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| Wisdom Teeth |
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| Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the final teeth
to develop. Most of us have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner
of the mouth. They usually emerge during our late teens or early twenties.
Often wisdom teeth become trapped, or impacted, in the jawbone and
cause crowding, displacement, decay, infection, or gum disease. Impacted
wisdom teeth can grow in many different directions: horizontally,
vertically, or at an angle. |
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| Angular, bony impaction
of third molar (wisdom tooth). |
Soft tissue impaction
of third molar
(wisdom tooth). |
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| In most cases, it is recommended that impacted wisdom
teeth are extracted. Wisdom tooth surgery is performed, usually under
local anesthesia, in your dentist's office, an outpatient surgical
facility, or a hospital. Make arrangements for a responsible adult
to drive you home and plan to rest at home for the remainder of the
day. |
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| The Procedure |
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| Incision is made and overlying
bone is removed, exposing crown of impacted tooth |
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Tooth is extracted whole or surgically
sectioned. The site is sutured closed. |
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To ease any discomfort and promote healing:
- Use ice packs on the cheek for swelling, alternating on and
off every thirty minutes.
- Apply biting pressure with clean gauze to stop bleeding.
- Eat soft foods and drink extra liquids.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods in the tender area.
- Brush carefully the day after surgery.
- Take prescribed medications and follow all instructions as
directed.
Call your doctor immediately in case of excessive bleeding or swelling,
persistent, severe pain or fever. |
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| Be sure to follow the special home
care instructions provided by your dental professional. |
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