigorously
• Mouthwash (until your wisdom tooth dentist approves its use)
• Cleaning teeth next to the extracted site for the rest of the day
• Strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Hot liquids or alcoholic beverages

Reduce Swelling and Pain of Oral Surgery

Your oral surgeon or wisdom tooth dentist may give you a plastic ice pack to apply to your face on the way home. A cold compress helps reduce swelling. Apply either a cold compress or cold, moist cloth periodically. Switch to moist heat (a warm wash cloth) 24 hours after oral surgery. Check with your oral surgeon or wisdom tooth dentist regarding how often and how long to use a compress.

Your oral surgeon or dentist may prescribe medication to prevent infection and control pain. Carefully follow the instructions. If you experience severe pain, swelling, bleeding, fever, nausea or vomiting, contact your wisdom tooth dentist.

Proper Oral Care after Oral Surgery

Your mouth should be gently rinsed (not vigorously) with warm salt water the day after oral surgery. Add ½ teaspoon salt to one-cup warm water. Be sure to rinse after eating to keep food particles out of the extraction site.

Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing your tongue is also advised to eliminate bad breath and an unpleasant taste that often accompanies oral surgery. Floss at least once a day, too.

Follow your dentist or oral surgeon's instructions carefully after dental surgery.

Contact your wisdom tooth dentist or oral surgeon if you have any of the following problems:

• Numbness doesn't subside within a few hours;
• You experience nausea or vomiting; or
• You have severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever in the wisdom tooth extraction area.

Oral Surgery Guideline for Consumers

by Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.