Your Guide to Wisdom Teeth Extraction:

Wisdom Teeth Extraction FAQs - If wisdom is borne of pain, then no one is wiser than those with infected or impacted wisdom teeth. For those who think that it can't be that bad, consider that a regular toothache can cause your whole body to be miserable. You compensate by chewing on the other side or correcting your bite, which irritates your jaw, which irritates your head. From there, it's just a negative chain reaction until you just want to go to bed with a tube of Orajel. Think that, and then multiply it by ten or twenty, and you have the joy of misaligned or partially erupted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth do not always hurt; some people find they grow in with no problem, and they never need attention after that. Others, though, find that their wisdom teeth are growing in a way that is out of alignment with the rest of their teeth or that they become infected. For these unlucky people, wisdom teeth removal is required. If you have wisdom teeth that are bothering you, this talk of pain is probably not setting your mind at ease. What will set your mind at ease, and return your mouth to normal, is wisdom teeth extraction. This in itself is scary sounding, and the best antidote to that is to learn more about the process and what it will entail.

What are Wisdom Teeth? - We get three sets of molars in our lives, and wisdom teeth are the third to show up. In most people, they put in an appearance in the late teens or early twenties. Some people are blessed with no wisdom teeth, as they are not really needed in today's world. As man evolved, so too did his jaw. It became smaller as we relied more on tools than teeth. But most of us still have vestiges of early man, and it shows up as a set of molars that is trying to cram its way into our smaller jaws. There are the blessed with no wisdom teeth, and the slightly less but still lucky people whose wisdom teeth grow in correctly. Then we have the rest of us. There is not enough space in our mouths or the third molars are misaligned (they often grow horizontally or towards the second molars). This can cause issues with the jaw, nerves, and other teeth. Some people have impacted wisdom teeth, which mean they have only partially erupted through the skin. This most often causes infection and, you guessed it, pain. Wisdom teeth are extracted to relieve the pain and prevent problems to the jaw, nerves, and teeth. Even in people who have correctly aligned wisdom teeth, dentists may recommend extraction. This is because the third molars are difficult to clean and can cause bacteria to invade your other teeth, resulting in decay and cavities. So, if you do have wisdom teeth, most likely they'll be coming out. How Do You Know if You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal? - Your first indication may be that you feel pain or irritation in your jaw. Your dentist will then confirm that your wisdom teeth should be removed to prevent further problems. Other times, your dentist will proactively suggest wisdom teeth extraction before they cause any pain. It is easier - and less painful to you - if extraction occurs as early as possible. It is also easier to remove wisdom teeth in younger people when the roots are not fully developed. Who Removes Your Wisdom Teeth? - This depends. If you are fortunate enough to have properly aligned third molars that have fully erupted, your regular dentist can extract the teeth as easily as any other tooth. It is a relatively simple procedure, and the pain will be comparable to that which you would feel after a regular extraction. Life goes on sans wisdom teeth and pain. If you are not so fortunate and you have infected or impacted wisdom teeth, you will need an oral surgeon to perform the procedure. When you add the word "surgeon" to the mix, people tend to get more anxious and scared. Take a breath and read on.

What is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Like?:

Your regular dentist will likely refer you to an oral surgeon, with whom you will meet. After he/she examines your teeth and reviews your x-rays, you will be scheduled for oral surgery. Your dentist will likely put you on a course of antibiotics prior to surgery if your teeth are infected. These are oral and will be taken starting about a week before surgery. This clears most or all of the infection so surgery is easier. During the procedure, the area around the third molars is numbed with a local anesthetic. If you have ever had a cavity filled, it is the same anesthetic. You will feel a few sharp, quick pinches, which are certainly bearable and no worse than any everyday dental procedure. You may also have a sedative if your doctor feels it is appropriate and helpful and you feel it will alleviate anxiety. This can be nitrous oxide, an oral sedative, or one administered through an IV. If you have either an oral or intravenous sedative, you will need someone to drive you to and from your procedure because you will likely feel a little woozy. Some people feel absolutely fine, but a driver is necessary anyway. After you are anesthetized, the surgeon will likely remove the portion of the bone that lies over the tooth. He will remove sections of the tooth during the surgery to minimize the amount of bone that needs to be removed before the tooth can come out. This requires a smaller opening in the bone. Then the tooth is extracted, and you're done. You may have all your wisdom teeth removed at once, but some people opt to separate the procedures. Not all of your wisdom teeth may need to be extracted. Your dentist and oral surgeon will help you determine which option suits your needs.

Wisdom Teeth Recovery:

When you're getting your wisdom teeth extracted, friends and family are no help. Everyone loves to compare horror stories and compete for the prize of most swollen face or most vivid bruising. This can add to the anxiety of the whole situation, so what should you know about wisdom teeth recovery? Here is what you can expect after wisdom teeth extraction:

*Some bleeding. This usually lasts for several hours after the extraction. Clean, moist gauze is enough to control this. Put it over the tooth socket and bite down. Bleeding should not be heavy. To prevent a clot from dislodging, do not drink from straws, stay away from hot beverages, and don't rinse or spit for about 24 hours. You're on the Jell-O diet, my friend.
*Swelling. This happens, and it's usually most prominent in the first 24 hours. You can place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or towel against the swollen area for about 10 minutes. Leave it off for 20 minutes (put the ice pack back in the freezer), and then put it back on for 10 more minutes. Repeat as necessary.
*Pain. You may have some pain after oral surgery. Usually OTC medications, like Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil can handle it. Your surgeon will also likely prescribe a pain reliever. Take this as prescribed.
*You may also have to take an antibiotic. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions to the T.
*Brush, but don't brush the teeth surrounding the extracted tooth site during the first 24 hours. After that, gentle brushing is fine. Don't use mouth rinses.

You may find that your face is still swollen after 24 hours. Don't worry, this is perfectly normal. Switch your ice pack for a warm moist towel on a 20 minute on, 20 minute off schedule. Rinse your mouth with salt water after eating and before bed, and continue to avoid mouth washes and rinses. While your mouth will not likely feel normal for a few weeks, you should be reasonably comfortable soon. Wisdom Teeth Extraction Complications - Don't worry; you won't look like a bruised up chipmunk for long. Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common procedure, and the vast majority of people come through unscathed - and feeling a lot better than before. You do have to watch out for two complications:

*Dry socket. This is relatively common. What happens is that a blood clot did not form in the tooth socket or the clot formed and was dislodged. Without a clot, healing will not be as speedy. Watch out for this 3 or 4 days after your surgery. You may notice pain and bad breath. If so, call your doctor.
*Paresthesia. This one is less common. It can happen that the nerves are bruised or damaged. This can cause numbness to the tongue, mouth, or chin. While this is most often temporary, it can be a permanent condition. Speak with your doctor if you notice numbness in these areas.

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Cost?:

For many people, this is the really scary part of wisdom teeth extraction. The price depends on many factors, including the area in which you live and the complexity of the surgery (straight extraction is less complicated and less expensive than extracting impacted teeth, for example). Typically, extraction costs between $150 and $350 per tooth. And then you have the cost of antibiotics, if necessary, sedation, x-rays, and other goodies. Multiply this by 4 teeth, and you have quite a bill. Insurance may provide a reimbursement (usually 15 percent) or up to 50 percent co-pay. Despite what people love to tell you, having your wisdom teeth extracted doesn't have to be a torturous ordeal. It is best to deal with it as soon as possible and discuss each aspect - from sedation to cost - with your dentist and/or oral surgeon. Maybe one day we'll all evolve and these unnecessary molars won't be a problem!

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