If your doctor tells you that you need your wisdom teeth removed, you may be scared but not surprised. We’ve all seen our friends, family, and loved ones go through it. If you are a teen or young adult, it is time to consult with an oral surgeon about having them removed. Wisdom teeth removal is a very common procedure and when done by an experienced surgeon it can be quick and comfortable. Dr. Smythe is an expert in treating problematic wisdom teeth in the most comfortable way possible.
Wisdom teeth often have to be extracted to ensure the rest of your teeth and gums stay healthy. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt and there is often inadequate space. This results in misaligned teeth, crowding, damage to neighboring teeth and gum infections. Partial eruption of wisdom teeth creates pockets that can lead to bacterial accumulation, infection and cavities. If teeth remain impacted, they can develop cysts over time. Even if your wisdom teeth erupt, they may be hard to clean or prone to gum disease due to how far back they are. Generally, having wisdom teeth removed can prevent future more costly problems.
Wisdom teeth gained their name due to their eruption later in life "at the age of wisdom"
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Generally, extractions are a necessary part of getting dental implants. Instead of adding this necessary process to your bill, we’ll cover the cost of your implant prep procedure. Let’s get your smile back to full restoration.
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Wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort. They are variable in how and when they erupt, often growing sideways or putting uncomfortable pressure on your other teeth. Wisdom teeth removal will relieve the pain and release your teeth and gums from the pressure.
When wisdom teeth partially erupt, the open gap around the teeth an entrance for bacteria to grow and thrive. Removing your wisdom teeth will keep your mouth healthy and free from bacteria and infection.
Misaligned teeth can cause resorption, bone loss and cavities on adjacent teeth. Cysts can also grow in the jaws from the developmental cells of wisdom teeth. Removal of wisdom teeth during teenage and young adult years can prevent more severe problems later in life.
Your first visit will consist of a consultation with Dr. Smythe to review your health, perform an exam and obtain necessary x-rays such as a Panoramic or CBCT. We will then create a personalized pan tailored to your unique needs and go over sedative options for maximum comfort and safety. You will have ample time to have all your questions answered.
The surgery takes place in our office where you are cared for by Dr. Smythe and her surgical team. Once sedated, local anesthesia will be administered to assure maximum comfort both during and after the procedure. The wisdom teeth will carefully be removed and the sites cleaned. In some cases, you may need dissolvable sutures.
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Once the procedure is completed you will be given gauze to bite on and apply pressure. You will be monitored during recovery from the anesthesia. Written instructions will again be reviewed with you and your driver. The best way to heal is with proper rest and relaxation. We will only be a phone call away if you have any questions! Remember we do this EVERY day!
Extractions to remove impacted wisdom teeth, or damaged or decayed teeth, are often covered by insurance. However, every insurance plan has various benefits and policies, so we recommend that you contact your insurance provider for specific details.
Caring for the extraction site after your operation is essential. Complete instructions can be found under the patient tab or in your take home bag from surgery. We recommend biting on gauze in 30-45 minute increments until bleeding is minimal. Minor bleeding may continue for 24 hours. For the first few days, avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction can dislodge the healing blood clot. If bleeding or oozing persists, replace your gauze and bite firmly on the extraction site for another 30-45 minutes. Also, for the first few days following your extraction, avoid drinking anything through a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket. Avoid smoking and the use of tobacco products as well – not only can the suction cause dry socket, but the chemicals present in tobacco products can significantly impede your body’s ability to heal. Maintain a very smooth diet for the first few days to avoid particles getting stuck in the sockets. You may then advance your diet to soft foods, but avoid any seeds, nuts or granola for at least 2 weeks. Contact our office if bleeding is excessive or persists multiple days.
It takes about 1-2 weeks for your mouth to fully recover after the extraction. You may be able to return to work or school after 3-7 days. During this process, it’s vital to carefully follow the recovery instructions provided by your doctor. This is to ensure that you heal properly and prevent complications. If you are still dealing with severe pain and discomfort, or swelling after this period, contact your doctor for a follow-up. Pain after this period is not normal and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Sometimes wisdom teeth aren’t painful which can indicate different things. There is a chance they may be growing in properly without any issues, but pain-free doesn’t necessarily mean doesn't necessarily mean issues won't arise in the future. Wisdom teeth are often impacted or they may be too far back to keep clean. Wisdom tooth removal at later ages is more complicated with more risks. That’s why it’s important to consult with your doctor regardless of pain or not so we can provide you with more information.
A consultation and evaluation is essential in determining the necessity and timing in your situation. This includes wisdom teeth growing in at the wrong angle or being difficult to clean. They can cause cyst formation, infections, grow sideways, partially erupt, or even become trapped underneath the gum and bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can take many positions in the bone as they try to find a pathway to successfully erupt. All of these reasons can contribute to determining necessity of wisdom tooth removal to preserve your oral health.
Thanks to our sedation options, the procedure itself is not painful. You won’t feel any discomfort before or immediately after. As with any surgery, it’s common to feel tenderness, swelling, bruising, and possibly some bleeding. These symptoms generally peak 2-3 days after the procedure and will slowly diminish as you continue to heal. Make sure to only eat soft foods for about two weeks to prevent further irritation.
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