Tag Archives: Wisdom Teeth Removal

Do All Wisdom Teeth Need Removing?

Patients often ask their dentist or oral surgeon if all four of their wisdom teeth need removing, even if they aren’t causing problems. 

Even if all four of them are free of infection, or if only one of them is causing trouble, an oral surgeon may recommend removing all of them at once. Continue reading to learn more. 

Why Do All Four Wisdom Teeth Need Removing? 

Because of their discrete location at the back of the mouth, these teeth are difficult to keep free of food and plaque, trapping harmful bacteria that can contribute to decay, infection, and gum disease. If your wisdom teeth are underneath your gums, they can still cause problems. 

Discover the benefits of removing all four molars below. 

The Importance of Removing All Four at Once

  • Most oral surgeons find it easier to remove wisdom teeth in younger patients because their molars’ roots aren’t fully developed, surrounding bone is softer, and there’s a lower risk of damaging nerves and other structures. Unfortunately, surgical complications are more common in adult patients. 
  • Removing wisdom teeth in separate appointments is time-consuming, and a patient will need to request more time off from school or work.
  • Each additional procedure requires more days to heal, meaning you will need to restrict your diet multiple times. It will be as if you underwent four separate surgeries. 
  • If you keep some of your molars, you will need to schedule additional visits so that your oral surgeon can perform routine inspections and X-rays. 
  • It will be more expensive to visit your surgeon multiple times for additional tooth extraction surgeries if your remaining molars become painful. 

Risks of Keeping Wisdom Teeth

On rare occasions, keeping all four wisdom teeth is reasonable; however, this decision is up to your oral surgeon. In most cases, keeping them can result in the following:

  • Damage to neighboring teeth
  • Unrestorable cavities
  • Pathologies, such as cysts, abscesses, and tumors
  • Infections and other periodontal diseases 

What Will Happen During My Initial Consultation?

During your first visit, your oral surgeon will take advanced 3D X-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted and need removal. They will discuss treatment options with you and ask questions about your overall health. If they find that removing all four molars is risky, they will create an appropriate treatment plan for you; however, most people can extract all four teeth at once.

 Many people are scared of oral surgery, so you should address any qualms with your surgeon to accommodate you. For instance, some people have dental phobia and need entertainment options during appointments. Make sure you understand your surgeon’s preoperative and postoperative instructions to minimize complications.

Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah is Here for You

If you’re wondering if all four of your wisdom teeth need removing, you can schedule an appointment with the board-certified oral surgeons at Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah. We will advise you on how to proceed with your surgery. 

We specialize in tooth extraction, corrective jaw surgery, bone grafting, dental implant insertion, and more. We have offices in Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan, and Tooele. Schedule your free consultation today.

Do All Wisdom Teeth Need Removing?

Is it Safe to Remove All Four Wisdom Teeth at Once?

If you’re about to undergo wisdom teeth extraction, you may be worried about having all four of them removed at once. Isn’t it safer and less painful to perform the surgery throughout multiple appointments? Not necessarily. 

Find out more about wisdom teeth growth and extraction.

Information on Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically grow in the back of a person’s mouth during their teenage years. In ancient civilizations, people believed these teeth filled the gaps of secondary teeth that had fallen out due to poor hygiene. Present-day, we have improved sanitation, and most people retain their secondary teeth through early adulthood, leaving no space for third molars to grow. 

Rather than filling gaps, third molars typically come with a host of complications. Continue reading to learn more about the problems they can cause.

Wisdom Teeth Come with Complications

Some lucky people don’t grow third molars at all, but the average person will grow one to four wisdom teeth—sometimes more. For some, third molars will have plenty of room to sprout, and they will face zero complications. However, these teeth typically erupt and crowd existing teeth, which can cause occlusal problems. Dental occlusal can change the way your teeth meet when your jaws bite together. 

Worst of all, third molars may become impacted, so they might grow at an angle and only break part way through your gum line. Impaction can result in pain, infection, and other severe damage to neighboring teeth. An oral surgeon may recommend you undergo extraction depending on the size, shape, location, and projected path of your third molars. 

Should I Get All of Mine Extracted at Once?

Most oral surgeons prefer extracting all of a person’s wisdom teeth at once. If the removal only involves four small, erupted teeth, then the surgery will be low-risk and straightforward. On the other hand, if yours are large and impacted, you may require a more extensive procedure. If this is your situation, your oral surgeon might have to slice your gums open, file your wisdom teeth down, and remove them piece by piece. Although an extensive procedure is also safe, it can be more painful, longer, and require extra recovery time. 

If you need general anesthesia, your oral surgeon will want to extract all your wisdom teeth at once. Most patients also prefer to get it over with, rather than going through multiple surgeries. Getting all your wisdom teeth removed on the same day reduces recovery time, and cuts down on the risk of developing dry socket and infections. That said, it’s possible to split the procedure into two or three appointments; however, you should listen to your surgeon’s recommendation. 

Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah is Here for You

Most people don’t look forward to getting a tooth extracted, let alone four of them. Our board-certified oral surgeons at Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah specialize in wisdom teeth extraction, and they will work with your needs and ensure you feel comfortable. We have offices in South Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, and Tooele. Schedule your free consultation today.

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What The 24 Hours After Wisdom Teeth Removal Looks Like

Congratulations if you’ve gotten your wisdom teeth removed. You’ve undergone a surgery most Americans are scared to undertake. Now what? Postoperative care is necessary because if you don’t take care of yourself after surgery, you’ll experience pain from swelling and infection. Follow the instructions your orthodontist gave you. Here’s what the 24-hours after wisdom teeth extraction feels like. 

Pain

Living with wisdom teeth is a wild ride. From the pain of erupting wisdom teeth, to the fear of surgery and dealing with the resulting pain after surgery, it feels like you’ll never be able to move on. Experiencing pain after any surgery is common, and opening your mouth will cause discomfort. To minimize the pain and discomfort, make sure you take the appropriate amount of medication prescribed by your surgeon. Although you should anticipate a dull pain the first day after surgery, experiencing sharp pains for a whole week isn’t normal. If your pain and swelling worsen after a few days, or if any other unusual symptoms occur, contact your dentist.

Swelling

Your cheeks will swell after surgery, also known as “chipmunk cheeks.” Minimize swelling by using an ice pack on your cheeks; you can either buy one or make one at home. To make an ice pack, fill up two zipper-lock bags with crushed ice. Press one ice pack on each cheek for 20 minutes at a time. Use the ice pack on and off. After the 20 minutes are up, take a break, then 20 minutes later, do the ice pack treatment all over again. Following this method might annoy you because it’s uncomfortable and repetitive, but it’s better to experience mild discomfort from ice instead of the pain that comes with wisdom teeth removal. Expect to swell for the next 36 hours after surgery.

Bleeding

Expect to ooze blood the day after your surgery, so don’t be scared if blood comes out of your mouth. Oral bleeding consists of a little blood with lots of salivae, so you’ll also uncontrollably drool post-surgery. When your mouth starts to bleed, you’ll need to sit upright and avoid all physical activity; this includes walking. Reduce the bleeding by biting on a piece of gauze for one hour. Another way to minimize bleeding is by biting a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. Teabags contain tannic acid, which helps form a clot by constricting your mouth’s blood vessels. 

Diet 

Avoid chewing foods until your tongue’s sensation and taste buds are restored. Following surgery, avoid popcorn, nuts, seeds, and anything crunchy for the next six weeks. Drink water regularly to prevent dehydration.

Wisdom teeth extraction is a long-winded process, but if you follow your doctor’s orders and take it easy, you’ll successfully recover in no time.

If you don’t notice improvement one week after your surgery, visit your orthodontist. The board-certified orthodontists at Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah are here to help you with all your wisdom teeth needs. Schedule your consultation today. 

    What The 24 Hours After Wisdom Teeth Removal Looks Like

Why Do You Need to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are molars that typically come in during a young adult’s life, also known as the third molars. When wisdom teeth are left in, they can lead to other problems. So, what are they? Why do we have them? And why do we need them removed?

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

Over time, human jawbone has shrunk. Because jaws are smaller than they used to be, when wisdom teeth come in, all 32 teeth can’t fit properly in the mouth. When wisdom teeth erupt, they crowd other teeth and they can cause many problems. Some wisdom teeth can become impacted and never fully erupt when there is not enough room, or they are being blocked by other teeth. Though pretty much everyone has wisdom teeth, some people’s wisdom teeth don’t erupt beyond the surface.

When Wisdom Teeth Become a Problem

Wisdom teeth may not always cause problems, but when they aren’t extracted, overtime issues tend to surface. Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing you pain, they can still impact your teeth’s spacing, or even wrap around the nerves in your mouth and cause other issues. Wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth that proper dental care can be difficult. Because of the difficulty of their care and the potential problems they can cause, most dentists recommend that patients have their wisdom teeth removed for their long-term health.

Problems that Come from Wisdom Teeth

When they are not removed, wisdom teeth—whether impacted or not—can cause serious problems. Some of these issues include pain, cysts, damage to nearby teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay. When wisdom teeth start to take up space in your mouth, they can push against other molars and more nearby teeth. When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, other issues can come to the surface as well. Impacted wisdom teeth can easily get infected—this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and if the infection reaches your bloodstream, it can even affect other parts of your body. Fluid-filled cysts can form at the bottom of impacted wisdom teeth that can cause damage to the jawbone and nerves in the area.

Why are they called wisdom teeth?

So, where does the name wisdom teeth come from? Because wisdom teeth are molars that come in a little later, typically they erupt between ages 17 and 25, they are referred to as wisdom teeth. This name stems from the belief that wisdom comes with age.

If your wisdom teeth have come in, come see us at Oral and Facial Surgery of Utah to see if it’s time to get them out. Getting them removed sooner rather than later can save you from other problems and pain down the road. Come see us today for a consultation! 

Why Do You Need to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Which Foods To Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal

After having a wisdom teeth removal procedure you will need to take a few days to recover. During that time, there are lots of foods you’ll need to avoid. But there are also many foods that you can enjoy!

For the most part, you will want to stick with soft foods. Your mouth will be sore, and chewing will be uncomfortable. It may even be difficult to move your jaw. You may also be more sensitive to hot and cold foods.

Which Foods You Should Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Because you’ll have some open wounds in your mouth, while they heal you should stick with soft, easy to eat foods. These foods include blended, smooth soups. Soups with chunks may be difficult. Soup can also help to keep you hydrated, which is very important while you’re healing. Broths are another good option. Though they may not be the most exciting food, broths are hydrating, nourishing, and easy to eat. Greek yogurt is also a good choice. With high-protein and a smooth texture, Greek yogurt is great for recovery. There are also a large number of vitamins and minerals that can aid in recovery. If you want something a little more hardy, mashed potatoes are a great option. This comfort food is easy to eat and high in carbs, giving you a little extra energy. Scrambled eggs can be another great source of protein and vitamins. Plus, they require very little chewing. If you want to get some fruits in the mix, try apple sauce, mashed bananas, or a smoothie. If you do go with a smoothie, be wary of using a straw, as it can remove your stitches after surgery.  

Which Foods You Should Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal 

While there are many foods you can eat after wisdom tooth removal, there are also many that you should avoid to ensure a speedy recovery. Anything that is difficult to chew will be very painful. Things like nuts, chips, jerky, gum, and popcorn should all be avoided. These foods can reopen stitches, delay healing, and cause pain. Grains are another food that should be avoided. Things like rice and quinoa can easily get stuff in the extraction site—which can be painful and lead to infection.  Acidic and spicy foods should also be avoided. These foods will be very painful and will likely cause irritation at the extraction site. You should also avoid alcoholic beverages for a while. Alcohol can irritate the extraction site, cause pain, and interact negatively with pain medication. After wisdom teeth removal, you’ll likely be prescribed some medication to manage the pain. Be sure that you aren’t doing anything to contradict or negatively interacts with this medication—that include alcohol consumption.

If you have any questions concerning wisdom teeth removal or healing from wisdom teeth removal, contact us at Oral and Facial Surgery of Utah. Our expert surgeons work hard to make your wisdom tooth removal as painless as possible and your recovery as quick as can be. 

      Which-Foods-to-Avoid-After-Wisdom-Teeth-Removal

How To Speed Up Your Wisdom Teeth Recovery

Wisdom Teeth Removal

When you get your wisdom teeth out, you can experience severe pain. Wisdom teeth removal impacts everyone differently, and your recovery may differ based on your experienced. For example, if your teeth are impacted, you may have a lengthier recovery.

After getting your wisdom teeth removed, take time to rest and relax. Be sure to stay hydrated. Hydration helps with healing. You should also stick to soft foods—chewing will be difficult and likely painful. You should also be sure to keep your mouth clean. This may include washing out with warm salt water—but be careful not to swish and removed your blood clots. Be gentle about all of your movements.

The Healing Timeline

The healing process can be different for each person. During the first 2-3 days swelling of the mouth and cheeks should go down. About one week after the surgery, a dentist will remove any remaining stitches. Within 7-10 days jaw soreness should go away and within about two weeks, bruising should heal.

How to Speed Up the Process

Though you will likely need some downtime after wisdom teeth removal, there are a few things you can do that may speed up the process. These careful practices may help you get back to your everyday life, pain free, faster.

  • Rinse your mouth out regularly
  • Protect the wound and exposed bone
  • Prevent bleeding when possible
  • Keep your head elevated
  • Ice the area of the cheek for the first day
  • Don’t over exert yourself

Wisdom teeth removal is a form of surgery and will require some recovery time. Be sure that you don’t push yourself too much. If you don’t take care of yourself and let your mouth heal, you could suffer from infections, dry socket, and other complications that will only extend recovery time and likely cause you more pain than necessary.

What to Avoid

After wisdom teeth are extracted blood clots are formed over the exposed tissue and bone to protect them. These blood clots basically act as scabs—they are essential to the healing process. If they are disturbed or removed, you could be in danger of dry sockets. Dry sockets can be very painful and lead to infections. To avoid dealing with the pain of a dry socket, avoid the following things that can dislodge the blood clots.

  • Brushing your teeth around the wounds
  • Eating food that requires lots of chewing, i.e. sticky or crunchy foods
  • Drinking hot drinks
  • Swishing liquid in your mouth
  • Drinking from a straw

If you’re looking to get your wisdom teeth out, contact us at Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah. Our professional surgeons will help you through the process and make it as painless as possible. We’d be happy to discuss options for surgery and how to speed you through the recovery process.

How To Speed Up Your Wisdom Teeth Recovery?

7 Reasons To Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed Now

It may be tempting to avoid the hassle of having your wisdom teeth removed. But skipping over this procedure could lead to other complications and pain down the road. When it comes to wisdom teeth, it’s better to take preventative action and avoid all of the other potential problems that can come along with keeping these molars in your mouth.

1. Avoid Overcrowding

As wisdom teeth grow in, they take up a lot of space. They will often erupt into an already crowded area and move teeth around. The result can be misaligned teeth. Even if you’ve already gone through the hassle of braces, your once straight smile can be undone over time as wisdom teeth enter the picture. Then you have the problem of needing your wisdom teeth removed and your teeth realigned.

2. Don’t Damage Your Other Teeth

When overcrowding happens, which is common with wisdom teeth, teeth can be damaged. Teeth may not only be moved but also be damaged. This damage could be excess cavities or potential bone damage.

3. Prevent Cysts or Tumors

The pressure that comes with impacted wisdom teeth can lead to potential cysts or tumors in the jawbone. This can lead to joint pain, damaged nerves, and may need to be treated by a TMJ specialist.

4. Inflammation and Infection

Wisdom teeth mean limited space in your mouth, partial impactions, and misalignment. All of this will usually also mean gum inflammation and potential infection. Inflammation and infection can easily spread and become a problem quickly. Especially if you have gaps in your teeth—this can be a breeding ground for bacteria growth.

5. Keep Up Your Dental Hygiene

The limited space the comes with having wisdom teeth in your mouth makes proper dental hygiene difficult. Thorough brushing and flossing get harder and harder as teeth become hard to reach and plaque builds up.

6. It Can Lead To Sinus Issues

Wisdom teeth mean a lot of pressure in your mouth and jaw. This can lead to sinus pain, pressure, and congestion. It’s all connected!

7. Overall Pain

Not everyone with their wisdom teeth with experience pain, but it is a common sign that it’s time to get them taken out. Wisdom teeth can lead to pressure in your mouth, in your jaw, in your sinuses, and give you headaches. If you are feeling pressure in your head, it may be from your wisdom teeth.

Don’t delay having your wisdom teeth removed. Putting it off can make the process much more difficult. If you have questions, as your dentist what they are seeing in your teeth. It may be that you don’t need your wisdom teeth out, but that is very rare. Overall, it’s better to take preventative action and not have to deal with all the pain that can come from wisdom teeth.

Reach out to Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah today to schedule an appointment to remove your wisdom teeth and avoid pain down the road.

The 7 Reasons To Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed Now

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery – Do’s and Don’ts

What is wisdom teeth removal recovery like? Many patients worry, but the reality is, most people bounce back quickly. Oral surgeons take every possible step to ensure an easy recovery from third molar extraction, and complications are rare.

But if you’re not careful, you could set yourself up for a more difficult time. Knowing what to do — and what not to do — will give you the best chance at a speedy, uncomplicated wisdom teeth removal recovery.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery – Do’s and Don’ts

DO Relax and Rest

Take it easy for at least a few days after wisdom tooth removal. Your body needs rest to heal and recover, so plan to relax at home.

DON’T Overexert Yourself

Get too active too fast and you may delay the healing process. Steer clear of any physical exertion — that means no bending, no lifting and no exercise until your oral surgeon gives you the green light.

DO Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids when you’re recovering from third molar extraction. Hydration helps ensure proper healing, so aim for a minimum of eight glasses of water every day.

DON’T Use a Straw

Staying hydrated is important, but sipping through a straw is a bad idea — the suction could disturb the wisdom tooth removal site, causing a painful condition called dry socket.

DO Stick to Soft Foods

For the first day or two following wisdom teeth extraction, eat a soft-foods diet. Your oral surgeon can provide nutritious meal and snack ideas to keep you full while you recover.

DON’T Eat Sticky or Crunchy Foods

After wisdom teeth extraction, the mouth and gum tissues are sensitive. Stay away from chewy, crunchy, sticky foods to avoid causing damage to the extraction site.

DO Keep Your Mouth Clean

For the first couple of days after wisdom tooth removal, use a warm saltwater rinse to keep the tooth extraction site clean. To prevent dry socket, swish gently and spit carefully.

DON’T Practice Unhealthy Habits

Cigarettes and alcohol can both hinder the healing process and increase the chance of developing an infection. To recover more quickly and easily from third molar extraction, skip smoking and drinking alcohol.

Are you worried about wisdom teeth removal recovery? To pave the way for a positive experience, look for a compassionate local oral surgeon with extensive expertise in third molar extraction. If you live in the greater Salt Lake City area or anywhere along the Wasatch Front, turn to the professionals at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah.

Dr. Partridge and Dr. Maxfield, our board-certified oral surgeons, take every precaution to help patients heal quickly after third molar extraction. To schedule a consultation — and ease your concerns about wisdom teeth removal recovery — contact our Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan or Tooele office today.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery – Do’s and Don’ts