Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last of the teeth to develop. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people do not have room in their mouths for wisdom teeth, so they are usually unable to grow properly. Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, only partially emerge from the gum line, or may remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and dental problems and can damage adjacent teeth. If the tooth is not removed, the infection can damage the jawbone, and the tooth could shift, causing problems with chewing, speaking, and your jaw joint.

Problems With Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth are impacted, they may crowd or damage adjacent teeth.

Wisdom teeth that are impacted and do not erupt properly can also lead to infection, decay, or gum disease. Bacteria and food particles can become trapped below the gums, causing an infection, which can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the following problems:

• Pain
• Trapping food and debris behind the wisdom tooth
• Gum infection or gum disease 
• Decay and cavities in the partially erupted wisdom tooth because of the difficulty in cleaning
• Damage to the adjacent tooth or enclosing bone
• Development of cyst around the wisdom tooth
• Difficulties with orthodontic treatments 

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental treatment for impacted wisdom teeth. The dentist will surgically remove the wisdom teeth using local anesthesia to numb the area and prevent pain. The procedure involves cutting the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, removing the bone that blocks access to the wisdom tooth's root, dividing the tooth into sections for easy removal, and extracting the wisdom teeth. Then, the site is cleaned and stitched to promote healing. 

Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

You will experience some soreness and swelling after your wisdom teeth removal. The swelling can last for several days. If you need to rinse, gently swish cold water in your mouth. Over-the-counter medication can help relieve any pain or swelling. We may recommend cold compresses also. Our dentists may also advise you to stick to a diet of soft foods for several weeks.

At  Kusek Family & Implant Dentistry, we offer a full range of services, including cosmetic and implant dentistry in a relaxed dental environment. To learn more about our dental services or to schedule your consultation with one of our dentists, call us at 605-371-3443 or visit us at 4921 E. 26th St., Suite 1, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.