Procedures
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure that many people undergo to address dental issues related to wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop in our mouths during our late teens or early twenties. They can lead to crowding, decay, infections, and other oral health issues.
If you are considering wisdom tooth removal, it is important to consult with an experienced oral surgeon to discuss your surgical options.
AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons offers wisdom tooth removal in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low and Tempe, AZ.
Key Takeaway
Wisdom teeth extraction is often recommended for teens and young adults between 16 and 25. At this age, the roots aren’t fully formed, and the bone is less dense, making the procedure easier, less risky, and recovery quicker.
Wisdom Teeth Facts:
- Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of adult teeth (permanent teeth) that develop in our mouths.
- They usually erupt during our late teens or early twenties, which is why they are often referred to as “wisdom teeth.”
- While they were once thought to be necessary for chewing, we now know that they are not essential. In fact, they can often cause problems such as crowding, infection, and decay.
- Most often patients do not have room for them to properly erupt into a healthy position in the mouth.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
There are several reasons why wisdom teeth may need to be removed.
One of the most common is that they can become impacted – meaning that they fail to erupt fully through the gums.
Impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult or painful to clean, which increases the risk of decay and other oral health problems such as bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Key Takeaway
Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they are impacted, to prevent damage to nearby teeth or if they are causing headaches or sinus pressure.
Soft tissue vs. Bony impaction
There are two main types of wisdom teeth impactions – soft tissue impaction and bony impaction.
With soft tissue impaction, the wisdom tooth has emerged from the bone but is partially or fully covered by a flap of gum tissue. This type of removal may be easier as the tooth is not impacted significantly by the surrounding bone of the jaw.
In contrast, a bony impacted wisdom tooth results because of insufficient room in the jaw and can be more challenging to remove. The tooth is typically fully or partially embedded in the jawbone, making it difficult to access and remove.
The four types of bony impacted wisdom teeth are:
- Mesial impaction: the tooth is angled towards the adjacent molar.
- Horizontal impaction: the tooth is horizontal within the jaw.
- Vertical impaction: the tooth is positioned vertically in the jaw but with insufficient space for eruption.
- Distal impaction: the tooth grew at an angle away from the adjacent molar into the jawbone.
Each type of impaction is a result of insufficient space in the jaw. The impacted tooth can cause significant problems with adjacent teeth and the jaw.
Jawbone Damage and Cysts
Another reason to remove wisdom teeth is to prevent damage to the nearby healthy teeth.
Wisdom teeth that are not removed can crowd existing teeth, causing them to shift out of place. They can also cause damage to neighboring teeth. This leads to many problems, including jaw pain, bite problems, and difficulty cleaning the teeth.
These cysts can cause severe pain and damage the surrounding tissues and bone and may require surgical treatment to remove.
Headaches and Sinus Problems
Wisdom teeth can cause headaches because they can put pressure on the nerves that run through the back of our jaws.
This pressure can lead to tension headaches, often felt as a dull ache on both sides of the head.
They can also cause sinus issues because the teeth sit directly in front of the paranasal sinuses. These are small cavities in our heads that are connected to the nose and are air-filled spaces. When wisdom teeth become impacted, this impaction can press on these sinuses and lead to infections, pain, and other sinus issues.
How To Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Removal
Proper preparation can help to make your oral surgery procedure smooth and stress-free.
Here are some steps to follow:
- Consultation: Discuss the procedure, sedation options, and any questions you have during your consultation. Inform your oral surgeon about any medications, allergies, or health conditions.
- Plan your transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure since sedation can leave you drowsy.
- Follow pre-surgery instructions:
- Avoid eating or drinking for at least 6-8 hours if you’ll be under IV sedation.
- Take prescribed medications as instructed.
- Dress comfortably:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid jewelry or makeup on the day of surgery. - Stock up on soft foods: Prepare foods like yogurt, soups, applesauce, or smoothies for easy eating during recovery.
- Take time off: Schedule a day or two to rest after the procedure and give your body time to heal.
Download our free guide: Foods to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Is Removal Painful?
Removal of wisdom teeth is typically performed under general anesthesia, so it is not painful.
The patient is sedated through IV medications so that they are fully asleep. While under sedation, local anesthesia is administered to numb the mouth. This way, when the patient wakes up, they are numb and very comfortable.For steps on preparing for general anesthesia, please refer to our instruction page, 8 Things You Need to Do Before General Anesthesia and IV Sedation.
What To Expect From the Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
Most wisdom teeth removal procedures last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the extraction and whether you choose sedation anesthesia.
Knowing what to expect during the procedure can help ease any anxiety. Here’s a step-by-step overview:.
- Sedation and numbing
- You will receive sedation through IV medication or other options to keep you relaxed or asleep.
- Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area so you will feel numb when you wake up.
- Accessing the tooth
- The oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to reach the tooth.
- If necessary, they may remove a small amount of bone covering the tooth.
- Removing the tooth
- The surgeon may break the tooth into sections for easier removal.
- They carefully remove the tooth while minimizing any impact on surrounding tissue.
- Closing the site
- Stitches are placed to close the incision and promote healing.
- Gauze is applied to control bleeding and help a blood clot form.
- Recovery begins
- You’ll rest in a recovery area until the sedation wears off.
Post-operative instructions will be provided before you head home.
What to Expect After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Recovery after wisdom tooth removal is usually smooth, but some discomfort is normal.
Here’s what you can expect and how to manage it:
- Pain and Swelling:
- Mild to moderate pain and swelling are common in the first 3-5 days.
- Use prescribed pain medication as directed to stay comfortable.
- Apply ice packs to your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Bleeding:
- Minor bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours.
- Bite gently on gauze pads to help control it, changing them as needed.
- Stitches:
- Stitches may be placed to close the extraction site.
- Most dissolve on their own within 1-2 weeks, so no extra appointment is needed.
- Post-Op Care:
- Avoid straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing for the first few days.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
- Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water after 24 hours.
Read the After Wisdom Tooth Removal Guide for more detailed instructions about post-operative care. Unnecessary pain can be minimized by carefully following these instructions.
Risks Involved
As with any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications with wisdom teeth removal.
Complications are rare and can be minimized by following the post-operative instructions. Here are some possible risks:
- Facial swelling: Swelling is normal after surgery but should subside within a few days. Excessive swelling may indicate an issue.
- Excessive bleeding: Some bleeding is normal during the first 24 hours. Prolonged or heavy bleeding should be reported to your dentist.
- Oral infection: Infection can occur if the surgical site is not cared for properly. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or fever.
- Dry socket: If the blood clot dislodges from the socket, it can delay healing and cause pain. Symptoms of dry socket include severe pain, an empty-looking socket, or bad breath.
Damage to surrounding tissue: Although rare, nerve damage can occur, leading to numbness or tingling in the mouth or chin.
When to Call Your Surgeon
Contact your oral surgeon if you experience any of the following:
- Signs of infection, such as fever or pus.
- Severe pain not relieved by medication.
- Prolonged or excessive bleeding.
- Swelling that worsens or spreads.
When We Suggest It
Wisdom teeth extraction is often recommended for teens and young adults between 16 and 25.
At this age, the roots aren’t fully formed, and the bone is less dense, making the procedure easier and recovery quicker.
It may be tempting to wait, especially if your dental insurance doesn’t cover the cost. However, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to serious dental issues. Your oral surgeon can discuss financing options to help you avoid complications and keep your smile healthy.
Trust AZ Max For Wisdom Tooth Removal in Arizona
Wisdom tooth extraction doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.
With the right care, you will recover quickly and comfortably! At AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our expert oral surgeons are here to guide you through every step of the process. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re just a call away.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low or Tempe, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
