Wisdom tooth: What to do?

2008-03-20T01:26:00.000-07:00

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems and they often must be surgically removed. Your dentist can help detemine
if you have impacted wisdom teeth or if another condition is causing your discomfort. Understandably, the thought of having a tooth
removed can be overwhelming but delaying care could lead to serious and permanent problems.

This is important because impacted wisdom teeth that aren't removed can cause problems such as gum disease, crowding,
teeth decay and cavities. To reach the impacted tooth, an incision is made in your gum, creating a flap that can be peeled back
to expose the tooth. An impacted wisdom tooth that has partially emerged may be removed by forceps, but if it's fully impacted
or if the roots reach deep into the jawbone, the tooth may have to be broken into pieces for removal.

You may need stitches to close the gap in your gum. The socket where your tooth was located is packed with gauze to control
bleeding and to help a clot form, which promotes healing. Get a dentist who is sympathetic and willing to listen to your concerns.
Don't be embarrased about your anxiety - it's common, especially when you must face s procedure that can be uncomfortable.