San Jose Dentists Specialists Center

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION

Your wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Because they are the last to emerge in the mouth, wisdom teeth are the most common teeth to become impacted. This may happen because a wisdom tooth is turned to the side, tilted or otherwise positioned incorrectly in the jaw. Wisdom teeth also become impacted when there is not enough room in the jaw or the mouth for them to emerge.


An impacted tooth can be painless, and you may not even realize it’s there. However, when an impacted wisdom tooth tries to erupt, the overlying gum may swell and cause pain, which may also be felt in nearby teeth or the ear on that side. A partially erupted tooth can collect food and other debris, which can lead to gum swelling and an infection called pericoronitis. If untreated, this infection can spread toward the throat or into the neck. Impacted teeth also can cause problems if they develop decay or if they push on the neighboring molar, which could lead to tooth movement or decay, as well as changes in the bite (the way the teeth come together). Impacted teeth also can cause cysts and other benign (harmless) jaw tumors. These can lead to bone destruction. However, this is rare.

SYMPTOMS

  • Swelling of the gum in the back of the mouth or on the side of the jaw
  • Difficulty opening the jaw
  • Bad breath
  • An unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Pain or irritation when you open your mouth
  • Pain when chewing or biting
  • Pain can occur for several days and then disappear for weeks or months before returning.

DIAGNOSIS

Your dentist will examine the area and take X-rays if needed. X-rays can show where your wisdom teeth are and if they are impacted.

EXPECTED DURATION

Symptoms caused by a problematic tooth are relieved when the tooth is extracted.

PREVENTION

There is no way to prevent an impacted tooth, but careful dental hygiene – brushing, flossing or the use of water-jet devices – can reduce the risk of infection.

TREATMENT

You can sometimes relieve minor irritation by rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) or by taking over-the-counter painkillers.


If the tooth continues to cause pain, is infected or is interfering with nearby teeth, the usual treatment is for the tooth to be extracted. This can sometimes be done in your dentist’s office with a local anesthetic, depending on how far the tooth is under the gum. Extracting one tooth can take 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the position of the tooth.

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