What is an impacted tooth?

Third molars (wisdom teeth) are the last teeth to develop and frequently are unable to erupt into the mouth due to lack of space in the jaw. Other teeth can occasionally become similarly entrapped. These unerupted teeth are called "impactions".

Why remove impacted teeth?

Impacted teeth that aren't painful seem harmless enough. But, if they aren't removed early, they often cause problems. Impactions have to be removed because they can give rise to severe infection and pain. They can cause damage to and crowding of surrounding teeth. Numerous other problems, such as cyst formation in the jaw, may occur infrequently. Infections from impacted teeth can spread to the cheeks, throat, neck and can cause general body illness.

When is it best to have impacted teeth removed?

By studying x-rays of the teeth and jaws the surgeon can often tell by the teen years if a tooth is going to be impacted. At this stage the roots are usually not fully formed and the bone is less dense. Early removal of these teeth is less complicated and healing is generally faster.

What happens during surgery?

Patient comfort is the key to successful surgery. The anesthetic techniques chosen by the surgeon to keep the operation pain-free are based on each individual situation. Meticulous surgical technique is used to expose and remove the appropriate tooth/teeth. Dissolving suture is used for closure.

What is expected after surgery?

Instructions for post-operative care are reviewed with each patient on the day of surgery. Patients can expect swelling and bruising over the face and neck which reaches its maximum in 48 hours and persists for a few days. Stiffness of the jaws during this period is common. Appropriate medications including pain relieving medication and antibiotics, if necessary will be prescribed. Some difficulty in eating may occur but a soft diet such as eggs, custard, yogurt, milkshakes, baby food and blendered food is both nutritional and manageable. All patients will be given as many post-operative appointments as necessary to assure that healing proceeds normally.

Are there any complications or risks?

In rare instances numbness or odd sensation of the lower lip, chin or tongue may occur. The nerves involved are sensory so there is no change in appearance or function. Numbness can last from a few days to several months and in extremely rare instances can be permanent. However, recovery is usually uneventful. Very occasionally a filling in the tooth next to an impacted tooth may be dislodged or the adjacent tooth broken, in spite of immaculate care and technique.

COMFORT AND THE SUCCESS OF SURGERY IS THE MAJOR CONCERN OF THIS OFFICE!


Patient Instructions - Extractions

Patients often require the extraction of one or more teeth at a time. Extractions can vary from being very simple to more complicated surgical procedures.

You can expect some moderate swelling and bruising over the area which reaches a maximum in 48 hours and gradually diminishes.

Dissolving sutures are usually used where necessary.

Rarely, a filling in the tooth next to the tooth being removed may be dislodged. If this occurs the filling will be replaced by your dentist.

In rare instances numbness of the lower lip, chin or tongue may occur with removal of some bottom teeth. The nerves involved are sensory so there is never any change of appearance or movement. Numbness can last from several days to several months and, in extremely rare cases, can be permanent. However, recovery is usually uneventful.

Please be sure to discuss any questions about your surgery with the surgeon. If you experience any unusual problems please call the office. Routine calls would be appreciated during office hours but a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week emergency service is provided for all patients.