Wisdom Teeth 
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaws. They are also the last teeth to emerge, or erupt, usually when a person is between 16 and 20.
Throughout evolution the human jaw has significantly decreased in size as a result of a change in our diet as well as eating habits. Since wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to come in, or erupt, there is often not enough room left in your mouth to accommodate them. This can lead to impacted or retained wisdom teeth. When a tooth is not visible in the oral cavity and it is surrounded by bone from every side it is said to be completely impacted and this kind of tooth can be the cause of swelling and pain.
Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge or come in crooked can also lead to painful crowding and disease. Since teeth removed before age 20 have less developed roots and fewer complications it is recommended that people between 16 and 19 have their wisdom teeth evaluated to see if they need to be removed.
How are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
A tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. Prior to making an appointment for the procedure, it is necessary to make an orthopantomogram in order for the oral surgeon to be able to visualize the positioning of your wisdom teeth. Our oral surgeon will then commence the procedure numbing the area in your mouth with a local anesthetic.
After the tooth (or teeth) is removed and possibly after sutures are applied, you will be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 minutes after you leave the clinic, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call our clinic if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.
In order to ease the pain you may take standard non prescription medication. In certain cases the surgeon may prescribe stronger pain relief or antibiotics. After the procedure we recommend to apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected cheek.
