Thursday, February 03, 2005
PATIENT INFORMATION FOR IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH SURGERY
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
National Dental Centre
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last of the molars to erupt between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four years. They may erupt normally into correct alignment and function or conversely are impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when they are prevented from complete eruption due to the lack of space, obstruction or development in an abnormal position. They are often indicated for removal because of pericoronitis, i.e. an infection of the gum overlying the partially-erupted tooth, tooth decay and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease (leading to bone loss) in adjacent teeth. Less commonly, it is removed to prevent possible cyst formation and orthodontic problems in later life.
Impacted wisdom teeth surgery involves making an incision through the gum, removal of bone and/or sectioning of the tooth into smaller fragments to facilitate its removal. After the operation, it is common to experience pain, facial swelling, limitation in mouth opening and mild bleeding from the operation wound for three to five days.
The following is a list of known risks and complications, which can occur whenever SURGERY IN ANY FORM is undertaken:
1. Prolonged pain.
2. Prolonged bleeding.
3. Prolonged swelling due to oedema or blood clot.
4. Prolonged period of disability (e.g. limitation in mouth opening).
5. Acute/chronic/local/general infection.
6. Medical problems arising during the post-operative recovery period.
7. Unrecognised co-existing condition which requires additional unplanned surgery.
If a general anaesthetic is required to carry out the surgery, it is a separate medical procedure administered by a medical specialist known as an anaesthetist. This procedure has its own inherent risks which includes rare and unpredictable death.
The following is a list of known risks and complications associated SPECIFICALLY WITH IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH SURGERY:
1. Injury to adjacent teeth/hard/soft tissues.
2. Numbness of the lower lip, chin and/or tongue (neurological dysfunction).
3. Dry socket (alveolar osteitis).
¶ 2/03/2005 04:44:00 pm Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
National Dental Centre
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last of the molars to erupt between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four years. They may erupt normally into correct alignment and function or conversely are impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when they are prevented from complete eruption due to the lack of space, obstruction or development in an abnormal position. They are often indicated for removal because of pericoronitis, i.e. an infection of the gum overlying the partially-erupted tooth, tooth decay and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease (leading to bone loss) in adjacent teeth. Less commonly, it is removed to prevent possible cyst formation and orthodontic problems in later life.
Impacted wisdom teeth surgery involves making an incision through the gum, removal of bone and/or sectioning of the tooth into smaller fragments to facilitate its removal. After the operation, it is common to experience pain, facial swelling, limitation in mouth opening and mild bleeding from the operation wound for three to five days.
The following is a list of known risks and complications, which can occur whenever SURGERY IN ANY FORM is undertaken:
1. Prolonged pain.
2. Prolonged bleeding.
3. Prolonged swelling due to oedema or blood clot.
4. Prolonged period of disability (e.g. limitation in mouth opening).
5. Acute/chronic/local/general infection.
6. Medical problems arising during the post-operative recovery period.
7. Unrecognised co-existing condition which requires additional unplanned surgery.
If a general anaesthetic is required to carry out the surgery, it is a separate medical procedure administered by a medical specialist known as an anaesthetist. This procedure has its own inherent risks which includes rare and unpredictable death.
The following is a list of known risks and complications associated SPECIFICALLY WITH IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH SURGERY:
1. Injury to adjacent teeth/hard/soft tissues.
2. Numbness of the lower lip, chin and/or tongue (neurological dysfunction).
3. Dry socket (alveolar osteitis).
