The surgical removal of wisdom teeth

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1 The surgical removal of wisdom teeth Exceptional healthcare, personally delivered

2 The Surgical Removal of Wisdom Teeth This booklet has been produced to improve your understanding of your forthcoming treatment and it contains answers to many commonly asked questions. If you have any other questions or would like further explanation, please discuss this with the surgeon or attending nurse. Please ensure this booklet is read with any other information you may have been given (such as that relating to operations carried out under day case general anaesthesia). What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the third molars and the last teeth to emerge at the back of the mouth. Why am I having my wisdom teeth removed? There are a variety of reasons why wisdom teeth need to be removed. Commonly, they can become stuck in position ( impacted ) within the jawbone or against the next tooth, so with insufficient space to grow normally into the mouth. This can lead to swelling and discomfort in the gum as the area is difficult to keep clean and such infection may require treatment with antibiotics. A wisdom tooth can also become decayed or start to cause decay in the next tooth. Your dentist may not be able to treat this decay until the wisdom tooth has been removed. Wisdom teeth should only be removed if they are causing problems. We will discuss this with you during the assessment appointment. How will the wisdom tooth be removed? This depends on the position of the tooth and the way it is impacted. 2 The surgical removal of wisdom teeth

3 Some wisdom teeth can be straightforward to remove but more commonly, surgery is required. The type of surgery needed depends on the position of the wisdom tooth/teeth and will influence whether the operation is carried out under local anaesthesia alone, with additional intravenous sedation or under general anaesthesia. For patients having treatment under local anaesthesia How long will the operation take? This again depends on the position of the wisdom tooth. Your appointment will typically be for 45 minutes. Some teeth will be removed quite easily whilst others will require a little longer. Will there be any stitches? Sometimes stitches are needed to complete the operation and these are usually dissolvable. Will I be in pain afterwards? You should not feel any pain immediately after the operation as the area of surgery will be numb from the local anaesthetic. As the numbness wears off, the area is likely to become uncomfortable and it will be advisable for you to take some painkillers. You will be supplied with information about the most suitable ones to use and the dose to take. Could there be any after-effects? This depends on the operation. If there are any issues in particular to be aware of, they will be discussed beforehand. There is likely to be bruising, swelling and discomfort in the area of surgery which might limit jaw opening. Bruising is usually at its most obvious 2-3 days after surgery and will vary from patient to patient. It normally resolves itself after days. The surgical removal of wisdom teeth 3

4 Occasionally, an impacted wisdom tooth can appear on the x-ray film to be very close to the nerves supplying the lower teeth, lip, chin, cheek and tongue. These nerves can become bruised when the tooth is removed, resulting in the sensation of numbness or tingling of these areas. This change in sensation only affects 2-5 patients for every 100 treated and is usually temporary. It can take up to 6 months to fully resolve itself. It only very rarely becomes permanent. If this is a factor for you to be aware of due to the position of the wisdom tooth, this will be discussed with you during the assessment appointment. When can I return to work? This depends on your occupation and how you are after your operation. It is often beneficial to take some time off work and you will be given appropriate advice for your particular circumstances. For patients having treatment under general anaesthesia If you are due to have the surgery completed under general anaesthesia, this is likely to be due to the position and/or number of wisdom teeth being removed. The above information is still relevant and you will also be provided with a separate booklet providing information about the general anaesthetic as this is a separate procedure. 4 The surgical removal of wisdom teeth

5 Reference Guidance on the extraction of wisdom teeth, NICE. Available at [Last Accessed June 2010] The surgical removal of wisdom teeth 5

6 NHS Constitution. Information on your rights and responsibilities. Available at [Last Accessed March 2010] The surgical removal of wisdom teeth 7

7 How to contact us: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics Frenchay Hospital Bristol BS16 1LE Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics Southmead Hospital Bristol BS10 5NB After 5.00pm and at weekends: and ask switchboard to bleep the oral surgery on-call SHO If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice. North Bristol NHS Trust. First Published February This third edition August NBT002207