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Articles
Wisdom Teeth Removal – Potential Problems After Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the four rearmost molars on each side of the upper and lower jaw, two on the upper and two on the lower jaw. They are the last teeth to erupt, typically in early adulthood (usually between16-23 years of age). The wisdom teeth often do not rise above the gum line, remaining impacted in the jaw, causing inflammation or an operculum (a soft tissue flap or lid around the tooth). When this occurs, or if they new teeth pose a threat to other teeth, a wisdom tooth extraction may need to be performed.
There are several problems that might occur after the extraction(s) have been completed. Some of these problems are unavoidable and natural, while others are under the control of the patient. It is important to follow the directions that are given by your dentist before, during and after your wisdom teeth removal to help avoid these potential problems:
- Bleeding and oozing is inevitable and should be expected to last up to three days. Rinsing the mouth during this period is will most likely dislodge the clots needed for healing, so it's better not to rinse as it could delay healing time and prolonged bleeding. To help the bleeding stop, gauze pads are placed where the wisdom teeth were removed. Bite down with firm even pressure to stop the bleeding, it should decrease gradually. If the bleeding lasts longer than a day without decreasing contact your surgeon.
- After the removal of your wisdom teeth you may notice an unpleasant odor. This is due to the blood clots and the abundant bacterial flora. These symptoms usually diminish in one to two weeks.
- A post-operative appointment with one's surgeon seven to ten days after surgery is highly recommended to make sure that there are no complications with the healing and that the wounds are relatively clean.
- A dry socket is a painful inflammation, but not an infection, of the alveolar bone. This happens when the blood clots fall out early or fail to form. Sometimes it happens outside of the patients' control, other times it happens because the patient disregarded instructions given by the surgeon. Some things that can cause this are smoking, blowing the nose to hard, spitting, drinking with a straw, or any other activity that change the pressure inside of the mouth.
- Swelling is expected and is a sign that healing is moving ahead normally. The surgeon will tell you know how long they should expect the welling to last, if the swelling does not subside when it is supposed to, contact the surgeon as swelling that does not begin to subside or gets worse may be an indication of infection.
- Nerve injury is primarily an issue with removal of wisdom teeth, but it can happen with the removal of any tooth should the nerve be near the surgical site. The inferior alveolar nerve or the lingual nerve can be injured while the tooth is being lifted out. Such injuries are rare and are usually temporary.
It is important to have your dentist check your teeth regularly. Once your wisdom teeth start coming in, an extra visit may be needed for an evaluation and to determine if a wisdom teeth removal is needed. Our dentists and staff here at Atlantic Dentists understand the differences and are ready to work with your dental anxiety to help you receive the proper dental care you need for good health and wellness. Please call us at 386-673-1611 to set up your dental check up.
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