Wisdom
teeth, or third molars, are the final
teeth to develop. Most of us have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of
the mouth. They usually emerge during our late teens or early
twenties.
Often times, wisdom
teeth become trapped or impacted in the jawbone, or simply fail to
erupt. This can cause crowding or displacement of other teeth, or lead
to the development of localized tooth decay, infection, or gum disease.
Impacted wisdom teeth are set in the jawbone in unusual positions,
sometimes horizontally, which stops them from erupting in a normal
way.
| Angular, bony
impaction of third molar (wisdom
tooth). |
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Soft tissue
impaction of third molar (wisdom
tooth). |
In most cases, it is recommended
that impacted wisdom teeth be extracted. Depending on the position of the
tooth, third molar or wisdom tooth removal can be performed in your dentist's office, at an outpatient
surgical facility, or in a hospital.
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TYPICAL
PROCEDURE
| Incision is made and
overlying bone is removed, exposing crown of impacted
tooth. |
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|
Tooth is
extracted whole or surgically
sectioned. The site is sutured
closed. |
To
ease any discomfort and promote healing:
 | Use ice packs on the cheek for swelling,
alternating on and off every thirty minutes.
|
| Apply biting pressure with clean gauze to
stop bleeding.
|
| Eat soft foods and drink extra
liquids.
|
| Avoid hard or crunchy foods in the tender
area.
|
| Brush carefully the day after
surgery.
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| Take prescribed medications and follow all
instructions as directed.
|
Call your dentist or physician immediately
in case of excessive bleeding or
swelling, persistent, severe pain or fever.
Be sure to follow the special home care
instructions provided by your dental
professional.
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