
Do We Need Wisdom Teeth?
When coming in for bi-annual cleanings, our professional staff track the eruption of wisdom teeth by monitoring the X-rays taken. They will ensure the eruptions do not affect the rest of the patient’s teeth. Even though wisdom teeth extractions are very common, they are designed to come in correctly like the rest of the adult teeth.
Many times, the teeth come in correctly but there isn’t enough room to accept them. The other teeth in the mouth will resist being moved by the new wisdom teeth. Sometimes a patient’s wisdom teeth can become impacted when they start to come in. Due to the limited room in the oral cavity, some wisdom teeth are unable to completely erupt, allowing only small sections of them to be visible. It is important to remove the teeth at that point, so they do not damage the patient’s other teeth.
Why Remove Them?
When wisdom teeth are impacted, we need to remove them as soon as possible so other more involved complications do not occur. The longer they remain impacted the more there is a chance for infection and the more difficult their removal becomes. Because they can erupt at strange angles—in some cases at the back of the second molar or in others toward the jawbone—it complicates things. Growing in the direction of the throat, many patients report experiencing excruciating pain.
In other cases, the wisdom teeth can enter perpendicular to the rest of the patient’s natural teeth. They appear on X-rays as if they are upside down. Sometimes, the teeth can grow directly vertical but be trapped inside the jawbone which requires cutting deep into the bone to extract them. Other times, they can grow through the roof of the mouth because there simply is not room to allow them to properly erupt.
Will I Need Stitches After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
In many cases, stitches are used after wisdom teeth removal to promote proper healing and close the extraction site. Some stitches are dissolvable and will naturally dissolve within a few days, while others may need to be removed by your dentist during a follow-up visit. Whether or not you need stitches depends on the complexity of your extraction and your dentist’s recommendation.
How Long Does the Recovery Process Take?
The recovery process after wisdom teeth removal typically takes about one to two weeks. During the first few days, you may experience swelling, mild pain, and some bleeding, which can be managed with prescribed medications, ice packs, and rest. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a week, but it’s important to avoid strenuous activities and follow aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
What Kind of Anesthesia Will Be Used?
The type of anesthesia used for wisdom teeth removal depends on the complexity of the procedure and your comfort level. Options include local anesthesia to numb the extraction site, sedation anesthesia to help you relax and feel drowsy, or general anesthesia for patients who prefer to be completely unconscious during the procedure. Your dentist or oral surgeon will discuss the best option for you during your consultation.