Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Purpose, Procedure, Recovery
Wisdom teeth are referred to as such because they are the last molars to come out after the jaw has attained maturity (between ages 17 and 25). Although it is reported that adults have 32 teeth, not everyone develops wisdom teeth.
Some people also have the teeth emerge and fit in the jaw without affecting the jaw and the surrounding teeth. However, more often than not, these teeth get trapped underneath the gums and can become fully or partially impacted.
Why Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Done?
Impacted teeth or wisdom teeth that come out at a bad angle may cause several problems are the most common reasons why tooth extraction in Flower Mound is done. They cause problems like:
- Pain
- infection or gum disease
- Damage to the surrounding teeth
- Development of cysts around the wisdom teeth
- Complications with teeth alignment
- Teeth decay around the wisdom teeth
Some people may have asymptomatic wisdom teeth, meaning they do not cause any problem. However, you will still need constant dental assessment because it can be hard to predict when the problem will arise.
How is The Extraction Done?
Wisdom teeth extraction in Flower Mound, TX, is done as an outpatient procedure. However, before the procedure, the dentist will do a comprehensive dental assessment and medical history to determine the risks and problems that may develop.
Wisdom teeth extraction is painful and that is why local anesthesia and sedation ease the pain and relax you during the procedure.
Because the teeth are impacted, surgical extraction is done to remove them. Our dentist in Flower, Mound will make an incision in the gums to access the teeth. Sometimes, the teeth are broken into small pieces for easy removal. The area is cleaned to remove debris and the gums are stitched to promote healing.
What is A Coronectomy Done?
If the impacted teeth lie close to the nerve and you are at risk of developing nerve injury, our dentist in 75028 may opt for a coronectomy. This is a dental procedure done as an alternative to wisdom teeth extraction and only removes part of the teeth, often the crown, and leaves the root. However, the procedure is not recommended if the teeth or roots are infected.
The dentist will choose one over the other based on your age and the risk of nerve damage.
What Can You Expect After?
Wisdom teeth extraction is a safe procedure, but you will experience several problems and it is important to follow the dental instructions:
- Bleeding is a common occurrence after the teeth are pulled and you can control it with a gauze pad
- Pain can be reduced using pain medications
- Swelling and bruising occurs after the procedure and will go down in two to three days.
- You may also experience an altered sensation on the lower lip, chin, and tongue. You will regain full sensation after a while, but if it continues, consult a dentist near you.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Wisdom teeth extraction often takes three to four days, but it can take up to a week if the teeth were impacted at an awkward angle. It is important to take care of your mouth after the extraction procedure because it can take up to a month for the gums to heal completely.
It is not advisable to resume activities immediately after the surgery to minimize the pain. A blood clot forms after 24 hours after the procedure. It is important to avoid any strenuous activities that may dislodge the blood clot. You can use these five home remedies to ease the pain:
- Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean. Avoid spitting the water, but tip over the sink and let the water out.
- Apply a gauze pad to stop the bleeding
- Do not drink fluids with a straw
- Avoid smoking before and after the procedure
- Use cold therapy to reduce swelling
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Smile Craft Dental for more information about the wisdom teeth extraction procedure and what you can expect.