Most people get their wisdom teeth in their late teens or early twenties. They are the third and final set of molars and can be a valuable asset when the mouth is healthy and properly aligned. Sometimes they will require removal, wisdom teeth extractions-dental care is important for optimal health and can assist you with your evaluation.
Wisdom teeth can position themselves horizontally or be angled away from or toward second molars. This can damage adjacent teeth, the nerves or jawbone. When they lean toward the molars, they can entrap plaque and cause decay. They can be entrapped in soft tissue and only partially break through. This is known as impacted wisdom teeth and it allows for bacteria to enter the tooth and cause infection which results in swelling, pain and stiffness. These teeth are more prone to decay and gum disease as they are hard to reach and brushing is difficult.
The teeth are the hardest substance in the body, they are important for chewing and play an important role in speech. They are comprised of enamel which is the outer white part of the tooth. Dentin is the layer under the enamel made of living cells that secrete a hard mineral substance. Pulp is the soft living inner structure. Blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp.
Your dentist will take x-rays of your teeth periodically to see what is going on, if your wisdom teeth need attention he or she will advise you accordingly. Misaligned or horizontal teeth may need to be extracted before they cause problems. Doing this will prevent more complex and painful extractions at a later time. It is easier to remove wisdom teeth in younger people when the bone is less dense and not fully developed. When it is done on older people they take longer to heal.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will extract your wisdom teeth easily if they are fully erupted, your dentist will let you know what he will be doing in the pre-extraction exam. If the tooth is under the gums and embedded in the jawbone it will require removal of the bone that lies over the tooth. Sometimes when a tooth is in this position it will be removed in sections to minimize the amount of bone lost. You will receive a local anesthetic prior to the tooth being pulled to numb the surrounding gums. You may also be given a sedative to control anxiety, this can include Valium, nitrous oxide or in intravenous sedative. You may need a ride home after the appointment.
After the tooth is removed, your recovery will depend on the degree of difficulty of the extraction. During the first 24 hours bleeding may occur for several hours after the tooth has been removed. Place a clean moist gauze over the empty tooth socket and bite down firmly applying constant pressure for 45 minutes. A moist teabag is also beneficial, the tannic acid helps to form blood clots. Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours and any sucking action such as drinking from a straw. Avoid hot liquids such as soup or coffee, these can dislodge the clotting and cause dry socket.
Swelling of the face in the area of the extraction is normal, to minimize place ice wrapped in a cloth on your face, 10 minutes on and 20 minutes off for as long as required in the first 24 hours. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken for minor pain. Your dentist will prescribe stronger pain medication if necessary. Antibiotics that you may have taken prior to the extraction to treat infection should continue to be taken until they are finished. Restrict your diet to liquids until the numbness has worn off, eat soft foods and avoid alcohol.
Complications after you have had your tooth extraction Vancouver are dry socket and paresthesia. Dry socket is a common complication that occurs when the blood clot that formed has been dislodged or has failed to form. Without clotting healing is delayed. This can occur 3 to 4 days following the extraction and is painful and produces an odor in the mouth. Medication will be placed in the socket by your dentist to treat this. Paresthesia is less common and it occurs when the nerves has been damaged or bruised during the tooth extraction. Numbness of the chin, lip or tongue can last for a few days or it can be permanent.