Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically start to emerge in a person’s late teens or early twenties. However, they often do not have enough space to properly erupt, leading to a variety of dental problems. As a result, many individuals need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Our dentists will examine your mouth to determine if your wisdom teeth should be extracted.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
The decision to extract wisdom teeth is usually made based on several factors:
- Impaction: If the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to come in properly, they may become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge from the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection and damage to neighboring teeth.
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth, leading to misalignment and crowding in the mouth. This can impact your bite and overall dental health.
- Infection or Cysts: Impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets in the gums where bacteria can accumulate, leading to infections or the development of cysts.
- Pain and Discomfort: Wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling and discomfort in the back of the mouth, making it difficult to eat, speak or maintain good oral hygiene.
If one or more of these issues is affecting your oral health, our dentists will most likely recommend that your wisdom teeth be extracted.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
During your wisdom tooth extraction procedure, you can expect:
- Anesthesia: The first step in your procedure is to ensure your comfort. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used in addition to local anesthesia.
- Tooth Removal: Our dentists will carefully remove the wisdom tooth from its socket in the jawbone.
- Stitches: Stitches are used to close the surgical site following the removal of the tooth.
Post-Op Instructions
Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction typically takes a few days to a week. To ensure a smooth healing process, follow these post-op instructions:
- Pain Management: You may experience some pain and swelling after the procedure. Our dentists will prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Rest and Recovery: Rest for at least 24 hours after the extraction and avoid strenuous activities. Use pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling.
- Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to keep the surgical area clean. Avoid brushing the surgical site for the first few days.
- Diet: Stick to a soft diet for the first few days, including soups, yogurt and mashed potatoes. Avoid hard, crunchy or spicy foods that could irritate the surgical site.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol for a few days, as they can hinder the healing process.
- Follow-Up: Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by our office to ensure proper healing and monitor for any complications.
Removing wisdom teeth is often a preventive measure to avoid potential dental issues and discomfort. By following these guidelines, you can promote a smoother recovery and maintain your oral health.
Schedule Your Consultation
We invite you to call Park Central Dental today at 214-340-9696 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mazin Nakhleh, Dr. Laura Fisher or Dr. Shohreh Sharifi and learn more about wisdom teeth extraction in Dallas, Texas.