What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt in the back of your mouth. Wisdom teeth are the most likely teeth to cause problems with crowding, not fully erupting, breaking or becoming infected. If you have a painful wisdom tooth or would like to proactively remove your wisdom teeth, Dedicated Dental Studios can help.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Extracted?
There are several reasons why wisdom teeth may need to be extracted, including:
Impacted teeth: If your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning that they are stuck in your jawbone or gums, they can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
Crowding: If your mouth does not have enough space for your wisdom teeth to grow, they can push against adjacent teeth, causing pain, discomfort, and even damage to the surrounding teeth.
Decay: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. This can make them more susceptible to decay and gum disease.
Infection: Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted can trap bacteria and food particles, leading to infection and swelling.
Is Sedation Necessary for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The extraction can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your personal preference.
What Happens During the Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure?
The wisdom teeth extraction procedure typically involves the following steps:
Anesthesia: Your dentist will administer local anesthesia or general anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
Incision: Your dentist will make a small incision in your gums to expose the wisdom tooth and the surrounding bone.
Extraction: Your dentist will carefully remove the wisdom tooth from its socket in your jawbone or gums. If the tooth is impacted, your dentist may need to remove some of the surrounding bone to access the tooth.
Stitches: After the tooth is removed, your dentist will use stitches to close the incision in your gums.
Recovery: You will be given instructions on how to care for your mouth after the procedure, including how to manage any pain or swelling.
Recovery from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
*Minimize pain and swelling by taking ibuprofen as needed
*Also avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and eating hard foods that could irritate the extraction site
*Instead of laying flat when resting or sleeping, use pillows to keep your head elevated.
*Rinse gently with saltwater 1-2 times per day
FAQs About Wisdom Teeth Extraction
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth extraction?
The recovery time can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and your personal health. In general, most people can expect to fully recover within one to two weeks.
Is wisdom teeth extraction painful?
You will be given anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. You may experience some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but your dentist will provide you with pain management instructions to help you manage any pain.
Is wisdom teeth extraction covered by insurance?
Wisdom teeth extraction may be covered by dental insurance, but this will depend on your specific policy. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.
To learn more about wisdom teeth extraction, call Dedicated Dental Studios today!