Wisdom Teeth in honolulu & aiea, HI
More About Wisdom Teeth
The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars and are the last teeth to emerge at the back of the mouth. They typically erupt when you are in your late teens or early twenties and often present problems because there is not enough room in the back of the mouth for them to fully emerge. When this happens, they become “impacted,” or trapped fully or partially in the jawbone or gums.
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The Problem with Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Since it is not normal for a tooth to remain beneath the surface of the gum tissue beyond the age of eighteen, it is easy to understand why unhealthy conditions may develop. Whenever saliva can reach the crown or top of the tooth, and this may happen though the impacted tooth cannot be seen in the mouth, decay can occur, just as it can in normal teeth. Because there is no way to fill such cavities, severe toothaches and infections will eventually develop.
Bacteria in the saliva may also cause pericoronitis, which is an infection in the soft tissue and bone that surrounds the crown of the impacted tooth. This infection can spread to the cheek, throat or neck, causing severe pain, stiffness of the jaws, swelling, an inability to open the mouth and more general illness.
As impacted teeth press against normally erupted teeth, they may injure the roots of those teeth or push them out of position. Oral hygiene becomes a serious problem when erupted teeth are pushed from their normal positions.
Sometimes cysts will form around the crowns of impacted teeth. Through its very gradual enlargement, a cyst will cause serious destruction of bone and damage to teeth in the adjacent area. Such cysts should be removed.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Earaches or a sore throat as a result of “referred pain.”
- Chronic sinus pain.
- Chronic headaches.
- Long-term toothaches.
- Red, puffy, or bleeding gums at the back of the mouth.
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
- Jaw stiffness or pain.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
Why Early Wisdom Teeth Removal Is Often Recommended
While not all impacted wisdom teeth cause complications, there is no way to predict which ones will cause problems such as impaction, cysts, infections, or damage to adjacent teeth. When problems do occur, they are usually unexpected and at inconvenient times. Older persons do not tolerate the operation as well as younger people and the operation becomes more difficult with advancing age. The roots of wisdom teeth continue to grow longer as we age, impinging on nerves and blood vessels in the jawbone. Removal later in life is more complex and can lead to nerve damage.
For these reasons, we recommend all adults with impacted teeth have them removed, especially if there is any existing pathology (infection, disease, etc.), if they are interfering with normally functioning teeth, or if they are causing pain.
Advanced Technology for Safer Wisdom Teeth Removal
To minimize any risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction in Oahu, our surgeons use the latest technologies available. CBCT scanners provide us with high-resolution, 3D images of the teeth and surrounding bone and soft tissues so that we can clearly see the area from every angle. This allows us to remove the teeth using minimally invasive techniques.
Comfort-Focused Wisdom Teeth Extraction
To reassure you or your child before surgery, we carefully explain every step of the procedure, using an actual 3D image of the wisdom teeth being removed to illustrate what to expect. To ensure the patient’s comfort, we will assist them in selecting anesthesia best suited to their individual needs. In some cases, local anesthesia will be enough; however, some cases require intravenous anesthesia or a combination of both techniques. Some patients may be pre-medicated before coming to the office.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
There is often some mild bleeding and oozing following surgery which will stop by itself after a few hours. There will be some minor pain or discomfort and some swelling or bruising following wisdom teeth removal. These are usually easily controlled with the prescribed pain medications and ice packs or cold compresses. Any discomfort and swelling will peak around the third day, then begin to subside.
Post-operative instructions are provided for each patient in order to assist recovery. Certain medications will be prescribed to minimize discomfort, reduce swelling, prevent infection, promote healing and aid in good oral hygiene.
Why Choose Our Honolulu Oral Surgeons for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
When looking for an oral surgeon near you for wisdom teeth extraction, we hope you will choose Oral and Maxillofacial Associates. As a local practice in Oahu, our board-certified doctors are locals who provide exceptional care backed by mainland education and years of experience, but rooted in the Hawai’ian concept of ohana.
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain or have been referred to our practice for wisdom teeth removal by your dentist, please contact our office at Honolulu Office Phone Number (808) 973-3747 to schedule an appointment.