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If Wisdom Teeth Must Come Out

Your wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, which come in between the ages of 17 and 21. In many people, these teeth can cause problems—usually because they are misaligned or don’t grow in properly and become impacted.1 If your dentist recommends that your wisdom teeth be extracted, he or she will most likely refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the best-trained specialist to remove wisdom teeth.2

Before your surgery, talk with your oral surgeon about questions or concerns you may have about the procedure, including the right type of anesthesia for you. Typically, wisdom teeth are removed under either local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the situation.3

During the procedure, the surgeon will access the teeth through the soft and hard tissue, detach the wisdom tooth from the bone, and remove the tooth. How easily the tooth is removed depends on its position and root development.1, 4

After the surgery, you can use cold compresses to help keep swelling down, and your surgeon may prescribe medication for pain.4 It is reasonable to expect the swelling and discomfort to last for a few days. You may need to eat only soft foods following the surgery in order to ensure proper healing.5

1 “Medical Encyclopedia: Impacted Tooth.”U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, May 28, 2008. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001057.htm Accessed 2008.

2 “Wisdom Teeth.” American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/wisdom_teeth.asp Accessed 2008.

3 “Wisdom Teeth.” American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. http://www.aaoms.org/wisdom_teeth.php Accessed 2008.

4 “What Are Wisdom Teeth?” Academy of General Dentistry. http://www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=340&Topic=W&ArtID=1366#body Accessed 2008.

5 “Be Wise with Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Avoid Dry Socket.”  Academy of General Dentistry. http://www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=340&Topic=W&ArtID=1364#body Accessed 2008.

Publication Source: Health & You magazine
Online Editor: Sinovic, Dianna
Online Medical Reviewer: Review in Process
Date Last Reviewed: 10/8/2008
Date Last Modified: 10/8/2008
The views represented by this article are that of the author and not of Delta Dental. This article is provided for information only. Please consult with a licensed dentist to discuss the best way for you to improve or maintain your oral health.

In all cases, specific group contract provisions, benefits, limitations and exclusions take precedence over oral health recommendations given here. We recommend that you contact your dental benefits carrier to determine the specific limitations and exclusions for your group.