Wisdom teeth are normally the last teeth to erupt in the human mouth. However, sometimes the jaw may not be large enough to accommodate the upcoming teeth, and this can lead to a situation of impacted wisdom teeth.
The abnormal development of the third molars (wisdom teeth) can impact the function of the second molar set. As a result, an oral surgeon may recommend the removal of the impacted teeth to prevent further dental issues and complex oral surgeries.
They are teeth that erupt partially or do not appear at all. In a partial eruption, half of the tooth structure remains concealed in the jawbone. Its medically referred to as a partial bony impaction. On the other hand, when the entire tooth fails to erupt, it is called a bony impaction, and in this case, the tooth stays covered by the jawbone.
Although there is a potential for four wisdom teeth (two in the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw), some people have all of them while others develop just one or two. It is estimated that around 25% of people lack at least one wisdom tooth.
Some researchers blame the impaction problem on dietary changes in the modern world. The stone-age mans diet necessitated more muscle activity in chewing, and this is believed to have enabled better jawbone development, thus providing enough space for wisdom teeth to grow as they should.
There is also an assumption that since the early man consumed coarse food that could potentially generate extensive tooth damage or loss; the teeth shifted forward, thus leaving adequate space for the eruption of wisdom teeth.
If your dentist recommends oral surgery to remove your impacted teeth, you should consider it because of possible infections and other dental problems that might arise. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort, and if they are partially or fully erupted, it might be challenging to keep them clean. As a result, plaque may accumulate in the area over time and lead to cavities, oral pain, and infections.
Such a situation is especially real for persons with misaligned teeth, partially erupted teeth or poor oral hygiene habits. If a difficult-to-remove mass of plaque develops, it can ultimately cause tooth decay and gum disease. Moreover, the teeth adjacent to the impacted teeth can be in imminent danger too. They can decay and require immediate removal.
The best treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is complete removal at the earliest time recommended by your dentist. The ease of removal depends on the tooths position. Vertical impactions are the easiest to remove while distal impactions are the most difficult. That is why it is essential to consult a qualified dentist or oral surgeon to know if your wisdom teeth are harder or easier to remove.
Your dentist/oral surgeon will perform an oral examination to find out the extent of the damage and then give you pre-surgery guidelines like not eating or drinking anything before the surgery. You should also inform your doctor if you are currently taking any medication as it might interfere with the procedure.
Before the surgery, brush your teeth properly, floss, and also scrape your tongue. After the surgery, you wont be able to do those things for several days. You should also prepare a recovery room for yourself with a comfortable pillow and other essential items. Stock up on soft foods that will last you for a while after the surgery like broth or yogurt.
Without a doubt, oral surgery can cause a lot of anxiety. Other than asking your dentist to recommend some calming medication such as valium, you can also wear headphones that isolate any exterior noise. Listening to soothing music or a podcast can help to lower your anxiety. You can also ask a family member or friend to accompany you to the location of the surgery.
Anyone with a weak jaw requires bone grafting before dental surgery. Most people below 25 years do not need to undergo the process. The dentist will determine if you need one or not as they make a diagnosis.
Patients can choose sedation, nitrous and local, general anesthesia, or local anesthesia. Sedation is administered via an IV, and you will feel no pain. Nitrous and local is affordable, fast, efficient, wears off fast, and leaves the patient feeling bubbly and happy.
General anesthesia knocks the patient off entirely and works best for complicated tooth extraction procedures. Lastly, local anesthesia numbs the surgery site only, and one stays awake and feels some pressure, but no pain.
As you recover, please avoid: blowing or drinking out of a straw, smoking, spitting, brushing teeth for 2-3 days, taking too many painkillers, drinking cold water (warm is better), taking solid food for about one day, doing heavy activities, and rinsing your mouth.
If you experience symptoms such as excessive bleeding, problems in breathing or swallowing, pus/blood discharge from the nose, unbearable pain, excessive swelling, loss of sensation, or fever, please call your dentist right away.
Dr. Christopher T. Johnson completed dental school in 1998 graduating from the University of Florida, Gainesville. He has six years of post-graduate training in head and neck surgery where his Oral and Maxillofacial residency at the University of Florida, Jacksonville was heavily influenced with head and neck trauma, facial reconstruction, dentoalveolar and facial cosmetic surgery. In 2006 he became board certified by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.If you are seeing a dental practice that recommends you consult with an Oral Surgeon, we highly encourage you to contactDr. Johnson.
Dr. Johnson and his wife Lisa first met during his trauma and general surgery rotation. She worked as a trauma ICU nurse. They moved to Orlando where Dr. Johnson joined a group practice. After two years he and Lisa decided to start their own practice and selected Clermont as their primary location. Dr. Johnson and Lisa currently reside in Montverde with their two children, Isabella and Nicholas.
In 2012 Dr. Johnson decided to expand the practice to the Leesburg area. This gave him the opportunity to also serve the growing surrounding areas of The Villages, Tavares, Eustis, and Mt. Dora. As the practice continues to expand Dr. Johnson looks forward to many years of providing the best care possible in Lake County.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 36 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestTiffany Thomas
2 years ago
Awesome Doctor and Staff!! I have no complaints whatsoever and I would highly recommend this practice if in search of an oral surgeon. They are very prompt and professional. They even followed up after my procedure to ensure I was doing well before I came in for my post-op visit!! Awesome service all the way around and very much appreciated!!
Tiffany Thomas
3 years ago
Awesome Doctor and Staff!! I have no complaints whatsoever and I would highly recommend this practice if in search of an oral surgeon. They are very prompt and professional. They even followed up after my procedure to ensure I was doing well before I came in for my post-op visit!! Awesome service all the way around and very much appreciated!!
Genuine Reviews
3 years ago
My first impression with this office was with Diane. Unfortunately, she was very rude and condescending, to say the least. Her tone and the way she spoke was arrogant and completely out of line. I continued to kill her with kindness and she continued to be outright rude. I asked to speak with her manager and the manager, after telling her what happened said she is the nicest person in the office and has been with them for years. I was astonished that she actually begin making excuses for her instead of simply apologizing and saying that she will ensure that I will be respected when I come in. When I questioned her tactics on why after coming to her about Diane's attitude towards me that she would accept something like that she told me that I needed to go to another office if I wanted to be respected. My jaw dropped. First impressions are everything and having that happen upfront tells me a lot about how they do not take care of their patients.
Bonnie Gomillion
3 years ago
I would whole heartedly recommend Doctor Christopher T. Johnson for any type of oral surgery. I was so pleased with he and his caring staff. I had two extractions and was feeling great within hours. Thank you Dr.Johnson and staff for your kindness!
Ed Borchers
3 years ago
receptionist was nice. doctors and nurses were awesome.
Ron Jones
3 years ago
Im a single parent disabled usmc vet with tbi and 3 brain surgeries daughter had an appointment i get there they say ohh its in clermont i said ok fine can i get a note for the day she missed due to your mess up not mine nope lady at front desk all rude about it paid cash money and to get treated like this is unacceptable period
Genuine Reviews
3 years ago
My first impression with this office was with Diane. Unfortunately, she was very rude and condescending, to say the least. Her tone and the way she spoke was arrogant and completely out of line. I continued to kill her with kindness and she continued to be outright rude. I asked to speak with her manager and the manager, after telling her what happened said she is the nicest person in the office and has been with them for years. I was astonished that she actually begin making excuses for her instead of simply apologizing and saying that she will ensure that I will be respected when I come in. When I questioned her tactics on why after coming to her about Diane's attitude towards me that she would accept something like that she told me that I needed to go to another office if I wanted to be respected. My jaw dropped. First impressions are everything and having that happen upfront tells me a lot about how they do not take care of their patients.
G M
4 years ago
This is an amazing Oral Surgeon.. from the moment you step into the practice it is professionalism and fabulous treatment. Thank you to the staff as well you made us feel very welcomed and at ease. The level of care and concern is the best I have seen in a long time. Very happy and yet again another one of my children treated very well. Thank you all, G.
Elizabeth Merhottein
4 years ago
Wonderful oral surgeon. Extremely gentle and caring. Dr Johnson puts his patients at ease. I had a cracked molar removed and implants inserted. The entire process took about 40 minutes and I did not have any pain. The nurse, Claudia, is also wonderful. She took very good care of me and she even called me the day after the surgery to ask how I was feeling. If you need oral surgery, look no further than Dr. Johnson and his staff. The receptionist and billing personnel are also wonderful!
Ron Jones
4 years ago
Im a single parent disabled usmc vet with tbi and 3 brain surgeries daughter had an appointment i get there they say ohh its in clermont i said ok fine can i get a note for the day she missed due to your mess up not mine nope lady at front desk all rude about it paid cash money and to get treated like this is unacceptable period
Ed Borchers
4 years ago
receptionist was nice. doctors and nurses were awesome.
Bonnie Gomillion
4 years ago
I would whole heartedly recommend Doctor Christopher T. Johnson for any type of oral surgery. I was so pleased with he and his caring staff. I had two extractions and was feeling great within hours. Thank you Dr.Johnson and staff for your kindness!
Nancy Schwab
4 years ago
Dr. Johnson did an extraction of a tooth for me. He numbed the area well, and I had almost no pain following the procedure and none after the area returned to normal. I feel that he is an excellent practitioner and would highly recommend him to anyone.
Mary Maelin
4 years ago
I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed yesterday morning. I hadn't ever been put to sleep or had any surgery so I was very nervous about it. All the staff was very nice and pleasant! Dr. Johnson answered all my questions and did a fantastic job! It couldn't have gone any better. All my fear went away as soon as I started talking to one of the nurses giving me the IV anesthesia. I do not remember anything which is exactly the way I wanted it. The pain is not as bad as I expected it to be and I have had very little swelling so far. I am very pleased with my experience and will definitely be recommending others to this office!
Pam Weathers
4 years ago
If you need a tooth extraction, I highly recommend Dr. Johnson and his staff. I had two wisdom teeth remove with local anesthesia. It was quick and painless with no pain after the the anesthesia wore off. Dr. Johnson and his staff are the best.
G M
4 years ago
This is an amazing Oral Surgeon.. from the moment you step into the practice it is professionalism and fabulous treatment. Thank you to the staff as well you made us feel very welcomed and at ease. The level of care and concern is the best I have seen in a long time. Very happy and yet again another one of my children treated very well. Thank you all, G.
Elizabeth Merhottein
4 years ago
Wonderful oral surgeon. Extremely gentle and caring. Dr Johnson puts his patients at ease. I had a cracked molar removed and implants inserted. The entire process took about 40 minutes and I did not have any pain. The nurse, Claudia, is also wonderful. She took very good care of me and she even called me the day after the surgery to ask how I was feeling. If you need oral surgery, look no further than Dr. Johnson and his staff. The receptionist and billing personnel are also wonderful!
Mary Maelin
5 years ago
I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed yesterday morning. I hadn't ever been put to sleep or had any surgery so I was very nervous about it. All the staff was very nice and pleasant! Dr. Johnson answered all my questions and did a fantastic job! It couldn't have gone any better. All my fear went away as soon as I started talking to one of the nurses giving me the IV anesthesia. I do not remember anything which is exactly the way I wanted it. The pain is not as bad as I expected it to be and I have had very little swelling so far. I am very pleased with my experience and will definitely be recommending others to this office!
Nancy Schwab
5 years ago
Dr. Johnson did an extraction of a tooth for me. He numbed the area well, and I had almost no pain following the procedure and none after the area returned to normal. I feel that he is an excellent practitioner and would highly recommend him to anyone.
Frank Henderson
5 years ago
I needed to have a tooth pulled called dr Johnson's office and spoke with Diane told her I need tooth extraction as fast as possible as my daughter was getting married and I needed to fly to ct on Friday morning they got me in on Tuesday the 18th....dr. Johnson has a very dry wit and can put you at ease with a handshake ...after novicane it was out and there was absolutely no pain..I would highly recommend dr Johnson and his staff friendly and efficient
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