A dentist usually performs wisdom tooth removal because there isn't enough room in the mouth. Humans have 4 wisdom teeth, 1 at each of the 4 ends of the mouth. Of the 32 teeth, the wisdom tooth is the last to erupt into the mouth. By the time it comes in, most of the room in the mouth is taken and the tooth does't fit.
Because of the limited space available, a wisdom tooth can grow sideways or can become trapped under the gums. When a wisdom tooth only partially erupts into the mouth, it can form a pouch that traps food. The trapped food can cause the wisdom tooth to decay and the second molar in front of the wisdom tooth can also become decayed. If the gums become infected, it can cause swelling, pain, and a bad odor. When this happens it is very important to have a wisdom tooth extraction. If the infection is left untreated it can continue around the wisdom tooth and result in facial swelling to the extent that it can prevent the patient's mouth from opening.
The pressure from a wisdom tooth trying to get into the mouth can cause the rest of the teeth to move out of place. This is why an orthodontic patient usually has a wisdom tooth removal after getting her braces off. Early wisdom tooth removal may even avoid the need for orthodontic care.
When a tooth is badly trapped inside the jaw bone,a cyst can form around the wisdom tooth. Dental cysts can grow and push teeth out of their way. In some rare cases, a cyst can form a tumor. This is a good reason for having oral surgery performed early in life.
A wisdom tooth is also called a third molar and a dentist may refer to a wisdom tooth removal as third molar surgery. Wisdom tooth problems can develop without a patient having any pain.
The Atlanta Dental Group PC provides our patients with most oral surgery services including routine extractions and wisdom tooth removal. Most oral surgery procedures go very well, take less than an hour and are done in our office. Our dental practice will see oral surgery emergency patients.
Some patients having a wisdom tooth removal choose to have nitrous oxide ( laughing gas ) administered to help relax before being numbed. The wisdom tooth removal patient is seated and completely numbed. It's important to wait and allow the numbness to sink in fully. The dentist checks the depth of the anesthesia by making a small incision around the tooth. Once it is confirmed that the patient is completely numb, the incision is lengthened and the gum tissue is gently pulled away from the wisdom tooth. If any of the surrounding bone is in the way, it is then removed. If needed, the wisdom tooth is then gently sectioned into pieces and the pieces are then removed. Finally, sutures ( stitches ) are placed so that the gum tissue lays back into place correctly. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group,PC believe that most patients should be placed on antibiotics after oral surgery. All patients are then seen post operatively one week after their oral surgery procedure and there is no additional fee for this visit if it's solely to check the surgery site.
Fortunately a wisdom tooth removal usually goes well with few complications. The most common problems are pain and swelling in the area of the wisdom tooth removal. This can be kept to a minimum by taking pain medications, applying cold to the surgical area immediately after the wisdom tooth extraction and moist heat several hours later. Some patients bleed for up to 24 hours after the wisdom tooth removal. However, in healthy patients this is not usually a problem.
A dry socket can be a complication. Dentists are not sure why a dry socket happens but the pain from a dry socket normally begins about 3 days after the oral surgery and lasts about one week. Perhaps the most feared complication is possible temporary or permanent numbness after the wisdom tooth removal. The roots of some wisdom teeth can wrap around the nerve that carries feeling to a patient's lip and chin.
Complications from a wisdom tooth removal increase as a patient gets older. The experience is relatively easy for young people and this is the best time to have a wisdom tooth removal because young patients are healthy and heal quickly. When a wisdom tooth removal is done early, it avoids all of the possible future complications for a patient.
A wisdom tooth problem can interfere with your life. Fighter pilots and submariners routinely have them removed to avoid any potential problems that may interfere with duties. If you travel, a dental problem can disrupt your trip. Even when a tooth manages to get into the mouth, it's very difficult for a patient to clean all the way back in the mouth. This cause cavities and periodontal disease around the wisdom tooth and its neighboring teeth.
Wisdom tooth extraction is surgery and is commonly covered by most traditional dental insurance carriers at 80%. Some medical insurance policies also cover oral surgery. If you are concerned if your insurance covers your oral surgery, it's a good idea to visit for a consultation and panorex x-ray. Having the panorex x-ray allows the Atlanta Dental Group PC dentist to create an estimate for your wisdom tooth removal. This estimate can then be sent to your insurance for a pre-estimate of payment. The Atlanta Dental Group PC provides our patients with most oral surgery services including routine extractions and wisdom tooth removal. Most oral surgery procedures go very well, take less than an hour and are done in our office. Our dental practice will see oral surgery emergency patients. Call 404-874-7428 for a free dental consultation.