If you have an impacted wisdom tooth that is causing you pain, your oral surgeon may recommend removing it. Early removal of impacted wisdom teeth reduces the risk of infections and other complications.
Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction is fairly simple. You’ll need to be sure not to eat or drink anything for an hour following the procedure, and to take prescribed pain medication.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful, causing gum and jaw pain. They can also lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
A person can relieve impacted wisdom tooth pain by rinsing with a mouthwash, taking over-the-counter painkillers and avoiding spicy foods and alcohol. However, if the problem persists, you may need to see an oral surgeon to have it removed.
There are several different types of impacted wisdom teeth. Mesial impaction is the most common type, where the wisdom tooth is angled toward the front of the mouth and stuck in the bone.
Distal impaction is the least common, where the tooth is angled toward the back of the mouth and trapped under the jawbone.
While there has been some controversy over the removal of asymptomatic, disease-free wisdom teeth, there is no such debate about removing those that are symptomatic and are showing pathological changes, including infection, non-restorable caries, cysts, tumours, or destruction of adjacent teeth and bone.
Severe Pain
If your wisdom teeth become impacted or grow improperly, they can cause serious problems if left unchecked. They can push on other teeth and even the jaw, causing infections, inflammation, and pain.
In severe cases, emergency wisdom tooth removal in Orlando may be necessary to avoid permanent damage. Fortunately, the procedure is not as painful as some people think.
Generally, wisdom teeth extraction pain is mild or controlled using over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. These medications should be taken as directed to keep the discomfort under control and to speed up your recovery.
After the procedure is completed, your dentist will give you gauze to place in your mouth to form a clot that helps heal the area and prevents excessive bleeding. You’ll also be given antibiotics to help fight off infection and a prescription for pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort.
Swelling, bruising, and blood should subside after 24 hours and pain and stiffness will diminish within a few days as well. During this time, it’s a good idea to stick to a diet of soups, yogurts, soft noodles, mashed bananas, and eggs to promote healing and minimize pain and discomfort.
Infections
There are times when we may recommend removal of a tooth due to decay, infection, or problems that it may cause the surrounding teeth.
The oral surgeons at Living Oaks Dental are skilled at emergency wisdom tooth removal in Orlando and can often save impacted teeth and prevent them from causing further damage or pain. We also can help treat dental infections caused by impacted or crooked teeth.
Infections of impacted wisdom teeth occur when food and plaque get trapped beneath the flap of gum tissue that covers it. This trap can lead to an infection called pericoronitis that causes swelling and irritation in the area.
This type of infection is commonly seen in impacted wisdom teeth that have not fully emerged and can cause significant pain and inflammation. If you or a loved one experiences severe pain, it is important to contact our office immediately for an appointment with Dr. Trevisani so we can determine the best treatment.
Impacted Teeth in Children
An impacted tooth is one that cannot break through the gums or erupt properly. Usually, this happens with the wisdom teeth (third molars) in children.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, infection and other dental and health problems if not extracted. Often, they can damage nearby teeth, causing them to shift out of place.
It is best to remove impacted wisdom teeth in childhood because it can save other teeth, prevent serious infections, and allow the mouth to grow into its proper position without interference.
After your child has their impacted wisdom tooth removed, they may need to stay home and drink lots of water to minimize swelling and encourage blood clotting. They may also need over-the-counter medication to relieve their discomfort.