Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom tooth removal is a surgical procedure carried out to remove one or more wisdom teeth. Your wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth resting on the top and bottom at the back corner of the mouth.

When a wisdom tooth doesn't have enough room to erupt, it becomes impacted. It results in various dental problems like pain, swelling, and infection. The situation calls for the extraction of the tooth. The process is performed by the dentist or oral surgeon, depending upon the severity of your condition.

Causes of Impacted Wisdom Teeth 

Many people develop an impacted wisdom tooth. The tooth doesn't get enough room to emerge like any other tooth in the mouth. Such a tooth may erupt either partially or not at all. An impacted wisdom tooth may start growing at an angle towards the second molar, which impacts the adjoining teeth and jawbone as well. Such an impacted wisdom tooth leads to a lot of pain and discomfort.

What are the Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Upon developing an impacted wisdom tooth, the following problems may bother you:

• An impacted wisdom tooth leads to excruciating pain in your mouth.
• Trapping food and debris behind your wisdom tooth is a common concern with an impacted wisdom tooth.
• This problem may as well lead to tooth decay, infection, or gum disease.
• An impacted wisdom tooth may cause damage to the nearby teeth as well as your surrounding bone.
• You cannot opt for orthodontic treatments with an impacted wisdom tooth.

What is the Procedure for Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Our dentist or oral surgeon uses one of the three types of anesthesia depending upon the complexity of your case. During the procedure, we will make an incision into your gum tissue. This process is performed to expose your tooth and bone. Now, the bone that blocks access to the root of the tooth is removed. The dentist will extract the tooth in one firm motion or section it into smaller fragments and remove them individually if necessary.

After the wisdom tooth extraction, the site is cleaned of any debris from the bone or tooth and sutured to promote quick healing. Gauze is placed on the extraction site to control bleeding and form a clot.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth After-Care

• We will give your over-the-counter medication to manage the pain or swelling caused after the tooth extraction.
• Drink lots of after tooth extraction. Avoid consuming caffeine or carbonated drinks.
• Eat only soft foods such as mashed rice, cereals, oats, and yogurt.

 

Please reach out to our dental practice in Flanders, NJ, to have a consultation with our dentists. Please call us at (973) 370-8917 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.