Nine out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, making wisdom tooth extraction a common outpatient surgery. It’s normal to have questions before and after wisdom tooth removal, and these frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth are a place to start. What Are Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom teeth are a person’s third set […]
Continue ReadingAlthough wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure for teenagers, many people grow into adulthood with their wisdom teeth. Whether their wisdom teeth are impacted or have erupted, adults should monitor them and practice good wisdom tooth care. Wisdom teeth require extra attention because: Their unique placement in the mouth can make exposed wisdom teeth especially difficult to floss, […]
Continue ReadingIt can take several weeks to fully heal after a tooth extraction. To support healing, it is important to follow an OMS-approved plan of what to eat after wisdom tooth surgery. The mouth and gums will be very sensitive post-procedure, and while patients can build up a tolerance to more solid foods as time progresses, sticking […]
Continue ReadingWisdom teeth are the third set of molars that generally come in between the ages of 17 and 25. These four teeth are generally the last to emerge in adults, but what does it mean for wisdom teeth to be “impacted?” Impacted wisdom teeth are those that do not have room to develop normally or […]
Continue ReadingPatients often ask their oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) if it’s necessary to have all four wisdom teeth extracted even though the teeth might not yet be visible inside the mouth or they have erupted without any known problems. The decision can be difficult. Even if all four wisdom teeth are free of infection and not causing pain – […]
Continue ReadingAlveolar osteitis, commonly called “dry socket,” is a painful dental condition that can occur after having a tooth extracted. A dry socket happens when a blood clot is dislodged from the site of a tooth extraction, exposing bone and nerves that can result in significant pain. After receiving surgery to remove wisdom teeth, it can be easy […]
Continue ReadingAlthough it is a common outpatient surgery, wisdom teeth removal is still surgery, and it’s important for a patient to properly prepare before wisdom teeth surgery. All patients undergoing wisdom teeth removal should follow their doctor’s instructions with attention to every detail, starting with the initial consultation. The Consultation Typically, patients undergoing removal of impacted wisdom […]
Continue ReadingAfter wisdom teeth removal surgery, it will take time for the jawbone and gum tissue to fully heal. Some discomfort may occur for the first few days, though some people have little to no pain after surgery. However, the soft tissue can still be very sensitive for several weeks, so patients will need to be careful […]
Continue ReadingWisdom teeth symptoms can vary from person to person. Signs that wisdom teeth are growing in should be monitored during routine cleanings and with X-rays. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) should be consulted in a patient’s early to mid teens to determine the proper course of wisdom teeth management, including a discussion of whether […]
Continue ReadingTooth Extractions You may need to have a tooth extracted for a number of reasons such as decay, injury, or as part of orthodontic treatment. Whatever the reason, you will most likely be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who will remove your tooth in the office using an anesthetic that is appropriate for […]
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