Wisdom teeth are third molars which can be found in the upper and lower corners of the back of your mouth. They typically make their debut once you hit your late teens or early twenties. You may be surprised to learn that they are not needed for normal function or oral health and most people eventually get their wisdom teeth removed.
The removal of wisdom teeth is usually recommended when there are signs and symptoms such as gum inflammation, swollen jaws, bad breath, head or jaw pain, difficulty opening the mouth, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck area. This procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis and involves a dentist making an incision in the gums and removing any bone that is in the way of the impacted tooth. The dentist removes the impacted tooth and uses stitches to close the incision.
After a wisdom teeth removal, certain aftercare instructions will need to be followed so that pain and swelling can be managed. Although serious complications are rare, they may occur. Some of these complications include infected teeth, dry socket, a weakened jawbone, damage to the sinus cavity near the upper wisdom tooth site, and loss of sensation or nerve pain in the tongue, lower lips, or chin.
A day after wisdom teeth removal, many patients find that they are still swollen. This is a completely normal side effect of the surgery so there is no reason to be alarmed. The swelling should subside 3 to 4 days following the surgery. If it happens to worsen, it’s important to visit the dentist right away.
Schedule an Appointment River Run Dental
For more information on what to expect from wisdom teeth removal and to determine whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure, we encourage you to contact our office today at 804-262-1060. We look forward to hearing from you!