Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Upper wisdom teeth sit close to the sinus cavities. If they grow in at an angle or develop an infection, they can press against or inflame the sinuses, leading to congestion, pressure, or pain. Dr. De Lorme evaluates sinus proximity during your exam and will explain if your teeth pose a risk to sinus health. Removal can reduce chronic sinus symptoms that sometimes stem from dental origins, especially in patients with a history of sinus infections.

In most cases, yes. Extracting all wisdom teeth in a single procedure minimizes anesthesia use and overall healing time. It also reduces the chance of multiple school, work, or travel disruptions. Dr. De Lorme will assess whether it’s appropriate based on your health and dental development. Patients also tend to find recovery more convenient with a single post-operative period instead of going through it twice.

Strenuous activity can increase the risk of dry socket by dislodging the protective blood clot. Dr. De Lorme typically recommends waiting at least 72 hours before resuming moderate physical activity, and up to a week before engaging in sports or heavy lifting. Every patient receives specific post-op instructions based on the complexity of the procedure. Avoiding forceful rinsing or using straws during this period is important, as both can disrupt healing.

While rare, lower wisdom teeth near the inferior alveolar nerve can pose a risk. Dr. De Lorme uses advanced imaging to map nerve pathways and minimize surgical risks. If a tooth is too close, he may recommend a modified technique or refer for specialized care to ensure nerve preservation. Most nerve-related complications are temporary and resolve over time, but preventive planning reduces the chance of long-term effects.

Watch for signs like persistent bleeding, foul taste or odor, facial swelling beyond 3 days, fever, or worsening pain. These may indicate infection or dry socket. Dr. De Lorme’s team provides a direct contact number for post-op concerns and encourages patients to reach out immediately rather than waiting. Being proactive with symptoms leads to quicker interventions and improved healing outcomes, so no problem is too small to bring up.

Unlike other extractions, wisdom tooth spaces do not require replacement since they are located at the back of the mouth and do not affect chewing efficiency or aesthetics. Dr. De Lorme focuses instead on ensuring the site heals cleanly and that neighboring molars remain stable and healthy after extraction. In rare cases, if a wisdom tooth causes damage to the second molar, additional treatment may be needed to restore full dental function.

The normal recovery period takes 7-10 days.

If an infection of the incision occurs, it’s a dental emergency and you need to contact an emergency unit. Common symptoms include: bad smell, swelling of the gums, puss coming out of the area, fever, pain that is not relieved by medication.

It’s recommended to stay away from spicy food, hard foods, seeds or foods with small bits that might get stuck in the incision area. Eat cooler, softer foods like ice cream, fruit puree, soups, pasta, boiled and mashed vegetables etc.

When wisdom teeth are impacted, there isn’t enough space for them to fully erupt through the gums. This causes these teeth to become trapped behind the gums completely, only partially erupt, or erupt at an angle.

The lack of space in the jaw to accommodate these teeth can result in severe tooth and jaw pain, overcrowding, damage to the surrounding teeth, and difficulty keeping them clean which results in tooth decay, gum disease, or tooth infections.

Signs that your impacted wisdom teeth are causing you problems and should be removed include having bad breath, sinus problems, cysts, pain, inflamed gums, difficulty opening your mouth wide, cavities, cysts, a bad taste in the mouth, bleeding gums, and earaches.

Impacted wisdom teeth cause oral health problems because they’re located at the very back of the mouth which makes them hard to reach to thoroughly brush and floss. This increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Plaque and tartar accumulation cause gum inflammation that can be very painful. A lack of space can also mean that they start running into other teeth or cutting into your cheeks, which can cause more pain and make your jaw feel strained.

Ask Questions – The first step in preparing your child for oral surgery is to ask the dentist all of your questions. You can’t prepare if you don’t know how you should be preparing. You can ask them what to expect, what you can eat beforehand when you should arrive for the surgery if you need to stop taking certain medications, and what your child should eat after surgery. That’s just some examples of important questions. You may have more or less, but don’t be afraid to ask!

‍Prepare for Sedation – If your child is receiving general anesthesia for their extraction procedure, you should make sure they take the day off from any responsibilities like school. They will need time to rest and will be affected by the hangover effects of sedation for up to 24 hours. They also may need a few days to heal before returning to school. You can expect some minor pain, bleeding, and swelling to occur.

‍Know What to Avoid – Your child may receive instructions to avoid eating before their procedure. They may need to fast for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure. If your child takes any medications, let Dr. Delorme know, as some of these medications may need to be discontinued temporarily to avoid interference with the medications administered during surgery.

‍Have Your Aftercare Ready – Know what your child should eat after surgery, how to reduce swelling and bleeding, and how to manage pain. Ask the dentist if there is anything your child will need to avoid while they heal.