Wisdom tooth extraction is a very commonly done procedure that we are skilled at and familiar with. We’ve helped many patients in the Westerville area and are looking forward to helping you as well.
We know that tooth extraction can cause some patients to experience anxiety or fear. At Just Smiles Dentistry, we are focused on making your time with us comfortable and relaxing. Our team of dentists and staff are trained to provide the best possible patient treatment and care, during the wisdom teeth removal process and beyond.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The teeth in our mouths are all designed just a little bit differently. Your front teeth are meant to tear and rip food, while your back molars are designed to mash the food up into easily digestible pieces. Your baby teeth naturally fall out to be replaced by your permanent teeth as you grow up and mature.
Wisdom teeth are the last of your permanent teeth that will come in—but often there is not room for these teeth, which will lead to the need for a wisdom tooth extraction.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Many people actually do not need their wisdom teeth. More than that, they don’t physically have enough space in their mouths for a third set of molars. There are some instances where patients have room for their wisdom teeth and therefore do not need their wisdom teeth pulled. In rare instances, some patients are born without wisdom teeth.
For the vast majority of the population, however, wisdom teeth are unnecessary and can cause serious problems should a third set of molars try to grow into a mouth without the space for them.
Issues such as overcrowding or impacted wisdom teeth can cause your remaining teeth to become crooked as they try to make room for these incoming teeth. This can in turn lead to a lot of pain. Teeth that are too close together and crooked are also very difficult to maintain and clean properly.
Having your wisdom teeth pulled preemptively prevents these problems from happening in the first place.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are nearly as common as wisdom teeth themselves. A tooth can easily become impacted when they are unable to erupt through the gums and take their place alongside existing teeth.
When this happens, the tooth in question—usually a wisdom tooth—will begin to press against the teeth around them. This can cause severe pain and is one reason why your dentist may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction.
Patients who might be dealing with impacted wisdom teeth will experience the following symptoms:
- Jaw pain and tenderness.
- Bad breath.
- Redness and swelling of gums.
- Bad taste when eating.
Impacted wisdom teeth are more difficult to remove than standard wisdom teeth. If your dentist has already informed you that you will need to have your wisdom teeth pulled, it is advisable not to wait too long. If left too long, they might become impacted, which will increase the difficulty of removing them and put you through unnecessary pain.
Call our office today for a quality, health-restoring wisdom teeth removal today.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
The first step in the wisdom tooth extraction process is sedation. At Just Smiles, we offer an oral sedation option in the form of a pill you can swallow before the procedure. Following that, patients will be rendered unconscious as the wisdom teeth are removed.
Recovery usually takes 2–5 days. Patients can expect swelling for the first few hours and should avoid straws and only eat very soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce etc. You’ll be given a prescription for pain medication that will help with recovery for the first couple days. Gradually, the pockets will heal over and you’ll be on track for better dental health.
Get Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction From Highly Qualified Dentists
Contact Us About Wisdom Teeth Removal Today
If you need your wisdom teeth pulled, get in touch with our office today to schedule an appointment.
