 |
| X-rays will show the presence of
impacted teeth and will reveal important surgical information like curved roots and the proximity of the tooth roots to nerves. |
How Wisdom Teeth are Treated
Treatment of impacted wisdom teeth involves their removal using special surgical techniques appropriate for each individual case. A dentist who has specialized training in the removal of wisdom teeth is called an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or OMS. If the wisdom teeth have fully erupted in normal position, they may be observed by your dentist during your regular visits to ensure that you are properly cleaning them and no problems are developing, such as decay. Minor abnormalities in the position of an erupted wisdom tooth may be taken care of by your dentist, or removal might still be best.
The removal of wisdom teeth can be performed on an outpatient basis, either in the dental office, or in certain cases, in a hospital setting. If the tooth is impacted, an incision is made in the gum tissue and the tissue is turned back so the tooth can be seen. If bone is covering the tooth, it may need to be removed in order to expose and extract the tooth. The tooth may be removed whole, or in some cases it may be cut into sections, and each section is then individually removed. Usually the surgical procedure will take up to one hour, although this varies according to each case. After surgery you will spend some time "in recovery" before going home. In most cases normal activities can be resumed within a few days depending on the degree of impaction and the number of teeth removed.
|
| X-rays will show the presence of
impacted teeth and will reveal important surgical information like curved roots and the proximity of the tooth roots to nerves. |
Prior to Your Surgery
Examination
Before the surgeon can determine if your wisdom teeth should be removed, he or she will conduct an examination of your mouth and discuss the results with you. This examination will include x-rays, which show the presence of the impacted teeth and reveal such important things as curved roots, proximity of the tooth roots to nerves, and other vital surgical information that cannot be determined by visually inspecting the mouth.
| Your surgeon will discuss the results of your examination with you and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. |
 |
A complete health/medical history will be taken, with particular attention to allergies, medications or health problems that might affect surgery and/or administration of anesthesia. The surgeon will examine your mouth for any signs of swelling or infection, and will check your blood pressure and certain other vital signs in order to determine the type of anesthesia to use during surgery. It is important that you provide complete information, particularly about medications you may be taking, so the surgeon has an accurate assessment of your health prior to recommending surgery.
Preparing for Your Surgery Visit
The following are tips to help you prepare for your surgical appointment:
1. Clothing - Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up. If you are to be given an intravenous anesthetic, tight sleeves can make this difficult.
2. Transportation - Arrange to have someone accompany you to your surgery appointment and drive you home afterward. You may be drowsy for a while after anesthesia, and driving yourself is unsafe.
3. Diet - If intravenous anesthesia will be administered, do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours prior to your surgery appointment.
4. Medications - Adhere to any medication schedule that is prescribed by the surgeon prior to surgery. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed in certain cases to eliminate any infection that may otherwise complicate surgery and healing. Your surgeon will explain any medication schedule that is needed for your individual case.