WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. Very rarely, wisdom teeth will erupt properly in the mouth. There are several reasons for the extraction of wisdom teeth. The most common are: the lack of space, incomplete eruption of the tooth, acute or chronic infection, a bad position making hygiene difficult. The most serious problem occurs when a tumor or cyst forms around the wisdom tooth resulting in destruction of the tooth, jaw, bone and the associated nerves. Some patients are waiting too long before getting them removed and it might cause decays or a bone defect to the tooth next to it.
Poorly positioned teeth can cause several problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening created at the gum promotes the accumulation and growth of bacterias which can cause an infection. The result: swelling, pain, difficulty to open the mouth, and sometimes fever.
Here are some examples of real patients seen at our office that have not removed their wisdom teeth prior to their first visit with our dentists:
Advantages of early removal of wisdom teeth
Usually wisdom teeth are extracted more easily in young adults because root development is still incomplete. Gradually, as the tooth grows, the roots get longer and can approach the sensory nerves of the jaw resulting in a greater risk of complications during extraction.
The healing site is also influenced by patient age. The younger you get it done, the better it is. A young patient will recover more quickly and the consequences of these extractions are less intrusive and the risk for complications decrease.
The procedure
It is important to have a clear and recent panoramic x-ray done in order to correctly plan for your extractions. The panoramic x-ray is our eyes when it comes to this type of surgery as we cannot see through your skin and your bone. All patients receive local anesthesia so you don’t feel anything during the procedure. It is normal to feel pressure and hear some noise while your dentist is working. We want you to feel comfortable, so feel free to let us know your concerns. Are you very worried about the procedure? Good news, we can help!
We can use oral sedation with or without nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to make you feel relaxed. Even more worried about the procedure? Better news, we can help again! Our office is proud to offer intravenous sedation (IV sedation).
For more information, check the sedation section.
Post-operative instructions
Special care and attention is required for the next few days. It is important to follow the postoperative instructions to optimize healing.
First day
Bite on a gauze or wet tea bag for at least 45 minutes after the surgery. Always be careful not to bite your tongue, lips, and cheek before anesthesia is completely fading away.
▸ Do not touch the treated area with your fingers or tongue.
▸ Do not retract your cheek or stretch your lip to look at the area.
▸ Do not drink or eat before bleeding is under control.
▸ Do not spit, just let the saliva drop over the sink and swipes lips with tissue.
Swelling will occur in most cases, peaking over a period of 48 hours then it will disappear over the following 4-5 days. Apply ice wrapped in a towel intermittently at 10 minutes per hour for the first 24 hours.
Take discomfort medications as prescribed.
Second day
Gently rinse you mouth with Peridex (prescription) or salt-water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in one cup of water) after eating. Do not use mouthwash (such as “Listerine” or “Scope”) because it contains alcohol.
You can skip brushing the first day. Starting the following day, it is essential to keep your mouth clean. Brush gently and avoid the extraction area.
After the first 24 hours, you can apply warm, moist compresses at 10 minutes per hour for another 24 hours.
A skin discoloration (bruise), may occur and disappear after about a week.
Fifth day
Use a syringe with warm salt water or Peridex to flush food from extractions site.
General advices for post-op instructions:
▸ Avoid physical work and exercises (working out, hockey, boxing, snowboarding, ect) for at least 1 week. You can return to normal activities as tolerated.
▸ Smoking is forbidden for 1 week as it may delayed healing and creates more emergencies.
▸ Most sutures used will usually be resorbed after about 14 to 21 days.
▸ Diet: Soft foods after bleeding is ceased.
Examples of soft foods: soup, broth and cream, pasta, cooked vegetables, yogurt, pudding, ice cream, milkshake, mashed potato, jell-O. You can also drink “Boost”.
Popcorn, rice, sunflower seeds and any food that can get lodged in the surgical area are forbidden.
Take your medications as prescribed to have better pain management.
It is important to follow instructions to avoid a dry socket. Dry socket occurs after the surgery when there is a premature loss of the blood cloth. Usually, a throbbing pain starting the 4th day after the surgery is abnormal and might be a sign of a dry socket. Call our office so we can see you sooner than your post-operative appointment that is usually scheduled 1 week after the extraction date.
Our office’s reputation speaks for itself. “Our unparalleled reputation will give you peace of mind to know that you are in good hands”.