What can happen if you don't get your impacted wisdom teeth removed?

April 17th, 2014 by Dr. Patel

Having wisdom teeth removed isn’t something most people look forward to. As a matter of fact, this procedure is one that many people dread, especially those who are already afraid of the dentist’s chair. Though wisdom teeth extractions can be uncomfortable, the truth of the matter is that avoiding this procedure has much greater consequences than most people realize. The best thing you can do is overcome your fear and have your wisdom teeth extracted before they become impacted and put you at risk of developing these common problems.

An impacted wisdom tooth has the tendency to affect its neighboring teeth, since it is not able to grow in normally and erupt through the gums like the surrounding teeth. When an impacted wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar, it can cause damage and infection. It can also cause root resorption, which is the breakdown of the root structure in the adjacent teeth. This can sometimes cause the loss of the tooth. An impacted wisdom tooth that grows in sideways also puts the alignment of all of your teeth at risk, and can cause crowding and subsequent issues which would require orthodontic attention.

Wisdom teeth grow within a sac in the jawbone, and when a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, problems can occur that cause the sac to be filled with fluid. This then forms a cyst surrounding the wisdom tooth, which can cause damage to the jawbone and nerves in the mouth, sometimes requiring removal of not only the wisdom tooth, but also tissue and bone.

When an impacted wisdom tooth is partially erupted on the surface of your gums, you are at risk of developing oral health problems. A common problem when it comes to partially erupted wisdom teeth is Pericoronitis, which is sometimes also known as operculitis. This refers to the inflammation of the gums and dental follicle surrounding the wisdom teeth, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. Since the areas surrounding the wisdom teeth are difficult to clean with your toothbrush, Pericoronitis is caused by the accumulation of bacteria, and the problem can be recurring and sometimes chronic.

For impacted wisdom teeth that are partially erupted, tooth decay is another common issue because wisdom teeth are so difficult to clean. Without daily cleaning, bacteria can accumulate and can easily lead to tooth decay, causing chronic bad breath. Cavities in impacted wisdom teeth are generally the cause for extractions, since partially erupted teeth will remain a constant source for bacteria buildup, which can lead to more serious infections.

With all of the science and medical knowledge we have today, we are all at an advantage. Knowing what kinds of problems can occur from neglect to our oral health, we are all able to prevent them before they happen. Hopefully being made aware of the serious issues that can occur from not removing your impacted wisdom teeth will help you to make the right decision, face the momentary fear, and have them removed before they cause more serious problems. For more information, you can always seek the assistance of one of the many specialists on impacted wisdom teeth Burke has to offer.

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Having Wisdom teeth removed? 5 tips to be ready for the big day.

May 6th, 2014 by Dr. Patel

Whether your wisdom teeth are already starting to cause you discomfort or you’re being diligent in preparing for your extraction, proper planning ahead of time can prevent stress and discomfort after your procedure has taken place. Below are five excellent tips to help you prepare for having your wisdom teeth removed.

Whether it’s a quick procedure or a major surgery, the same holds true: it’s best to eliminate any source of stress that can add to your discomfort while you’re in the recovery phase. Arrange for time away from the workplace, for additional child care or just to have a good friend around while you’re recovering. You will feel much better if you’re dealing with as little stress as possible.

While some wisdom teeth removals can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications such asacetaminophen or ibuprofen, there is a chance that you will require a stronger medication to manage the pain that will arrive once the anesthetics wear off. Your oral surgeon will provide you with a prescription for a drug therapy suitable for the pain you will be in; be sure to have a plan to get this prescription filled before you arrive home from the procedure.

Prior to your wisdom tooth extraction you may be required to follow a specific diet to ensure that your procedure goes according to plan. You may be advised to avoid certain foods, beverages or solid foods altogether in the hours prior to having your wisdom teeth removed. If you have any doubts about whether or not you should be eating a certain food, be sure to check in with your oral surgery team.

It should go without saying that your oral surgeon and the rest of the team are here to answer your questions and ensure you’re adequately prepared for what’s next. Although having your wisdom teeth removed is a relatively minor procedure and not a major surgery, it’s still natural to have questions. Feel free to ask anything you’d like to know more about; knowing more about what’s happening may help to place you at ease.

After the procedure, plan to relax for the rest of the day. You can resume normal activity the day after your extraction, but do your best to avoid any sports or other strenuous activities that may cause unnecessary bleeding. You’re going to want to avoid smoking and alcohol, and be sure to follow the directions provided about which foods are okay to eat and which are not. With a bit of rest, some ice and your prescription medications, you’ll be feeling good as new in no time.

Don’t forget: this is a procedure that many thousands of individuals just like you have each and every day. Dr. Patel and the team at Lorton Oral Surgery are here to answer any other questions about your wisdom teeth that you might have. Contact us anytime and we’ll be happy to help!

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Dry Socket: Everything you need to know about Alveolar Osteitis

Without question, alveolar osteitis – more commonly known as ‘dry socket’ – remains one of the most commonly encountered complications after a tooth extraction. While having a talented oral and maxillofacial surgeon like Dr. Patel can reduce your risk, there is still a possibility you will have a run-in with dry socket at some point throughout your life. Here’s what you need to know and a few steps you can take to ensure you minimize your discomfort.

Although a lot of research has been done into alveolar osteitis, there is still some debate about the exact cause and why some individuals experience dry socket while others do not. A few of the main suspected causes are:

Cigarette smoking – there are numerous chemicals in cigarettes that can cause inflammation and other irritation to your tooth extraction site. If you smoke, it’s best to refrain from smoking for as long as possible after an extraction.

Improper at-home care – if you have a tooth extracted you will be supplied with instructions on how to care for yourself at home. Following these guidelines will reduce the risk of dry socket and help to ensure your healing process goes smoothly.

Tooth or gum infections – if you’re already suffering from gingivitis or another infection in the area around the extraction, you’re at higher risk of experiencing dry socket. Proper oral care, brushing and flossing will prevent these issues from occurring and reduce your risk.

The best way to tell if you’re dealing with a case of dry socket is to watch for symptoms to occur. The primary symptom is pain, which may range from moderate to severe enough that you’ll want to return to the clinic. If you can see the extraction site, you may find that the blood clot is missing from the socket, or you may be able to see bone. You may also discover a very unpleasant taste or odor emanating from your mouth as a result.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a tooth extraction, be sure to contact your oral surgery team immediately for advice on your next steps.

There are a few steps you can take to prevent alveolar osteitis. First, be sure to use cold packs on the outside of your face for the first 24-48 hours after your tooth is extracted, and warm packs after that as recommended by your oral surgeon. As mentioned above, avoid cigarette smoking, try to avoid alcohol and be sure to stay hydrated. Finally, you’ll want to rinse your mouth with any prescribed rinses, or if none have been prescribed you can swish warm salt water in your mouth a few times per day. If you’ve been instructed to brush your teeth, be very gentle around the extraction site.

If you’d like to know more about dry socket, or if you have had a tooth extracted and you think you might be experiencing symptoms, contact us today. The Lorton Oral Surgery team is happy to assist you with advice and any care that may be needed.

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What are the common complications of dental extraction, and how can you prevent them?

A trip to the orthodontist or dentist can sometimes result in what may feel like bad news. Having your regular checkups, however, is important to ensuring that you avoid serious issues. So when you get the news that you’ll need to have a tooth pulled, don’t fret. This common procedure is one that will be of future benefit to your oral health, and one that you should recover from just fine. Doing your research, however, is always beneficial to avoid post-extraction complications. Here are some common complications after tooth extractions and tips on how you can avoid them.
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When should you get your wisdom teeth pulled?

Follow the link below for an article that discusses when to have wisdom teeth removed.
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When should you get your wisdom teeth pulled?