/ Services / Wisdom Teeth Removal
Usually when a tooth requires extraction, the patient’s oral health generally depends upon its replacement, preferably with dental implants. The most notable exception to this is the wisdom teeth.
Unlike most permanent adult teeth, wisdom teeth are often removed to facilitate the function of the mouth and relieve discomfort. Through wisdom teeth removal, our Montgomery oral surgeons have helped many patients find relief from the discomfort of improperly erupted, or impacted, wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth gained their moniker because they usually erupt when a person is between the ages of 18 and 25—a time once known as the “age of wisdom.” Clinically, they’re known as third molars (because they’re the third set of adult molars to grow) and are the last four teeth to erupt from the gum line.
The typical adult mouth is designed to comfortably accommodate 28 permanent teeth. With the addition of wisdom teeth, most adults grow a total of 32. While attempting to find space on crowded dental ridges, third molars often push existing teeth out of alignment and may not fully erupt, or erupt at all.
Impacted wisdom teeth can manifest in various forms, each presenting its own set of challenges and potential complications.
Soft tissue impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth has partially emerged from the jawbone, yet remains concealed beneath the gum tissue, rendering it invisible. Despite this partial emergence, the tooth has not fully erupted into its proper position. This type of impaction can lead to discomfort and an increased risk of infection due to the gum tissue covering the tooth, necessitating careful assessment and potential intervention by an oral surgeon.
One common type is partial eruption or impaction, where the wisdom tooth encounters the adjacent molar before fully emerging. This partial eruption can create pockets where food debris and bacteria accumulate, increasing the risk of infection.
Another scenario is vertical impaction, where the wisdom tooth grows straight up and down but becomes lodged too close to the adjacent molar, preventing proper eruption.
Horizontal impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth grows sideways against the adjacent molar. This orientation often leads to significant discomfort until the tooth is extracted.
Mesial impaction involves the wisdom tooth growing diagonally towards the other teeth, resulting in discomfort and potential alignment issues.
Conversely, distal impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth grows diagonally away from the other teeth. While it may not directly affect neighboring teeth, discomfort in the region of the wisdom tooth can still occur.
Lastly, bony impaction refers to a scenario where the wisdom tooth remains embedded within the jawbone, failing to erupt altogether. This type of impaction typically requires surgical intervention to address.
Dental pain is often inevitable with impacted wisdom teeth, but not everyone experiences trouble with their third molars. In some cases, all four wisdom teeth erupt in perfect formation, without complication. Some patients who haven’t experienced wisdom teeth discomfort still opt for removal to avoid possible complications in the future. The choice to preemptively remove unobtrusive wisdom teeth does not usually affect the form and function of the remaining 28 teeth. After a thorough examination and consultation, we’ll help you decide whether to remove your wisdom teeth before they can cause trouble.
Removing an already-erupted wisdom tooth is a simple procedure. After numbing the area, your dentist will grasp the tooth with a special dental instrument and gently rock the crown back and forth in its socket until the connective tissues disengage. Once it’s free, the tooth will be carefully removed. Removing impacted teeth, however, requires surgery and a longer healing period.
Following surgical tooth extraction, keep the following in mind:
Some bleeding is normal immediately after surgery. Bite gently on a clean gauze pad, changing the pad as it becomes soaked. Call us if bleeding continues after 24 hours.
Relax, but don’t lie flat.
Physical activity and a horizontal position may increase bleeding.
Swelling is also normal and usually reaches its peak on the second or third day after surgery. Apply an ice pack to the side of your mouth to reduce swelling during the first 24 hours, and then change it for a warm, moist washcloth until swelling goes down.
At Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, we recognize that the thought of undergoing wisdom teeth removal can provoke anxiety. That’s why we provide a variety of sedation options to prioritize your comfort during the procedure.
From milder sedation to deeper options like local anesthesia, oral sedatives, or intravenous (IV) sedation, your peace of mind is our utmost concern. Our experienced team will collaborate with you to determine the most suitable approach, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free removal experience tailored to your needs.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates (OMSA) sets the standard for excellence in wisdom teeth removal, offering a comprehensive approach that prioritizes your well-being and ensures optimal outcomes.
Prioritized Comfort: At OMSA, your comfort is our top priority. We understand that the prospect of wisdom teeth removal can be daunting, which is why we strive to ensure a smooth, pain-free journey for every patient. With unwavering commitment to your comfort, safety, and satisfaction, we provide personalized care and support throughout the entire process.
Cutting-Edge Techniques and Technology: Our commitment to surgical innovation is evident in our investment in state-of-the-art technology. At OMSA, we’re not just followers of trends; we set them. By utilizing the latest advancements in oral surgery techniques and technology, we ensure efficient and optimal outcomes for every wisdom teeth extraction procedure.
Dedication to Well-being: Our elite team of oral surgeons at OMSA is passionately dedicated to enhancing patient care. Through continuous education and training, we stay at the forefront of the field, keeping abreast of the latest advancements in oral surgery. Your well-being fuels our commitment to ongoing improvement, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care every step of the way.
To schedule a consultation, contact our oral surgeons today. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates has offices in three Alabama locations, and we proudly serve patients from Montgomery, Prattville, Troy, and the surrounding communities.
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