Wisdom Teeth

Westfield Oral Surgery
320 Lenox Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: (908) 233-8088
Fax: (908) 232-4662

WISDOM TEETH

BASIC FACTS

Wisdom teeth, or your third molars, are the last to erupt. Wisdom teeth often erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. However, they may not erupt at all, and would be considered impacted. Impacted teeth are trapped in the jaw and under the gum, due to insufficient room.
Generally, wisdom teeth are non-functional and often do more harm than good to the adjacent teeth and surrounding jaw bone.

Most people have four wisdom teeth, two upper and two lower. They may be at different stages of eruption or they may be impacted under the gum line in different directions. Since eruption is gradual, the potential damage may also be gradual.

Wisdom teeth are often impacted due to lack of room in the mouth. Potentially problematic wisdom teeth can be erupted in abnormal position, biting into the cheeks or gum. Wisdom teeth can also be impacted at various levels under the soft tissue (gum), or they can be partially or fully impacted, or hidden beneath the bone.

As wisdom teeth develop, so do the roots. Over time, they tend to become firmly supported in the surrounding bone and by the developing roots. Therefore, the earlier problematic wisdom teeth are removed, the easier it is for you.

Infection is the most common cause of symptoms involving these teeth.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Jaw and facial pain, especially when chewing
Swelling of face and jaw
Difficulty opening and/or closing mouth
Pain by ears
Foul odor from mouth
Headache
Fever
Shifting of teeth

Note: Sometimes impacted teeth cause slow damage to adjacent teeth and underlying bone, without causing any pain or symptoms!

USUAL TREATMENT

Like any surgery, it is always recommended that pre-surgical consultation take place. It is at this time that the appropriate X-rays can be reviewed or taken, and all of your personal questions and concerns addressed. Consultation would include treatment options, as well as choices of anesthetics, ranging from local anesthesia to general anesthesia. Consultation with you would include discussing all possible risks, complications of any treatment proposed, of which you will ultimately choose. Sometimes antibiotics or analgesics (pain killers) are prescribed at the consultation visit. Although most procedures can be performed in the office, some procedures require same day stay in the hospital.

Like any surgical procedure, it may be necessary for you to take some time off work or school, depending upon the nature or extent of the procedure. Usually one post-treatment visit is standard, for which time must be allotted.

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXTRACTIONS

Bite down on gauze firmly for thirty to sixty minutes after extraction.
Repeat biting on gauze only if necessary. A small amount of oozing from the extraction site for the first day is not unusual. Do not sleep with gauze in mouth.
Apply ice pack to face on and off for first day.
Do not rinse or spit out for the first 24 hours after extraction.
Do not use a straw for the first 24 hours after extraction.
After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water after meals, ½ teaspoon salt to 8 oz. warm water.
Do not smoke or chew tobacco for the first 48 hours following extraction.
Do not use mouthwash for five days following extraction.
Avoid hot or spicy foods for the first few days.
Diet initially should be liquid or soft, and should progress normally as tolerated.
Use the pain medications or antibiotics as prescribed.

Swelling is a normal consequence of oral surgical procedures. Swelling tends to increase over the first two or three days and then subsides. Post-operative discomfort usually is most noticeable the first day and should dissipate slowly over the next couple of days. If pain increases on the second or third day, please call the office to rule out a dry socket.

If there are any side effects or allergic type reactions to the medications being taken, stop them immediately and call the office. If there are any significant concerns or questions which you might have, please call the office.