Wisdom Teeth Removal: Completely Erupt Can Create Areas That Collect Bacteria

Wisdom teeth that partially or completely erupt can create areas that collect bacteria, creating an increased risk for infection. Your oral surgeon can remove these problematic wisdom teeth to reduce this risk.

They will administer local anesthesia or IV sedation to control pain and anxiety during the procedure. Patients often have little or no memory of the removal process.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Often, wisdom teeth removal Russellville KY have a hard time coming through the gums. They may only partially erupt or get stuck underneath the gums (periodontal impaction). This traps food and bacteria, leading to gum disease and tooth decay in the impacted area, as well as bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. It can also restrict the opening of the jaw (trismus) and, more rarely, threaten the patency of the airway.

The severity of the impaction and its location determine the procedure that is required to remove it. It can range from local numbing and sedation to a more complex surgical procedure. The surgeon may divide the gum tissue and remove a portion of the bone covering the tooth to extract it. After the surgery, there will be swelling in the jaw. Gently applying a cold compress to the area can help reduce this swelling. It will usually subside within a week.

Preparation for the Procedure

Most people don’t have any long-term complications from having impacted wisdom teeth removed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia), or general anesthesia. The surgery lasts for about 45 minutes to an hour, and patients are typically taken home soon after it is finished.

Before the procedure begins, a person will have a consultation with the dentist or surgeon. This is a great time for them to ask any questions they have. The dentist or surgeon will also give them instructions on what they can and cannot eat or drink before the surgery.

Getting plenty of rest and eating soft foods can help a person recover from wisdom tooth removal more quickly. Using an ice pack to manage pain and keeping the head elevated when possible can also help. Prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used to control any discomfort that occurs.

During the Procedure

Your oral surgeon will administer your chosen form of anesthesia, which can be local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia), or general anesthesia.

Once the anesthesia takes effect, we will open your gum tissue and may remove some bone to expose the tooth. We can then remove the tooth in whole or in pieces if necessary. The surgeon will clean the area and stitch it closed.

You will bite down on a piece of gauze to control bleeding and help a blood clot form. It is important that you not spit or rinse for 24 hours, as doing so could dislodge the clot and cause painful dry socket.

You should eat only soft foods such as soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes for the first few days after surgery. Avoid sticky sweets and hard or crunchy foods, as these can damage the site. Take ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon.

Post-Operative Care

Once the impacted tooth is removed, the mouth may bleed a bit. Your oral surgeon will put gauze over the site to control this. If the bleeding continues, replace the gauze. The oozing of blood is normal but should not continue for more than an hour.

Often, wisdom teeth removal is an outpatient procedure and you go home soon after the surgery. But it’s important that you have someone to drive you because of the sedation or general anesthesia you will receive.

We can remove your wisdom teeth removal Russellville KY for many reasons, including impaction, overcrowding, or pain. We also recommend early removal to reduce complications, such as cysts or root fractures. Your oral health specialist can advise you on whether or not to remove your wisdom teeth and provide you with specific instructions for recovery. If you have questions, contact Cleveland Clinic’s wisdom teeth experts.