Wisdom Teeth Removal

Video Transcript: Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
While not all third molars require extraction, studies have demonstrated that over time, 85% of third molars will eventually need to be removed. It important to note, not all of those 85% had obvious symptoms before problems showed up. Given the documented high incidence of problems associated with third molars over time, if you want to try to keep your wisdom teeth, you should have regular clinical examinations and x-rays at least every two years. You should also understand there are risks with keeping your wisdom teeth such as: Greater difficulty with extraction, Prolonged recovery, Increased rate of complications. So… the risk you wanted to avoid when you were young…will go up if your wisdom teeth need to be removed when you are older. Eruption of wisdom teeth in older patients is more frequent than you might think, but rather than normal eruption, it often becomes exposed due to the bone loss and gum recession of periodontal disease. Studies demonstrated that most of those late erupting wisdom teeth have pathology such as tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Video Transcript: Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt?
Wisdom teeth extraction is not painless but with proper surgical technique and attention to post-operative instructions, most of our patients are pleasantly surprised. Appropriate administration of nonsteroidal medications (Ibuprofen) on a regular interval is often all that is required to keep you comfortable throughout your recovery. There are many facets to creating the most pain free recovery. Who is your surgeon? Multiple studies have demonstrated post operative pain and length of recovery are related to the experience of the surgeon and the length of the procedure. How old are you? Large studies have evaluated complication rate and recovery between age groups and determined younger people had less pain and more rapid recovery. How comfortable was your procedure? Although wisdom tooth extraction does not require intravenous sedation, controlling anxiety as well as the discomfort experienced during the procedure will improve the recovery experience. Did the nerve block work well? Pain after extraction of third molars peaks 6-8 hours after the procedure. Your OMS will use a long acting local anesthetic to block your pain during this period of recovery. Did you follow your post operative instructions? Minimizing swelling with ice packs provides pain relief and improves the speed of recovery. Staying “ahead” of pain with regular dosing of Motrin and/or Tylenol is most often the only medication you will need. Did you save the small amount of narcotic medication for “break through” pain – which may also be prescribed because the pain experience can be different for different people.

Video Transcript: What are the signs that you need your wisdom teeth removed?
First of all… Pain free is not disease free! Studies have demonstrated that over time, 85% of third molars will eventually need to be removed. It is very important to understand, many of the signs that wisdom teeth need to be removed are silent. Pain – may come and go. Swollen gums – pericoronitis. Trapping food. Bleeding gums – even with just brushing. Bad breath. Bad taste in your mouth. More serious signs wisdom teeth need to come out: Can’t get your teeth together without pain. Swelling in your cheek or under your jaw. Sore throat or pain when swallowing. Stiff jaw – hard to open wide. Fever or chills. Fatigue and weak feeling.

Video Transcript: How long does it take to recovery from wisdom tooth extraction?
Multiple studies have demonstrated post operative pain and length of recovery are related to the experience of the surgeon and the length of the procedure. Large studies have evaluated complication rate and recovery between age groups and determined younger people had less pain and more rapid return to normal activities. An experienced OMS will be able to identify the criteria that will shorten or lengthen your individual recovery. Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction has several phases. Recovery from sedation enough to leave the office is typically 30 minutes. Recovery from full effects of sedation may be 12-24 hours in some people. Recovery from local anesthesia is typically 6-8 hours. Recovery from swelling starts on the third day after your procedure. Recovery from swelling occurs after 4-5 days. Recovery from jaw stiffness occurs on the 4-5 day. Recovery to a normal diet occurs on the 4-5 day. Recovery to normal oral hygiene routine 7-10 days. Extraction sockets may take 2-3 weeks to look normal. Bone in the extraction sockets on X-ray will take 6 months to look normal. Return to work or school depends a lot on narcotic usage and employment responsibilities. NSAIDS only – return in 24 hours may be possible but recommend 48 hours. Vigorous physical employment should wait at least 48 hours. Recovery to hard to chew foods should wait three weeks to prevent possible fracture. In some cases, contact sport may require 5-6 weeks to minimize the chance for fracture. Depending on destination, travel should be delayed one week in the event of dry socket or infection. All risks associated with third molar removal increased with age. Bleeding. Bruising. Infection. Alveolitis (dry socket). Oral-antral (sinus) communication. Nerve injury –numb lower lip or tongue. Fracture. Poor healing of extraction site.

Video Transcript: What is an OMS? What is an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon?
I went to an Oral Surgeon. My facial surgeon did a great job. I had to see an Oral and Facial surgeon. My dentist sent me to an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. Officially, we’re called Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons and we’re the experts in face, mouth, and jaw surgery. Members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are trained and experienced in all these treatment areas. Our work saves lives, changes lives, and makes lives better. I’m not sure what to call him, I just know he did a great job with my dental implants. She cured my sleep apnea. He fixed my recessive jaw. Diagnosed my oral cancer in time to beat it. Took out my impacted wisdom teeth. What you call us isn’t important, but when you’re concerned about health issues related to your face, mouth, and jaw, just make sure you call us.

Video Transcript: Wisdom Teeth Management
Wisdom teeth treatment explained. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop in your mouth. If wisdom teeth come into the mouth in a proper position and meet certain conditions, it’s generally accepted that you can keep them. However, they are still prone to disease even if you experience no pain and have no symptoms. This is why the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons strongly recommend that third molars be evaluated annually from the time a patient is a young adult. Studies have shown that about 9 out of 10 people have at least 1 wisdom tooth that can’t break through the gums in an upright, functional position. As we say, it becomes impacted. If left alone, an impacted tooth can become infected or damage neighboring teeth. That can lead to gum disease and even the formation of cysts or tumors. By the time you feel pain or notice that something is wrong, it may be too late to prevent the problem. The tooth does have to be removed so it’s better to do it when you are young and the roots haven’t full formed. There’s less chance that the roots of the teeth will damage nearby nerves or other structures. Oral and facial surgeons are the recognized specialists in management of third molar teeth.