What is wisdom tooth extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure. Some wisdom teeth get stuck below your gums due to the angle that they’re growing or inadequate space in your mouth; these teeth are called impacted wisdom teeth.
What to expect during your extraction
We can perform a simple extraction for a single, un-impacted wisdom tooth. A local anesthetic numbs the site of your extraction. Removing several wisdom teeth at once or extracting impacted wisdom teeth requires an oral surgeon to perform the extraction. Most patients are sedated with intravenous sedation or twilight sedation during more complex wisdom tooth extractions. Some wisdom tooth extractions require stitches to aid with the healing process. Gauze is placed at your extraction site to control bleeding and aid with blood clot formation that’s essential for proper healing.
After your extraction
You’ll experience swelling and soreness after your wisdom tooth extraction, but this should improve within a few days. Apply cold compresses to your surgery site to reduce pain and swelling. Pain medications may also be used to reduce your discomfort. To prevent a painful condition known as a dry socket, avoid using straws and smoking for at least a week after your procedure.
How does a wisdom tooth extraction improve your oral health?
A wisdom tooth that’s impacted can cause an infection that can affect your other teeth and gum tissue; removing the tooth reduces your chance of infection. If your wisdom teeth grow in at the wrong angle, they can cause tooth decay and gum disease on neighboring teeth that can cause long-term oral health problems.
What are the benefits of wisdom tooth extraction?
Our patients experience several benefits after wisdom tooth extraction:
It’s easier to care for their teeth
Wisdom teeth that partially or fully grow in are often difficult to reach when brushing or flossing; this causes food and bacteria to get trapped around the tooth, causing plaque accumulation that leads to gum disease and tooth decay. wisdom tooth extraction removes these teeth, making it easier for you to brush and floss.
You can maintain your smile
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room in your mouth, they’ll crowd your other teeth, causing these teeth to shift positions. Once your teeth shift, you’ll likely need orthodontic treatment to improve your smile. Removing your wisdom teeth before they cause issues with your other teeth helps you keep your smile looking its best.
You’ll alleviate pain caused by your wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing pressure, pain, and tooth sensitivity that impact our patients’ quality of life. Wisdom tooth extraction in alleviates these issues.
Dental treatments for all ages.
RELATED TREATMENTS
We are here to help you keep smiling from infancy through adulthood.
