Your third molars, also called wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to come in. For some people, this happens without any problems. But for others, wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain and necessitate extraction. Dr. Fathimani is a triple-board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who assesses and specialize in wisdom teeth removal in Lone Tree.
What are Third Molars?
Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the third and final set of molars most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. By the time they come in, the rest of your teeth have usually shifted into place, leaving little room for the wisdom teeth. As such, the onset of wisdom teeth is often accompanied by pain, discomfort, and overcrowding. Sometimes, it’s best to have them removed.
Signs & Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
- Dull, achy pain
- Sharp, throbbing pain
- Swelling in the area of the impacted wisdom tooth
- Persistent bad breath despite brushing regularly
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- Jaw pain
- Earache
- Headache
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swollen, red, and tender gums
- Painful swallowing
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process
Your oral surgeon will numb the area around your wisdom teeth with local anesthesia. You may also receive nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or intravenous sedation to help you relax before your wisdom teeth removal in Lone Tree. Once you’re numb and sedated, your oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the wisdom tooth. If the tooth is impacted, the surgeon may need to remove some bone to get to the tooth, which will be loosened and extracted.
After your tooth is out, your surgeon will close the opening in your gum with stitches. If your wisdom tooth is impacted, the surgeon will place a piece of gauze over the opening to help stop the bleeding. You’ll be given instructions on how to care for the gauze and stitches. You’ll also be given pain medication to help with any discomfort. The whole process usually takes less than an hour.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Recovery & Downtime
Most people recover from wisdom tooth extraction within a few days and experience only minor discomfort. It is important to take it easy and not exert yourself too much while healing your mouth. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods, brushing your teeth gently, and using mouthwashes can help speed up the healing process. You should also avoid using a straw, smoking, and drinking alcohol days following your wisdom teeth removal in Lone Tree to ensure the blood clot doesn’t break.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, usually around age 17-25. Many people have their wisdom teeth removed because they crowd other teeth or may come in at an angle and cause problems. Impacted wisdom teeth are those that have not erupted from the gums all the way or have come in only part way and are stuck against other teeth. If your wisdom teeth are causing pain, crowding other teeth, or causing problems, wisdom tooth extraction is needed.
The most common reason people have their wisdom teeth removed is that they are impacted, i.e., only partially erupted or stuck against other teeth. Impacted teeth can be painful and lead to other problems, like bacterial infection. If an impacted tooth is not removed, it can damage the surrounding teeth, cause abscesses, or lead to orthodontic problems. Wisdom tooth extraction may also be necessary before an orthodontic procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Kayvan Fathimani is a triple-board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon known for his stellar outcomes. He listens to his patients, understands their goals, and curates personalized treatment plans to help them recover. He also ensures his patients feel safe and supported throughout the surgical journey. Please schedule a consultation to explore your options for wisdom teeth removal in Lone Tree.
