Wisdom Teeth Removal
Making the decision to have a tooth removed is never an easy one. Tooth extractions can leave you with an incomplete smile. But, wisdom teeth are different. Wisdom teeth removal is common and often necessary to prevent future problems. That’s because wisdom teeth are not like your other teeth. They are the last teeth to come in and generally affect everything in the mouth.
Dr. Gotora can ease your concerns and determine if wisdom tooth removal is necessary.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt. They generally come in sometime between 17 and 21 years of age. They are your last two set of molars usually one on each side of both the top and bottom jaws.
Why are wisdom teeth often removed?
It is common for wisdom teeth to need removal. That’s because wisdom teeth, by nature, cause the most trouble coming in. And, since they are the last teeth to come in, there is usually very little room left along the jaw.
What kinds problems do wisdom teeth create?
Lack of space in the jaw can prevent them from coming in at all (impacted), or only allow them in part way. This can cause them to put pressure on nearby teeth and the jaw joint over time. Wisdom teeth may even grow in at odd angles including horizontally. Wisdom teeth removal solves the problems that wisdom teeth pose.
Do all dentists perform wisdom teeth removal?
Not all dentists handle wisdom teeth removal. That’s because of the number of challenges that extracting these teeth can present. Many dentists will perform some types of wisdom teeth removal. Yet, this all depends on the specific position of the wisdom teeth, how deeply they’re impacted and your particular health situation.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
First, Dr. Gotora will examine your teeth. He may also take images of your wisdom teeth to make sure of their position. Dr. Gotora will discuss the procedure with you before it takes place. This way, you will already know what to expect. If needed, the dentist may place a couple of stitches in the socket where the tooth used to be. From there, he will discuss your options. Will you have one, two, or all your wisdom teeth removed? That decision is between you and the dentist based on your individual situation.
Wisdom tooth removal is usually done under IV sedation. Dr. Gotora will also numb the affected area. Once your jaw and gums are well frozen, Dr. Gotora will open the gum above the wisdom teeth and remove them one by one. Depending on the position of a particular wisdom tooth, it may come out in more than one piece.
What can I expect after wisdom teeth removal?
-
After wisdom teeth removal is complete, Dr. Gotora will discuss your aftercare plan. He will talk to you about how the procedure went and how to care for your mouth while it heals. You can expect your mouth to remain numb for at least a couple of hours after the procedure. This is generally how long it takes for the anesthetic to wear off. If the dentist used sedation dentistry, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day.
-
Dr. Gotora will tell you to use over-the-counter pain relief and ice for any swelling. It is not uncommon to experience some pain after a tooth extraction, but, it is only temporary and generally only lasts for the first couple of days.
- Soft foods will be kinder to your gums during the first few days than firm or hard foods.
-
You should avoid smoking, or using a straw. After a tooth has been removed, a blood clot covers and protects the vacant socket for the first few days. It is vital that the clot remain in place. Doing anything that changes the pressure inside your mouth can dislodge the blood clot. This includes vigorously rinsing your mouth with water. Gentleness is the key during this time. A dislodged blood clot can leave you with a painful, inflammatory “dry socket” condition. It is best to take the precautionary measures and avoid “dry socket.”
Where can I get wisdom teeth removal in my area?
Finding the right dentist for wisdom teeth removal is essential. If you believe you may need wisdom teeth removal, come see us today. Dr. Gotora and his team can examine your teeth and provide you with your best options. Whether you live in Silver Spring or Hyattsville, MD, Stellar Dental is here for you. Give us a call today at our Silver Spring office at (301) 754-1900, or our Hyattsville location at (301) 853-1567.
