Wisdom Teeth Removal
Through an oral assessment and X-ray imaging of the mouth, we can assess the alignment of wisdom teeth and anticipate any existing or potential issues down the line. Research has demonstrated that conducting this evaluation and providing early treatment yields more favorable results for the patient. Typically, individuals are initially examined during their mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal becomes necessary when they encounter obstacles preventing them from proper eruption. This can lead to various issues, such as horizontal growth, partial emergence, or entrapment beneath the gum and bone.
For a significant number of patients, poorly positioned impacted wisdom teeth can pose several problems. Partial eruption creates openings, which can foster bacterial growth and lead to infections. This, in turn, results in swelling, stiffness, pain, and overall discomfort. Moreover, the pressure exerted by erupting wisdom teeth can affect the positioning of adjacent teeth. The most severe complication arises when tumors or cysts develop around impacted wisdom teeth, causing damage to the jawbone and healthy teeth.
Types of Impactions
Vertical
Horizontal
Inverted
Mesioangular
Distoangular
Buccoangular
Linguoangular
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
The initial 24 hours often prove to be the most challenging phase of the recovery journey. Within this initial day, blood clots will develop, indicating that your body has initiated the healing process. It’s advisable for patients to dedicate this day to rest and recuperation. While some discomfort and swelling may occur, medications can be employed to effectively control these symptoms.
After a span of two to three days, the majority of patients typically experience noticeable reduction in mouth and cheek swelling. Pain and discomfort may also subside during this time. Nevertheless, it remains advisable to maintain a gentle approach, avoid strenuous physical activity, and grant the body some additional time for the healing process.
Around one week into the recovery process, the majority of patients typically regain a sense of normalcy in how they feel. If there are any stitches that require removal, this is typically the time frame for that procedure. By this point, most patients should have experienced a significant reduction in pain and swelling, although in some cases, lingering effects may persist, particularly for individuals with impacted teeth.
In the span of 7 to 10 days, any remaining jaw stiffness and soreness typically dissipates. Some minor facial bruising might still be noticeable, but even patients experiencing more pronounced side effects should generally start to feel quite normal by this stage. If any side effects continue beyond this period, it is advisable to call our office for a follow-up consultation.
In certain cases, it could require a complete two-week period for the facial bruising to completely fade away. At this juncture, any remaining side effects should have likewise resolved. Once more, for individuals still encountering lingering post-surgical issues, it is advisable to contact our office to discuss the possibility of a follow-up consultation.