Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common types of oral surgery. However, even though more than five million people undergo this procedure each year, there are still a lot of questions on the subject, especially when it comes to impacted molars. The following guide answers some of those queries to help you prepare for your next appointment.

What You Need to Know About Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth

What does it mean if you have impacted wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are considered impacted when they begin to emerge through the gum line but don’t have enough room to fit comfortably in your mouth. When this happens, they’re unable to erupt properly and usually get stuck in the jawbone or gums. 

What are some signs your wisdom teeth are impacted?

Most patients experience the majority of their symptoms in the gums. The tissue surrounding the impacted tooth may become swollen, red, or tender. They might also be prone to bleeding as the tooth tries to erupt. As the impaction continues to affect the rest of the mouth, patients often experience swelling or limited mobility in the jaws, as well as bad breath or foul tastes.

What does the procedure entail?

The oral surgery begins with the dentist applying a local or general anesthetic. Once you’re fully numb, they create a small incision in the gum line so they can remove the impacted tooth. They then use self-melting stitches so the wound can heal properly.

What is the recovery process like?

After oral surgery, it’s common to experience soreness, swelling, and overall discomfort in the jawbone and gums. Your dentist will likely recommend using ice therapy in the first 48 hours after the procedure to curb these symptoms. While the stitches are still in and the wound is still healing, you’ll need to be careful while brushing, as any disruption to the surgery site could impede recovery.

If you think you need to remove impacted teeth, turn to the team at Lake Country Dental Care. For over 40 years, they have provided residents throughout Lake Country, Milledgeville, Eaton, Sparta, Greensboro, Baldwin County, and Sandersville, GA, with a broad range of oral health services, from root canals and implants to extractions and oral surgery. Call (478) 452-3768 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website for more information on their services.