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health
How
wise Are You About wisdom teeth? A Carolina Oral Q&A
A s ora l s u r g eons , one of the most common questions that we get is, “Why do we have wisdom teeth if they need to be taken out?” While there are several theories proposed for the presence of wisdom teeth, no one particular theory has been proven. What we do know is that their presence, whether impacted or erupted into the mouth, presents an oral health problem. Here are some other common questions regarding wisdom teeth:
Q:
What is the main concern with wisdom teeth? Impacted wisdom teeth create a pocket that bacteria can live in and cannot be effectively cleaned out. When these bacteria multiply, their byproducts destroy the surrounding bone and soft tissue and can damage the adjacent molars and supporting tissues. It can also cause cavities in hard-to-reach places that may not be fixable and cause the loss of those adjacent teeth. Additionally, impacted teeth can have different cysts and tumors form, which need to be removed. Even when wisdom teeth erupt into the mouth, rarely can they be maintained or kept clean, resulting in similar issues.
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Dr. Michael Foran is an oral/maxillofacial surgeon and partner at Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery (as well as Lake Norman Implant Dentistry), located at 19910 North Cove Road in Cornelius. You may reach them at 704.892.1198 or visit them at www.CarolinaOMS.com.
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Q:
When should wisdom teeth be removed? As a general rule, the best time to remove wisdom teeth is between the ages of 14 and 20. Everyone in this age group should have a full mouth x-ray or 3D cone beam CT to check the positioning of their wisdom teeth so a more individual plan can be formulated. Waiting until the late 20s, 30s, or 40s generally makes the removal much more difficult and increases
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the risks for complications and longer, slower recovery periods.
Q:
How much recovery time is involved? When patients have their wisdom teeth removed, they should remember that it is a surgical procedure. It involves having anesthesia, surgical removal of small amounts of surrounding bone and the teeth, and a recovery period. Some patients feel great the next day, while others may take several days to recover. During this time patients should limit their activities at home, especially athletics, and stick to a softer diet.
Q:
What should I expect post-surgery? Syringes are given to patients to care for and clean the extraction sites. Sometimes patients may be slow to heal or have pain that continues beyond a few days. This is generally referred to as “dry socket.” While dry socket is not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and refractory to oral pain medications. In these cases, patients can see their surgeon to have medicine placed directly into the extraction sites to ease the discomfort. w writer dr. michael foran
