During your late teens to early twenties, your final teeth will grow in and push through the gums in the back of both sides of your mouth. These last molars are called your wisdom teeth. Some people whose wisdom teeth fully surface without any problem will never need them removed.
Although, for most of us our wisdom teeth will not totally surface, or they may come in crooked, crowding the rest of the teeth. This can cause tenderness and disease.
When this happens, your dentist will most likely opt to remove those particular molars to secure room for your other teeth to grow healthily. Teeth that are extracted before to the age of 20 will have less time to develop roots and are not as complicated to remove.
Impacted wisdom teeth are fixed to the bone of the jaw and must be broken up into sections in order to be removed. The operation as performed by the oral surgeon is to cut an opening into the gums over the molar, and take out the tooth remnants one at a time. This lessens the negative impact made on the jaw bone.
After the oral surgery is finished, there will be some swelling and tenderness in the neck and face. The amount of bruising after the operation varies from person to person but patients are given appropriate medication to reduce the swelling and discomfort.
For the next few days, it is vital that proper oral hygiene is exercised in order to heal your mouth and keep it clean. Everyday gargling with a germ-fighting mouthwash is recommended.
If you’re between 16 and 19 and are experiencing tenderness in your rearmost teeth, you may be ready to have your wisdom teeth out. Dr. Mo Banki would be happy to evaluate your situation. To make an appointment or to have your questions answered regarding wisdom teeth removal, please contact MSL Surgery at: 401-739-5500, or drop by in Warwick, Rhode Island.