When Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted
If your jaw is not large enough to fit your wisdom teeth, they may become impacted. This means they grow in at an abnormal angle or never fully break through the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort as they try to come in, and over time they may lead to other problems. These are some of the complications Dr. Patel watches for.
- Gum disease around the back teeth
- Injury to nearby teeth and bone
- The development of cysts
- Problems with tooth alignment
- Damage to the surrounding gum tissue
If your X-rays, symptoms, and visual exam show that one or more wisdom teeth are impacted, Dr. Patel will most likely recommend removal.
Removing Wisdom Teeth Before Problems Start
You do not have to wait for pain to consider extraction. Wisdom teeth are hard to reach with a toothbrush and floss, and they are difficult to examine, which can make them more vulnerable to decay and gum disease. Some patients choose to have healthy wisdom teeth removed to avoid potential problems down the road. High school and college students often schedule this during a school break, so they have time to heal. Dr. Patel can talk with you or your child about whether preventive removal is a good option.
A Gentle Approach to Wisdom Tooth Extraction
We want you to feel prepared for every step, so nothing about the day comes as a surprise. Dr. Patel and our team will go over the plan with you at your consultation and answer any questions. Here is how the procedure typically unfolds.
01
Choosing Your Comfort Option
Dr. Patel may offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation to help you stay relaxed. We will talk through which one fits your needs and comfort level.
02
Numbing the Area
He uses a computer-controlled wand to deliver local anesthesia, which keeps your teeth and gums comfortable during the procedure.
03
Gently Removing the Teeth
Dr. Patel makes a small opening in the gums and carefully removes each wisdom tooth. If needed, he may section a tooth into smaller pieces so it comes out gently.
04
Cleaning and Closing
He removes the entire tooth structure and sterilizes the area. The gums are then closed with sutures.
05
Starting the Healing Process
Gauze is placed over the area to help a healthy blood clot form where the tooth was. Our team reviews your recovery instructions before you go home.
Recovering Comfortably at Home
Most patients return to many of their normal activities the day after wisdom tooth removal. Taking a little extra care in the first few days helps your gums heal properly. We will give you written instructions and answer any questions, and these are the main points to keep in mind.
- Rest for the remainder of the day and take any medications as the dentist prescribes
- Avoid drinking through a straw and stay away from certain foods as instructed
- Expect some cheek swelling, which should ease within a few days
- Plan to return for a follow-up visit so Dr. Patel can check your healing
Take the Worry Out of Your Wisdom Teeth
You do not have to live with discomfort or wonder what your wisdom teeth might do next. Request an appointment with Hawaii Pacific Dental Group, and Dr. Patel will review your X-rays and talk with you about the best plan. Our friendly Honolulu team will walk you through every step.
Request an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth typically erupt during the late teens or early twenties. If there is enough room, they can come in properly and stay healthy. If not, they may become impacted or cause discomfort.
Not always. Healthy wisdom teeth that have enough room may not need treatment. However, because they are hard to clean and examine, some patients choose preventive removal, and Dr. Patel can help you decide.
Impacted wisdom teeth grow at an abnormal angle or never fully come through the gums. Dr. Patel uses X-rays, your symptoms, and a visual exam to confirm. If one or more are impacted, removal is usually recommended.
Hawaii Pacific Dental Group offers local anesthesia along with nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Dr. Patel will discuss which option is best for your needs and comfort level.
Most patients can return to many activities the day after the procedure. Cheek swelling is common but usually improves within a few days. Avoid drinking through a straw and follow the food guidelines Dr. Patel gives you.
Dr. Patel may schedule a follow-up visit about a week after your procedure. He checks how you are healing and removes your stitches if needed. Our team will give you specific recovery instructions.
Hawaii Pacific Dental Group is located at 6700 Kalanianaole Hwy Ste 216 Honolulu, HI 96825. We welcome patients from Hawaii Kai and throughout East Honolulu. Request an appointment to meet Dr. Patel.
