Wisdom Tooth Extraction – Red Oak

Say Goodbye to Your 3^rd Molars!

Wisdom teeth may have been helpful tools for our early human ancestors’ survival, but today, they seem to mostly just cause trouble. This is because most people don’t have enough room in their mouths to accommodate them. To prevent the possibility of impaction and other complications, it is beneficial for many patients to have their wisdom teeth taken out. We perform this procedure right here in our practice, so you don’t need to work with another doctor at a separate location. To learn more about wisdom tooth extraction, give us a call to schedule your consultation.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth are the third molars and the final adult teeth to erupt in the mouth. Most people develop four wisdom teeth – two on top and two on the bottom. Anthropologists believe that the wisdom teeth were helpful for our early ancestors who needed additional chewing power to consume rough plants, seeks, nuts, and foliage that made up their diets. It was also common to lose teeth for one of many reasons, so the wisdom teeth could step up and act as replacement teeth in these situations.

Today, we enjoy a softer diet with more carbohydrates and high-calorie foods. We also have a deeper focus on dental care, so the wisdom teeth aren’t usually necessary. The need for extraction varies on a case-by-case basis.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth often need to be extracted because they pose oral health threats. Various problems can occur if wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to develop properly. This includes overcrowding, oral hygiene issues, discomfort, impaction, risk of cysts, and more! Here are some signs that could indicate that you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted:

Pain while eating
Jaw stiffness
Facial swelling
Bad breath
Difficulty opening the mouth
Repetitive infections

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

If your wisdom teeth have already erupted, we use dental forceps and an elevator to extract them. If they haven’t erupted, an incision needs to be made into the gums to expose the tooth and bone. Any bone that blocks access to the tooth will need to be removed. In some cases, a tooth may need to be removed in pieces. Afterward, the site of the extraction is cleared of any debris and stitches may be used to close the wound if needed. Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help a blood clot form.

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Following your procedure, it is common to experience bleeding swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but this should subside over the next few days. During this time, it is especially crucial to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. This includes rinsing and brushing gently while avoiding the extraction site. You should also stick to a soft-food diet and refrain from smoking or using straws. Remember to take prescribed and over-the-counter medications as directed by your dentist. For questions or concerns regarding your recovery, give us a call!