Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that emerge, usually during your late teens to early twenties. For some people, the wisdom teeth emerge through the gums and have enough room to grow in naturally. For others, wisdom teeth can cause problems as they attempt to protrude through the gums.
When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, cause the tooth to come in unevenly, or result in the tooth emerging only partially. Impacted wisdom teeth can:
These potential issues make it necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth to prevent larger problems from developing. Routine x-rays during a dental exam can reveal if you will need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom teeth extractions are a common dental procedure, often necessary to address problems as these teeth attempt to emerge through the gums. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they grow at an angle instead of straight through the gum line, leading to various issues. Common problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth include:
If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infections, damage to neighboring teeth, and other oral health complications. Your dentist can evaluate your situation and determine if extraction is the best course of action to preserve your dental health and alleviate discomfort.
When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially, a flap of skin, called an operculum, may form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under the skin. This makes it easy for an infection, called pericoronitis, to develop. It will usually go away on its own, but it causes swelling and pain in the area.
Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth that can potentially cause problems, like infections, need to be removed. Extractions can range from a single tooth to removing all four wisdom teeth at once. Based on the preference of the doctor and/or the patient, a local anesthetic could be used to numb the areas where the teeth will be extracted. Others will prefer to go under a general anesthetic so that they will be sedated during the procedure.
The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is cut open to reveal the tooth. The tooth is loosened by gripping it tightly and wiggling it back and forth until it can be lifted out of the gums. Sometimes a tooth may be impacted so tightly that it cannot be simply lifted out of the gums. In cases like this, the tooth will be broken up into pieces first before being removed. Depending on the incision and extraction site, sutures may be needed to close the area. Soluble sutures are the best option, which will dissolve on their own.
After the surgery, you will need to rest. You need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours, you should call your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore, take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:
When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly, call your dentist for a follow-up.
When removing a tooth, it is important to consider the best course of action for the space left behind. While wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth and typically heal on their own without complications, other extractions require more thoughtful planning.
If nothing is done with the extraction site after a tooth is removed, the jawbone may degenerate and change shape during healing. This can cause:
Depending on your preferences and needs, there are several options to restore the space:
Your dentist will discuss the best options for your specific situation. They will recommend a treatment plan and provide guidance on caring for the extraction site. Be sure to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
Bone grafting is where the jawbone is built up to accommodate a dental implant or other restorative device. Bone grafting is a common procedure that is used frequently for dental implants and other periodontal procedures.
The bone used to graft is taken from a sample from the patient. Many times, the bone is taken from another area of the mouth when drilling takes place. The bone fragments are suctioned from the mouth and used for the graft.
Cadaver bone fragments are also used. They are harvested by bone banks and are a very safe source for bone donation.
After a car accident or other forms of facial trauma, surgery may be required to correct the damage. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are specially trained to perform surgeries needed after such injuries. These surgeries can take place in a local hospital or outpatient surgery center, depending on the severity of the trauma.
Some common types of facial trauma that may need surgical intervention include:
Facial trauma causes both physical and emotional stress for patients. Correcting these injuries requires special training and a deep understanding of both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the face. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons consider the patient’s prior appearance, as well as any permanent damage, to ensure the best possible outcomes. This ensures the patient not only heals physically but also retains or restores their natural appearance.
Oral Pathology is a specialty that focuses on the identification and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth and maxillofacial region. The diagnosis of these diseases is made through various examinations, including radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, and other in-office procedures. Oral pathologists work closely with dentists to provide clinical diagnoses based on their findings.
Oral pathologists diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions, including:
Oral pathologists also provide biopsy services for dentists to confirm diagnoses and offer expert clinical advice on treatment options based on their findings.
Oral surgery can be an effective treatment for sleep apnea by removing excess tissue in the throat that is blocking the upper air passages and causing vibrations. This helps to reduce snoring and improve breathing during sleep. There are several surgical procedures used to treat sleep apnea, including:
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a procedure that removes excess tissue from the upper mouth and throat. This surgery is typically performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. The goal is to widen the airway and reduce the obstruction caused by tissue in the throat.
Maxillomandibular advancement is another surgical option for treating sleep apnea. This procedure involves repositioning the upper and lower jaw to move them forward from the rest of the facial bones. This adjustment creates more space behind the soft palate, reducing airway obstruction and improving airflow during sleep.
In some cases, when other treatments have failed, a tracheostomy may be necessary. During this procedure, a tube is inserted into the throat to allow breathing. The tube is covered during the day but is opened at night to provide a clear airway for breathing while you sleep.
All of these surgeries are routine procedures and are considered very safe when performed by skilled surgeons.