Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last teeth to develop and to erupt into the mouth. When erupted and properly functioning there usually is no need to remove these teeth. Often there is inadequate space in the jaw for the proper eruption of these teeth. This results in impaction which means the teeth have been unable to erupt into a proper position. When this happens the impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems with the other healthy teeth in the mouth. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in gum disease and eventual bone loss with the molar teeth adjacent to them. This can result in eventual loss of these healthy functioning molar teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes result in cavity formation in the adjacent molar teeth necessitating extensive repair of these teeth including the need for root canal treatment and the placement of a porcelain crown. Partially impacted wisdom teeth allow food and bacteria to become lodged in the gap between the tooth and gum tissue often resulting in a painful infection called pericoronitis. In some cases cysts and tumors can develop around impacted wisdom teeth resulting in the need for more extensive surgery to treat these pathologic conditions.
Wisdom teeth are often removed in the teen years or early twenties to prevent some of these problems. They can be removed later in life; however, there may be more risks and complications associated with the later removal of wisdom teeth. The removal of wisdom teeth is a safe and predictable procedure, especially when performed earlier in life. Some of the complications that may arise are sensory nerve injury, sinus exposure and dry socket. The incidence of complications is extremely low and most conditions typically return to normal with little or no treatment.
Surgery typically is performed under general anesthesia; however, some patients elect to undergo the procedure with the use of nitrous oxide analgesia also known as “laughing gas”. Nitrous oxide analgesia usually works well for the mildly anxious patient who desires not to be under general anesthesia.
The procedure is performed in our state of the art surgical suite. Patients are monitored during and after the procedure. Once the surgery is completed patients are monitored in our recovery area where family members can join them until they are ready to be escorted home. A prescription for pain medications and antibiotics can be phoned to the pharmacy if desired; otherwise a written prescription is given which can be taken to any pharmacy. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled for one week after surgery so that the extraction sites can be checked for proper healing.
Dr. Ferdowsmakan is always available to answer patients' questions 24 hours a day.
