Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are the four permanent adult teeth located in the very back of the upper and lower jaw. These teeth can cause many problems because they are the last teeth to come in and often do not have enough room to erupt properly. This can cause them to become impacted, which means they are stuck in the gum and bone.
When wisdom teeth erupt, they can cause a lot of problems. They can damage other teeth, crowd the mouth, and be very difficult to keep clean. This can lead to pain, infection, and other oral health problems.
Most oral surgeons recommend removing all four wisdom teeth before they cause any problems. This is because it is easier to remove wisdom teeth that are not yet impacted before they have a chance to damage other teeth. It is also easier to recover from surgery when you are younger.
Sometimes doctors have to consider surgical removal versus retention to manage impacted wisdom teeth. This decision is influenced by the position of the tooth, oral hygiene, oral and systemic health status of the patient, and other factors.
Wisdom teeth management is the process of monitoring and caring for your wisdom teeth to prevent problems. This includes regular checkups with our Manchester dentist Dr. Mann, or oral surgeon to ensure your wisdom teeth are coming in properly. It also includes good oral hygiene habits at home. If Dr. Mann decides to have the wisdom teeth removed, they will discuss the surgery process with you and answer any questions. Wisdom tooth removal is a common oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specially trained to remove wisdom teeth, and they have the experience and training to do the surgery safely and effectively. Dr. Mann may also be able to remove your wisdom teeth, but it is best to see an oral surgeon for this procedure. Wisdom teeth extractions are usually done in the oral surgeon’s office, especially in more complex cases.
Wisdom teeth removal is a relatively simple oral surgery usually performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s situation. You will be awake during the procedure for local anesthetic alone but will not feel any pain. Your oral surgeon will numb the area around your wisdom teeth with local anesthetic injections. For general anesthesia, you will be asleep during the procedure. The oral surgeon will make small incisions in the gum to expose the wisdom teeth. The teeth are then removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches.
There are some risks associated with wisdom teeth removal, as with any surgery. These include bleeding, infection, and damage to the teeth, gum tissue, or nerves. However, these risks are small, and your oral surgeon will take every precaution to avoid them.
For patients who feel anxious about oral surgery, we offer several sedation options to help you feel more relaxed during wisdom teeth removal. Our team may recommend nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives, or IV sedation depending on your needs and medical history. These options can help you stay calm and comfortable throughout the procedure while our team carefully monitors you. During your consultation, we will review your health history, discuss your comfort preferences, and recommend the most appropriate sedation option for your treatment.
After your wisdom teeth have been removed, it is essential to take care of yourself to completely heal. Here are some tips for a smooth recovery:
You can expect a smooth and uncomplicated recovery from your wisdom teeth extraction surgery by following these tips.
Wisdom teeth can become trapped, crowd other teeth, or cause infection when there isn’t enough space for proper eruption. Many patients searching for a trusted dentist in Manchester, NH, learn that removal can prevent future pain and damage.
Impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to inflammation or shifting that complicates future treatment. Patients exploring dental implants in Manchester, NH, benefit from removing problematic wisdom teeth early. We assess bone health and healing needs during your visit. Check out our Dental Implants page to learn about this restoration!
Sometimes, removing impacted wisdom teeth supports a healthier bite and reduces swelling that affects smile esthetics. Patients considering cosmetic dentistry in Manchester, NH, often undergo extractions before receiving veneers or undergoing alignment. Ready to schedule? Call us at (866) 393-3402.
Yes, many patients begin wearing clear aligners before their wisdom teeth emerge, but regular monitoring is still important. People researching Invisalign in Manchester, NH, often combine evaluations for alignment and wisdom tooth development. We track eruption patterns and recommend removal only when needed. Visit our Invisalign Treatment page for more details!
A family dentist in Manchester, NH, regularly tracks growth and eruption patterns during routine exams. Early detection helps prevent pain, infection, and crowding. Our office offers clear guidance on when removal is appropriate based on X-rays and symptoms.
