Wisdom teeth can be left in the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned in the mouth. Extraction of third molars is generally recommended when:

• Wisdom teeth erupt only partially.

• Poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage the adjacent teeth.

• A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms, destroying the surrounding structures such as bone tooth roots.

• The mouth is too small for these teeth to erupt in a proper position behind the second molar. This is also referred to as Partial Bony Impaction. The most common complication of the partial bony impaction, is that the flap of gum tissue which partially covers the erupting third molar, creates a pocket where bacteria that are present in the mouth can grow and cause an infection known as pericoronitis which can lead to swelling and pain. The treatment for pericoronitis is extraction of the third molar tooth.

Surgical removal of the third molars can lead to some discomfort and pain. This is usually treated with pain medication.

Because of the large number of bacteria present in the mouth post surgical infection is always possible. Patients are usually placed on prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infections from developing.

Following surgery patients may experience swelling and bruising. These symptoms vary between patients.

The inside of a healthy mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs which signal the beginning of an oral pathology.

• Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth

• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily

• A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth

• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness

• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain is not always an associated symptom. At North Carolina Dental Practice all patients are examined for any oral pathology signs in their mouths. Timely diagnosis can limit the spread of theses conditions...

If you feel that you or someone you know have any of the symptoms that have been discussed or if you have any questions and / or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office so we can put you in touch with our specialists who can address your concerns.