WISDOM TEETH

An impacted tooth may be close to major nerves (see pages…….). When the tooth is extracted, the nerve may become bruised. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling and loss of feeling in teeth, gums, cheeks, lips, chin, tongue and around the upper and lower jaw. If the lingual nerve is damaged, there is a risk of altered taste sensation. Speech may be affected in some cases.

If a nerve is injured, it will generally heal. As it heals, the numbness, tingling, pain and any dysfunction will go away. This may take four to eight weeks. In the meantime, keep hot foods and drinks away from numb areas and be careful not to bite the lip or tongue.

In some people, complete healing of the nerve may take six to eighteen months. In rare cases, the nerve may not heal completely, and numbness or altered sensation may be permanent. If feeling is reduced in the tongue, lips or face, or if speech or taste is affected, this can create major problems for some patients, particularly if it affects their daily work. If this might apply to you, tell your surgeon so these risks can be further discussed.

Following wisdom tooth extraction, a blood clot will form over the bone. This clot is important for proper healing and relief of pain. If the blood clot is washed away or dissolves, the bone will be exposed. This is called a “dry socket”. This results in a constant, throbbing pain, that may last for several days. If you have pain like this, contact your surgeon.

• To help prevent a dry socket
  • For the first day following surgery, do not rinse out your mouth or spit with force. This can loosen the blood clot and may delay healing.
  • Following the first day, you can rinse your mouth very gently with warm salt water. Rinse gently every four hours or more often if required. This will assist with healing, reduce swelling and pain and reduce the risk of infection.
  • Do not smoke after surgery. Smoking interferes with healing.
  • Following the first day after surgery, do not brush your teeth around the area of surgery. After the first day, brush gently.

An infection in the gum or bone is usually treated with antibiotics. It is important that you complete the full course. Tell your surgeon if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any antibiotic or other drug.

Pain or discomfort when opening the mouth is common after removal of a wisdom tooth. This usually disappears within a few days after the swelling goes down.

The body temperature may be slightly higher after surgery. It should return to normal after 12 to 24 hours. A fever that lasts longer may be an indication of an infection or other problems. You should contact your surgeon.

Although uncommon, hemorrhage may occur. It may be caused by too much exertion or by vomiting. It can be stopped by putting gauze over the wound and applying pressure by biting gently on the gauze for 15 minutes. If severe bleeding does not cease, you should contact your surgeon.

While the tooth is being removed, pressure or stretching of the lip by the surgical instruments may cause bruising or small sores. They usually heal without any problems. These lip sores are not common.

Although rare, ween a wisdom tooth is removed, the tooth or filling adjacent to it may sustain a chip or become loose.

Unfortunately, some people may vomit when they are recovering from the effects of the anaesthetic.

The roots of the upper wisdom teeth are in close proximity to the sinuses. In some cases, a sinus may be opened when a wisdom tooth is removed. The opening will generally heal quickly without infection. However, if an infection develops or other problems arise, more treatment may be necessary.

Removal of an impacted wisdom tooth can cause the jaw bone to become temporarily weaker. Although uncommon, the jaw might break at the time of surgery or during the weeks or months afterwards whilst it is still healing. Avoid contact sports for at least four weeks following surgery.