Top 5 Problems Created by Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Venture Creative on November 21, 2020

The last set of adult teeth to emerge is the third molars or ‘wisdom teeth.’ They erupt at the back of the mouth when an individual reaches adolescence or adulthood. It is pertinent to mention that the experience does anything but make you wiser. It can be extremely problematic, not to mention painful.

 

In addition to this, if it does not have enough room in the mouth to erupt through the gum or happens to get stuck under it, it is an impacted wisdom tooth. In that case, they are more prone to infections, tooth decay, and other severe dental issues.

Symptoms

When a wisdom tooth passes through the gum, one can see the parts of it. This occurrence means getting partially-impacted wisdom teeth that can be quite painful. This is because small crevices can trap, which can get difficult to clean.

In case the tooth suffers from an infection, the symptoms include a swollen jaw in addition to red, painful, bleeding gums. You may also suffer from bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. You may even face trouble opening the mouth, which can lead to difficulty in eating.

Common problems

1. Pressure on the surrounding teeth

Most wisdom teeth tend to erupt at an angle that puts pressure on the surrounding teeth. This pressure can cause the other teeth to shift, thereby damaging them. This increases the risk of contracting an infection.

2. Tooth Decay

Partially erupted wisdom teeth means food gets stuck in those small gaps. Normal brushing cannot help with the cleaning. As a result, entrapped food ends up, causing the teeth to decay.

Without timely intervention, the decay can make its way to the nerve. This can lead to dental problems like abscesses, and you might then have to go for a root canal.

3. Gum infection

Gums can suffer from infections due to untreated tooth decay. This dental problem is pericoronitis, which means painful and swollen gums. Your breath goes bad, and you experience swelling in the lymph nodes. As a result, you might not even get to open your mouth properly. Pericoronitis is what often leads people to get their wisdom teeth extracted. The pain can get so unbearable that the only solution is to get rid of the wisdom tooth.

4. Cysts

They are another major, but quite rare, complication that wisdom teeth can cause. It can get painful. Therefore, one must take it seriously. The cyst can end up damaging the nerves and lead to serious issues, like benign tumors.

5. Sinus

Are you wondering how? Well, teeth come with a long root. When wisdom teeth emerge, the root can put constant pressure on an individual’s sinus system. As a result, you might face severe headaches and sinus pain.

If you consider wisdom tooth extraction, call at (435) 228-7282 and schedule an appointment now!

Wisdom Teeth Removal for Missionaries

Venture Creative on September 11, 2020

About 3% of missionaries experience shortened missions caused by various physical health problems. By going through wisdom teeth removal, a missionary can help ensure that their mission is not interrupted by orthodontic issues.

 

Visit a Dentist

Visiting a dentist is important in ensuring that your oral health is up to date before you start serving. They will let you know if there are any problems with your teeth and what you can do to fix them.

 

Wisdom teeth often cause problems in young adults’ mouths- they can erupt in the wrong spot, crowd other teeth, become impacted, or even erupt sideways. If any of these were to happen, it could be very detrimental to your physical health.

 

Because of this, the Mission Department says that you should go through a wisdom teeth removal procedure if your dentist believes they are going to cause you issues within the next two years.

 

Prospective missionaries that are not in a routine dental-care program will want to see a dentist as soon as possible. That way they can be sure that there is enough time for a check-up and treatment if needed.

 

In short, you want any needed orthodontic work to be completed before entering the MTC. If you are in St. George with wisdom teeth problems, our team at the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute consists of an experienced and caring staff who would love to help you.

 

What Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?

Every patient can experience different issues with their wisdom teeth. However, as a missionary, you will want to be sure you get them looked at before you leave to serve. Wisdom teeth removal may require a long healing time, which could interrupt your mission.

 

They also cause many problems. When an impacted tooth is not removed, it may cause swelling and pain in your gums. Wisdom teeth that are only partially erupted are hard to clean since they are in the back of your mouth- making them a potential risk for gum disease, infection, or tooth decay.

 

We are specialists when it comes to any St. George wisdom tooth extraction, so do not be afraid to reach out to us. Many of our patients are future missionaries, just like you!

 

What Happens After Removal?

Once the teeth have been removed, you will start the healing process. It is different for every person and our specialists will let you know what to do to help the process along.

 

You will likely experience some swelling and pain in your mouth. An ice pack can help reduce swelling and numb your mouth. Be sure that you only eat soft food after the procedure and avoid using a straw.

 

It can take 3 days to a week to completely recover. After this, it would be alright to start your mission. Remember that you can still be susceptible to infection for a few months, so clean your mouth often, and be sure to watch for signs of an infection.

 

Conclusion

Contact us today if you are a prospective missionary looking to have their wisdom teeth removed. We would love to answer any questions that you have about the procedure. 435-628-1100

Wisdom Teeth Surgery: The Do’s & Don’ts

Venture Creative on June 26, 2020

Most people will have to have their wisdom teeth removed to avoid oral complications they can create, usually facing removal surgery around the age of 16-25.

 

It may be a frightening experience to face dental surgery–perhaps the first surgical procedure you have had to face. Here at St. George, wisdom teeth removal is what we do so you can be assured, your health and safety, your healing time, and comfort are a top priority.

 

With some preparation, good dental care, and planning, you can make it as painless an experience as possible. It is crucial to follow your dental surgeon’s advice and recommendations as this is a surgical procedure, and the better you heal, the less physical pain you will have to endure.

 

Here are some do’s and don’ts that will help you to prepare for and heal from your wisdom teeth removal:

 

Do

  • Use proper brushing and flossing techniques to keep your existing teeth healthy.–When Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
  • Have regular dental care so that removal of your wisdom teeth, if needed, can be planned for in advance–before there are problems.
  • Having your wisdom teeth removed at an earlier age prevents full development of the roots of the wisdom teeth. This will allow for easier removal and quicker healing time following your surgery.
  • Secure adequate financing or payment structure to cover the costs of your surgery.
  • Discuss pain management with your dental surgeon.
  • Follow all post-surgical care directives from your dental surgeon.
  • Use an ice pack to curb swelling.
  • Use pain medications AS DIRECTED.
  • Use moist heat on your face for a sore jaw at least 36 hours after your surgery.– WebMD
  • Eat soft foods or liquid meals.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Be gentle with chewing, swishing, or rinsing your mouth.
  • Start brushing your teeth the second day. Don’t brush any blood clots.–WebMD
  • Call your doctor if you have a fever, or if your pain or swelling doesn’t improve.–WebMD
  • Gently open and close your mouth to exercise your jaw and increase mobility.
  • Get plenty of rest while your body is healing.

 

Don’t

  • Smoke following your surgery. It can cause healing issues at the wound sites and cause you greater pain.
  • Overuse pain medications or take them in a manner that conflicts with your dental surgeon’s recommendations.
  • Don’t drink through a straw following your surgery. This may loosen the blood clots and cause extra bleeding and longer healing time.
  • Eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may irritate or injure your healing surgical sites.
  • Exercise for the few days after your surgery so that you will not loosen the blood clots via the extra blood flow.
  • Eat hot foods or drink–this may loosen the blood clotting.

 

When the time comes to have your wisdom teeth removed, call us at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute Oral Surgeon St. George Utah to make an appointment for an evaluation. We look forward to serving your oral surgical needs.

When Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Venture Creative on September 20, 2019

Wisdom teeth, unfortunately, are something that most people have to deal with at some point or another in their lifetime. Some experience issues in their early teenage years while others start dealing with issues later on.

 

A lot of people wonder when the right time to get their wisdom teeth out is and the answer to that varies. Most kids who are seeing an orthodontist regularly are usually recommended for wisdom teeth removal before orthodontic treatment is finished or shortly after.

 

If orthodontic treatment is completed before wisdom teeth removal, it can cause complications to arise later on down the road. If the wisdom teeth are impacted and they start to erupt after orthodontic care, it can cause shifting and crowding of permanent teeth and that can result in more orthodontic treatment. Who wants that?

 

Most dentists and surgeons recommend wisdom teeth removal between the ages of 16-25. Having them removed at an earlier age will ensure that the roots are not fully formed, which means a speedier recovery.

 

Some people get lucky and they have a large enough jaw structure that they do not need to worry about wisdom teeth removal. If that is the case, proper brushing and flossing techniques must be followed as having four extra teeth can be tricky!

 

Wisdom teeth left untreated can cause gum tenderness, swelling, infection and extreme facial pain. If the teeth have partially erupted they can become hard to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay.

 

If you are unsure if you or a child needs wisdom teeth taken out, schedule a consultation at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute.

Teeth Extraction Survival Guide (What to Expect)

Venture Creative on April 2, 2019

There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so your doctor may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.

When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may schedule another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a “tooth socket,” and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share with your doctor any concerns or preferences for sedation.

Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth, especially a front tooth replacement.

Now that you know a little about what to expect, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Pre-Surgery

  • Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for eight hours prior to your appointment. If you take medications, you should take them with a small sip of water no later than three hours prior to your appointment.
  • A responsible adult must accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow.
  • Remove contact lenses, dental prosthetics (dentures), and jewelry.
  • Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
  • Fill any prescription pain medications and antibiotics before the day of your surgery.
  • If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, or stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.

Post-Surgery

  • Never drive an automobile or operate dangerous machinery on the same day as your surgery or procedure.
  • Avoid any heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for several days after your surgery.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, but do not suck on a straw, because this can dislodge a clot and lead to bleeding.

We are in the business of giving smiles. Call us today to get your smile feeling right again!

 

5 Perks of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Venture Creative on March 4, 2019

Wisdom teeth are molars found in the very back of your mouth. They usually appear in the late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth removal is “mesial,” which means the tooth is angled forward toward the front of your mouth. Now that doesn’t sound very fun, right? Although it may not sound fun, we’re here to share 5 perks of having your wisdom teeth removed.

Avoid Pain

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it will need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and even gum disease.

Make Extraction Easy

Each patient’s situation is unique. We will usually take a panoramic X-ray to determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be removed. If we recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth, it is best to have them removed sooner rather than later.

Have a Short Recovery Time

Wisdom teeth are typically removed during the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the roots have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make wisdom tooth extraction easier, as well as the recovery time much shorter.

Local Anesthetic

To remove a wisdom tooth, we first need to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. We can use additional medication, such as nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, to sedate you safely during the extraction if you are feeling nervous about the procedure.

Ice Cream

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process and ice cream eating begins.

Healing time varies, depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction. We will let you know what to expect and provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process.

 

Interesting Facts About Dental Implants

Venture Creative on March 4, 2019

Dental Implants. You’ve heard of them, perhaps you’ve even considered them for yourself or someone close to you, but do you really know about them? We have a handful of interesting facts you may not know about dental implants.

Anyone can get them

That’s right. Anyone. No matter your age, you’re eligible for a new smile. All you’ll need is a sign off from your Oral Surgeon saying your jaw is ready to take on the new smile. If they have any concerns, there are options to prep your jaw so you can be back on your way to a new set of pearly whites.

You wouldn’t be alone

The number of people who have implants is growing by 500,000 each year according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Join the 3 million people in the United States who already have implants.

Your implants, your secret

Unless you told someone you have implants, they wouldn’t know because implants look just like real teeth! Implants even fuse with your bone.

It only takes one day

With our Teeth-In-A-Day service you can come in and turn that frown upside down with a whole new set of teeth in simply one day. Check out our Teeth In A Day, A Second Chance At a First Impression post to learn more about the procedure.

Long-lasting

With a nearly 100% success rate, this permanent option is here to stay. Forget options you had to replace and adjust, like dentures, bridges and crowns. Dental implants are here and ready to keep your smile long-lasting. If you take special care of them, they have the potential to last longer than 18 years!

Now that you’ve heard our five interesting facts about dental implants, don’t hesitate to call with any questions you may have. Let us help you smile.

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Venture Creative on March 1, 2019

Wisdom teeth are molars found in the very back of your mouth. They usually appear in the late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth removal is “mesial,” which means the tooth is angled forward toward the front of your mouth.

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it will need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and even gum disease.

Each patient’s situation is unique. Our doctors will usually take a panoramic X-ray to determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be removed. If they recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth, it is best to have them removed sooner rather than later.

Wisdom teeth are typically removed during the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the roots have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make wisdom tooth extraction easier, as well as the recovery time much shorter.

To remove a wisdom tooth, the doctor first needs to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. They use additional medication, such as nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, to sedate you safely during the extraction, if you are feeling nervous about the procedure.

Since the impacted wisdom tooth may still be under the gums and embedded in your jaw bone, the doctor will need to remove a portion of the covering bone to extract the tooth. To minimize the amount of bone removed with the tooth, your wisdom tooth may be “sectioned” (cut into pieces) so each piece can be removed through a small opening in the bone.

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Healing time varies, depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction. Our doctors will let you know what to expect and provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process.

 

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