| Wisdom Tooth is a
third molar. It is usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21 (look at
our Dentition
Guide) with root completed between
18-25 years old. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible
to have a fewer (missing tooth or hypodontia). |
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Wisdom teeth become frequently
impacted due to lack of space in the jaw or jawbone. Its eruption
is therefore prevented by gum, jaw, or another tooth. |
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This tooth commonly causes
problems when it erupts partially through the gum.
Indications
for Wisdom Tooth Removal
-
Gum Disease
(Pericoronitis)
- food and germs collect under the gum causing
toothache
and local infection (tooth abscess). This may result in
bad breath,
tooth pain, swelling and trismus (inability to open the mouth
fully). The infection can spread to involve the cheek and the neck.
- Pressure Pain
(Toothache)
- from the force of the erupting wisdom tooth against other
teeth.
What
to do Before Tooth Extraction
Alcohol Restrictions
- Alcohol should be
discontinued before and following the surgical procedure.
Transport to and from
the Appointment
- When a general anesthetic or light sedation is used, the patient should
not drive. Plans for someone to accompany and assist the patient should be
made.
The Night Before the
Appointment
- A good night rest is
advocated.
Personal Items
- The clothing worn should be loose and comfortable. The sleeves should be
easily drawn up over the elbows.
Contact Lenses and
Dentures
- You will be asked to remove contact lenses and dentures, and
should bring containers for their safe keeping.
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More
Details... |
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Overview of Surgical Tooth Removal
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- The soft tissues covering
the tooth may be elevated.
- Surrounding and overlying
bone tissue could also be removed.
- The tooth may be split into
several pieces to ease its release.
- A stronger, general
anesthesia may be used, especially if several or many of your teeth
need to be extracted.
- You may need stitches after
the tooth is removed.
- You can firmly bite down on
a cotton gauze pack placed over the surgical area to help stop the
bleeding.
- The dentist will take out the stitches a few days
after.
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More
Details... |
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What
to do After Tooth Extraction
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| Recovery period usually lasts
a few days. |
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| The following will help
Speed Recovery: |
- Bite firmly the gauze pack over the surgical area for,
at least, 1/2 hour; then
discard it gently.
- Do not spit, or suck through a straw, since this will promote
bleeding.
- Start taking your pain pills
before the numbing medication has worn off.
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Over-the-counter (OTC) pain
medications or Painkillers may be used for temporary pain
relief. Take these as directed on the package and around the clock.
Do not overdosing on these generic
drugs:
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- Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 12
hours after the surgical appointment. Then use
warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1/2 cup [4 ounces] of warm water)
after tooth-brushing and every 2 hours.
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- DO NOT SMOKE for 24 hours after surgery because this will
cause bleeding, pain and interfere with healing.
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- Get plenty of rest; at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Avoid
strenuous exercise during the first 24 hours, and keep the mouth from
excessive movement.
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- Use a liquid or soft diet high in protein.
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- Drink a large volume of water and fruit juices.
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- Do not drink through a straw because this may promote
bleeding.
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More
Details... |
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Contact Dentist |
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| Looking forward to hearing from
you Aleksandr
V. Melekhin, DDS
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Return from Wisdom Tooth to Philadelphia Dentist |
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