Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that usually show up when a person is in their late teens or early 20s. Many people do not have room for these extra teeth, which can sometimes lead to impacted teeth and infections that require treatment like extractions.

Having an impacted tooth means that the tooth has nowhere to go in the mouth and may not erupt fully. This can cause pain or discomfort, as well as damage to the adjacent teeth, gums, and bone structure. In some cases, the entire mouth can be damaged because of impacted teeth. In addition, the teeth can be difficult to clean because of their position in the back of the mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not treated properly.

To prevent future problems with your wisdom teeth and other teeth, you should practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. You should also avoid chewing on hard foods like ice and avoid biting your nails or other objects. By practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and exams, you can protect your smile from having to deal with issues like decay, cavities, and more. Regular visits can also help you to catch any problems in their early stages so that you can receive treatment as soon as possible and prevent more serious issues later on.

How Can a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Help Me?

A wisdom tooth extraction can help you to avoid more serious problems in the future by removing troublesome teeth before they have the chance to cause you pain or difficulty eating, speaking, or otherwise impacting your health. Removing problematic teeth will also help to prevent damage to surrounding teeth and gums, saving you the trouble and expense of dealing with infections, cracked teeth, or other damage.

How Is a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Performed?

A wisdom tooth removal is a minor oral surgery procedure that involves numbing the gums and extracting the tooth using forceps. The dentist will first crack open the teeth and then extract them from their sockets. Once the wisdom teeth have been extracted, the dentist will apply gauze to stop any bleeding that may occur. Your mouth may be a little sore for a few days after the extraction is complete, so we recommend following post-op instructions given to you by your family dentist. In some cases, stitches will be necessary following the extraction as well. This is just to ensure that there is no infection or damage to the extraction site.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

After your wisdom tooth removal procedure, our dentist will give you detailed post-operative instructions to follow. You may be prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics. You’ll also need to follow these important tips as you recover at home:

• Do not drink or eat anything hot on the day of your appointment. It should feel fine for you to consume room-temperature foods and beverages. However, wait at least an hour after the procedure before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek.
• Be sure to rest the day of the extraction and for the next two days as well. Your body needs time to heal, so keep your head elevated with pillows when sleeping and avoid vigorous exercise for a few days.
• Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Smoking can interfere with healing at and around the surgical sites.
• Keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth regularly. Use saltwater rinses to gently cleanse the mouth. If you notice any swelling, use an ice pack to reduce it.
• Take all medications as prescribed by your dentist.

For more information about wisdom teeth extraction, visit Englewood Dentistry at 334 Grand Ave, Englewood 07631, or call (201) 541-8111.