Wisdom Tooth Removal in Charlotte, NC
Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
Before your wisdom teeth are removed, we will administer a local anesthesia to numb the area. In some cases, sedation dentistry will also be used to help relax the patient during their procedure. To remove the wisdom teeth we will open up the gums and remove the bone that covers the wisdom tooth. Then we will cut the tooth into pieces to make it easier to remove. If the wisdom teeth have fully erupted, then only a simple extraction is required (in which the teeth are pulled using forceps).
The recovery period for a wisdom tooth extraction is fairly fast, lasting only a couple of days. We will prescribe painkillers to take as needed for discomfort or pain. You will also need to follow a soft-food diet. You can slowly reintroduce more solid foods to your diet as your mouth begins to heal. We will provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts after your wisdom tooth surgery.
When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
One good rule of thumb is that it’s easier to remove wisdom teeth at a younger age when the roots of the wisdom teeth haven’t completely formed, the bone surrounding the teeth is softer and there is less chance of damaging nerves. This means that you should continue to see your Coral Springs dentist every six months for routine cleanings and exams to check the progress of your wisdom teeth. We recommend that everyone have their wisdom teeth extracted by the age of 25.
Reasons For Wisdom Teeth Removal
If your wisdom teeth are causing you problems or your X-rays show that your wisdom teeth might cause problems for your smile in the future, then they will definitely need to come out. While not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed, the vast majority do. You will also need to have your wisdom teeth removed if you are experiencing any of these issues:
Damage to other teeth: If the wisdom teeth aren’t coming in straight they can press on your other teeth and cause pain and other problems for healthy teeth.
Misalignment: If you have impacted wisdom teeth they can actually shift teeth out of alignment and cause overcrowding.
Cavities: Wisdom teeth that have only partially erupted can be harder to clean and allow bacteria to thrive.
Damage to your jaw: Sometimes a cyst can develop around the wisdom tooth. If this isn’t treated in time it can damage the jaw and nerves.
Sinus problems: Wisdom tooth complications can also cause sinus pain and pressure.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Extracted In Some Cases?
When the jaws aren’t big enough to support these wisdom teeth, the rest of one's teeth become impacted. Wisdom teeth may also only partially erupt through the gums, leaving a flap of tissue open for food and bacteria to become trapped. This can increase someone’s chances of an infection. Wisdom teeth can also grow in at an awkward angle and affect the health of other neighboring teeth. In more serious cases, infection or damage to the bone can occur in those with impacted wisdom teeth.
What Does The Process Of Extracted Wisdom Teeth Entail?
Before your wisdom teeth are removed, your dentist will typically administer local anesthesia to numb the area. In some cases, sedation dentistry will also be used to help relax the patient during their procedure. To remove the wisdom teeth, your dentist will open up the gums and remove the bone that covers the wisdom tooth. Then they will cut the tooth into pieces to make it easier to remove. If the wisdom teeth have fully erupted, then only a simple extraction is required (in which the teeth are pulled using forceps). Once the teeth are removed, your dentist will stitch up the gums. In many cases, these stitches will dissolve over time. After the stitches have been placed, your dentist will place a gauze pad over the areas to stop bleeding.
What Does The Recovery Period Entail?
The recovery period for a wisdom tooth extraction is fairly fast, lasting only a couple of days. In most cases, you will be prescribed painkillers to take as needed for discomfort or pain. You will also need to follow a soft-food diet. You can slowly reintroduce more solid foods to your diet as your mouth begins to heal.