When a person is between the ages of sixteen and twenty, her wisdom teeth emerge (a process called eruption). These are the last teeth to do so. By the time they erupt, however, there is often too little room in the mouth. This results in a problem known as impaction. The molar becomes positioned under the gum tissue in a way that prevents it from emerging properly. This causes swelling and pain for the patient, and can lead to crowding issues once the tooth erupts.
The American Dental Association (ADA) advises people between sixteen and twenty to have their wisdom teeth checked for potential impaction. When a problem is evident, the recommended solution is to have the molars removed. This procedure is usually successful. In some cases, however, complications may occur.
This article will first provide a glimpse at the process used to remove wisdom teeth. We’ll then describe two problems that may result.
Brief Summary Of The Extraction Process
One of the challenges of extracting these molars is that they have multiple roots that can form in different ways. Sometimes, the roots are separated while other times they are attached. Those with separated roots are generally more difficult to remove.
The first step is to cut into the gum line in order to access the wisdom teeth (a local anesthetic is administered to the area beforehand). Next, the dentist will often section the exposed molar if it is buried deeply in the jawbone. This is done to minimize the amount of bone that must be removed during the extraction. Then, each section of the tooth is taken out.
The dentist will then clean the area of debris before stitching the gumline back together. A pad of gauze is given to the patient to help control bleeding.
Dry Sockets
Part of the healing process following wisdom tooth removal involves the formation of blood clots in the empty socket. Sometimes, the clots are unable to form properly. Other times, they form and break off, becoming lost in the process. In both cases, the underlying bone is unable to heal as well – or as quickly – as it should. This is a problem known as dry sockets (sometimes called alveolar osteitis).
Symptoms include an unpleasant odor, and a dull pain that gradually surfaces several days after the procedure has been completed. The pain grows steadily worse until it is treated by the dentist.
Oral Paresthesia
This problem occurs when the roots of an impacted wisdom tooth touch one or more nerves, and surgery results in nerve trauma. This can lead to one of several outcomes affecting the sensory faculties of the patient. He or she may lose sensation in the chin, lip, or tongue. The patient will be able to move these areas, will be unable to identify changes in temperature, or recognize taste or pain. This is known as oral paresthesia.
One of the reasons dentists recommend having wisdom teeth extracted when the patient is a teenager is because the roots continue to develop for years. As they do, they become more difficult to remove without causing damage to the nerves and tissues.
Oral paresthesia is nearly always temporary. The effects usually disappear within a few weeks. That said, there are cases where the condition has become permanent.
Recovery Following Tooth Extraction
Controlling bleeding immediately following the procedure is important since doing so encourages blood clot formation. The patient will be required to press gauze into the extraction site, applying pressure for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Pain medications may be given to lessen his or her discomfort during the first few days.
In most cases, recovery is dependent on keeping the area clean and irrigated while avoiding activities (e.g. strenuous exercise, smoking, etc.) that might impair healing. Within two to three weeks, the patient should be able to return to a normal daily routine.
Find out more about Raleigh Tooth Extraction from your Raleigh Dentist at www.thomasecookedds.com