While their name might suggest otherwise, wisdom teeth are not always that wise. Third molars which appear significantly later than other teeth have a tendency to stay partially under the gum tissue, causing you pain, infection, and various other dental problems. The best solution in this case is to have them extracted.

Contact us for:

Surgery

Your dentist can remove a wisdom tooth at their offices or in extreme cases you may need an oral or maxillofacial surgeon. In rare cases, if there is a high risk of complications or if you need several of these sometimes pesky molars removed at once, the surgery will be performed in a hospital.

The procedure is usually done using a local anesthetic, but in some situations you may need a general anesthetic. To perform the procedure, your dentist needs to open the gum tissue covering the tooth and remove any bone that may be in the way. The dentist will then detach the tissue connecting the tooth to the bone and finally remove the tooth. In some cases there may be a need for dental stitches.

Recovery

Wisdom tooth extraction is a fairly simple procedure, and the recovery from it usually only takes a few days. However, you can help the process along. Avoid lying flat on your back, as it could prolong the bleeding. You should also try to keep your head angled. Ice packs are very helpful when applied to your cheek for around 15 to 20 minutes several times during the first day after the surgery. Keep away from hard foods and relax, as any since physical activity could tear and cause further bleeding.

It sounds worse than it is, and this simple procedure will ensure that your wisdom teeth do not bother you any longer and can prevent longer term problems. Call your dentist and make an appointment, your mouth will greatly appreciate it.

Reference: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/Wisdom-tooth-extraction

Skip to content