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Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth? When there is not enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to fully grow, they may erupt sideways, only partially, or become trapped (impacted). This can lead to pain, infection, and gum line and facial swelling. When any of these conditions arise, your dentist may determine that extraction of your wisdom teeth is needed. If impacted wisdom teeth are not extracted, it may lead to even more serious problems such as bone loss, jaw expansion, and tumors. Sometimes these teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, but more often, they are misaligned and require removal. Your dentist can help you determine if and when extraction is necessary. Impacted Wisdom Teeth When your wisdom teeth are prevented from erupting into the mouth properly they are referred to as being impacted. Teeth that have not erupted do not always mean that they are impacted. It may just be that it is still too early in someone's dental development and, in time, they might grow in properly. A dentist will examine your mouth and x-rays will be taken in order to determine if the teeth are impacted or will not grow in properly. Impacted wisdom teeth may cause problems, such as infection, decay of adjacent teeth, gum disease and the formation of a cyst or tumor. Many dentists recommend the removal of impacted wisdom teeth in order to prevent potential problems from occurring. Erupted wisdom teeth may also be removed, as they have the potential to be non-functional, interfering with the bite. Additionally, they may be badly decayed, involved with or at risk for periodontal disease, or interfering with restoration of an adjacent tooth. Every case is different, and only your dentist in West Covina can determine if there is a reason for you to have your wisdom teeth removed. Avoid Dry Sockets After Removal The most common postoperative complication from wisdom tooth extraction is a dry socket. If you are experiencing a dry socket, it can delay the normal healing process. It results when the newly formed blood clot in the extraction site does not form correctly or is prematurely lost. The blood clot lays the foundation for new tissue and bone to develop over a two-month healing process. Women who take oral contraceptives are at a higher risk for developing dry sockets after wisdom teeth extraction due to high levels of estrogen, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. In order to prevent a dry socket from occurring, follow these simple tips: • Schedule extractions during the last week of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are lower.
• Avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction may interfere with clotting.
• Avoid smoking, which can irritate the extraction site.
• Avoid excessive mouth rinsing, which may interfere with clotting. If you start to feel pain in the back of your mouth where your wisdom teeth are, it is important to notify your dentist. With proper consultation your dentist in West Covina and Montebello will be able to assess your wisdom teeth and decide whether or not you need them removed.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Gregory Robins, an experienced cosmetic dentist in West Covina and Montebello. Offering dental care for all phases of dentistry, including cosmetic dentistry and West Covina dental implants, Dr. Robins and his caring dental team are qualified to handle every dental need.
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