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Impacted Wisdom Teeth

patient at the dentist during dental exam in Beachwood, OH

A very common surgical procedure that we do here at Aspire Dental Spa is wisdom tooth removal. Have you considered why getting these back teeth removed is so important? It is common knowledge we do not have room for these extra molars that typically do not make an appearance until the late teens and early twenties. However, what happens if you do not get a proper tooth extraction following a dental exam warning about your wisdom teeth?

Gum Disease And Other Effects Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Certainly, if wisdom teeth grow in, that is another set of difficult-to-reach teeth to clean and maintain. This can potentially increase bacteria and plaque build-up. Wisdom teeth can also overcrowd your mouth and may cause the other teeth to shift and impact your smile. The biggest concern, however, is not cavities or crooked teeth, but pericoronitis, or periodontitis.

Pericoronitis is when your gums become inflamed from your wisdom teeth breaking through or erupting through your gums. A partially erupted tooth is especially prone to bacteria collecting, causing infection and swelling. In extreme cases, the cheeks and throat can also swell. Inflamed gums will also lead to periodontitis or gum disease. The best way to prevent pericoronitis and periodontitis is to have a wisdom tooth extraction before they erupt.

However, should you end up needing treatment for pericoronitis, there are several options. If it is a mild case, we can clean out the bacteria and give you an oral rinse. For more severe cases, antibiotics or minor surgery may be necessary. There is still a good chance you will need to receive a tooth extraction even if you avoid having your impacted wisdom teeth removed before they erupt.

Wisdom Tooth Surgery

If you or your child is in their teens or twenties, please make sure to have a dental exam and ask us about impacted wisdom teeth. During routine exams of patients at or near those ages, we recommend an x-ray to examine whether you have wisdom teeth and how close they are to erupting. Some may need wisdom tooth surgery around high school, but many will not need it until college-age, so be alert.

Overall, wisdom tooth extraction is a very routine surgery, and there is minimal risk and side effects. It does require anesthesia to make it a comfortable procedure. The surgery only entails cutting into the gums, removing the wisdom teeth, and then sticking the gums back together. Swelling and pain medication are common parts of recovery, and you need to eat soft foods for the first several days post-surgery.

We will also give you all the necessary advice for caring for your jaw after the surgery. Most people are back to their normal activities within three to five days after the surgery, though it will take up to six weeks for your jaw to officially heal.

If you have more questions about wisdom teeth, tooth extraction, or want to schedule a dental exam, please do not hesitate to call Aspire Dental Spa at (216) 342-4388.