• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Mid Bay Dental, PLLC
  • Request an Appointment
  • Home
  • Meet the Team
  • Advanced Dental Procedures
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Dental Wellness
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Meet the Team
  • Advanced Dental Procedures
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Dental Wellness
  • Contact Us

Wisdom Teeth

Back to Patient Education
  • Introduction
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment

Introduction

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars.  Some people may not develop a full set of wisdom teeth.  Others may not develop any at all.  It is very common for wisdom teeth to require dental treatment.

Wisdom teeth can be a problem if they become infected, impacted, or threaten the alignment of existing teeth.  Impacted wisdom teeth remain underneath the gum or only partially emerge.  Wisdom teeth may grow sideways or in directions that may crowd or misalign other teeth.  Additionally, some wisdom teeth can become infected and develop a cyst or fluid-filled sac.

Back to top

Symptoms

Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include pain and infection.  A cyst may form if your tooth is infected.  Your gums or cheeks may swell near your jaw line.  Your jaw may hurt or feel stiff.  Impacted wisdom teeth remain beneath the gum or emerge only part of the way.  Wisdom teeth may be misaligned.  They may grow side ways or in positions that threaten the line-up of other teeth.
Back to top

Diagnosis

You dentist can evaluate your wisdom teeth.  Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums.  Your dentist will look for signs of infection.  X-rays will be taken to view wisdom teeth that are underneath the gums.  X-rays will also provide more information about the position of the wisdom teeth.
Back to top

Treatment

Wisdom teeth do not require treatment if they are healthy and in good alignment.  However, most people need to have their wisdom teeth removed.  Your dentist may extract your wisdom teeth or refer you to an oral surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

Before removing your tooth, your dentist will numb the affected area.  A pain reliever is applied to your gum before you receive a shot of pain relieving medication.  Some people may choose to be sedated for tooth extraction.

When your gum is numb, your dentist will remove your tooth.  In some cases, a few stitches may be needed to help your gums heal.  You will probably receive some antibiotics to fight infection.  Your dentist will provide you with specific after-care instructions. 

After-care instructions usually focus on pain relief and healthy healing.  Your dentist may recommend that you place a cold pack or an ice bag on your cheek.  You should avoid activities that may hinder healing such as smoking, drinking through a straw, and vigorously brushing or rinsing your teeth.  Your dentist may recommend that you alter your diet initially to include soft foods.
Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

PATIENT
EDUCATION

Broaden your understanding of oral health, dental conditions, and the services we offer with our exclusive, A-Z patient education library.

Learn More

Testimonials

  • Kimberly C.

    Dr. Chase has mapped my mouth, fixed teeth, and provided caring and superior dental care for me and my family for years using top-of-the-line practices and equipment. She has been there in a pinch for me and really cares. I smile like a queen thanks to her!!

  • Michele G

    I had a great experience at Mid Bay Dental. Better yet, my 5-year-old daughter came home feeling very proud and happy after her dental cleaning. She was terrified of going to the dentist, and their staff made her feel extra special and gave her confidence about brushing and preventive care!

  • Adam F.

    The dentist and staff always take the time to explain everything to me, answer my questions, and give me the best direction for what I am trying to accomplish. The customer service at Mid Bay Dental is far beyond most other businesses.

  • Bobby R.

    Have been going to Mid Bay Dental for over 15 years, and they make us feel like family. Always willing to work with us on scheduling and welcome us on every visit. Highly recommend the staff here if you have any anxiety about dental visits. The office environment and staff make you feel calm, relaxed, and safe.

See More
  • Home
  • Meet the Team
  • Advanced Dental Procedures
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Dental Wellness
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • HIPAA Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
Copyright © · Mid Bay Dental · All Rights Reserved

At Mid Bay Dental, Dr. Justine Chase and her staff offer patients in Niceville, FL, and Bluewater Bay area comprehensive dental care services including advanced dental procedures, dental wellness, and family and cosmetic dentistry.

iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com