Wisdom teeth can become problematic, leading to pain, difficulty chewing, and problems with impaction. In some cases, patients make the decision to have their wisdom teeth removed long before they begin to cause problems. When the wisdom teeth are problematic, they are removed with Maxillofacial Surgery Effingham IL. It is important for patients to be prepared for what to expect from the process.
Most individuals have twenty-eight teeth before their wisdom teeth come in. Once the wisdom teeth all erupt from their sockets, a person’s mouth can become overly crowded and uncomfortable. This can lead to chewing injuries and pain in closing the jaw. While some individuals may be able to keep their wisdom teeth, if the jaws are aligning properly and there is room, this is a rare case.
A patient will be placed under local or general anesthesia before they have their wisdom teeth removed. The dentist will make sure the patient is fully under general anesthesia or is fully numbed before beginning the process of removing the teeth. In some cases, the teeth must be removed in parts, depending on their size and the complexity of the position. The dentist will work to remove the teeth in the safest manner possible to be sure no damage occurs to other teeth or the jaw.
Sutures are needed once the teeth have been removed. Most surgeons will use dissolvable sutures after Maxillofacial Surgery Effingham IL. These are slowly absorbed by the body as healing takes place so they never have to be removed. It is imperative patients carefully follow their surgeon’s instructions for aftercare so they do not experience any issues with healing or infection. It can take a few weeks before the gum tissue completely heals so a soft foods diet is recommended.
If you are having issues with your wisdom teeth and would like to find out more about your removal options, contact The Center For Jaw and Facial Surgery P.C. They will provide you with a consultation appointment so you can learn if your wisdom teeth need to be removed. They will take you through each step of the process, protecting your oral health.