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Oral Surgery: The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Wisdom teeth, those third molars at the very back of our mouths, are so named because they generally erupt during late adolescence and early adulthood. When properly positioned they can be a valuable asset to us. When the jaw is not large enough to accommodate these wisdom teeth, they can cause dental problems, such as infection, requiring wisdom tooth removal.

Wisdom Teeth in Teens

Wisdom teeth usually appear in young adults between the ages of 15 and 25. Some wisdom teeth will grow in normally; others are "impacted." An impacted wisdom tooth allows no room for the rest of your teeth to grow. Dentists use X-rays to evaluate whether your wisdom teeth have any chance of coming in properly and can advise you on the best time to have wisdom tooth removal.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

When there is no room for wisdom teeth to come in properly or when the teeth haven't reached their permanent location by age 25, then they're considered to be impacted wisdom teeth. Dentists recommend removing the tooth early, before wisdom tooth and other dental complications can develop.

Partially visible wisdom teeth are susceptible to bacteria that can cause wisdom tooth infection. Cysts and tumors can grow on a trapped wisdom tooth, causing irritation and some pain as well as diseases of the gums. Another problem occurs when the second molar, the last tooth before the wisdom tooth, is damaged as the wisdom tooth grows in without enough room.

The younger the patient, the easier the healing will be, which is another reason not to wait before removing impacted wisdom teeth. This oral surgery will be performed in the office of either a dentist or an oral surgeon, under anesthesia, providing patients with maximum comfort while keeping the procedure efficient and cost-effective. Local anesthetic (such as Novocain) is always used, but you may opt for additional comfort with nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation (twilight sleep) or deep sedation (general anesthesia.)

Wisdom Tooth Removal

An oral surgeon or your dentist can provide guidance whether you're a candidate for wisdom teeth removal (extraction). The bottom line is that wisdom teeth most often don't fit well in our mouths and they can cause other teeth to move or lead to gum disease or bone problems. Ask the dentist to make an evaluation and suggest the best course of action!

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.

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.