Your Guide to Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure for individuals in their late teens or early twenties. At Summit Family Dental, we make the process quick, comfortable, and stress-free. Whether preparing for the procedure yourself or helping your teen, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Are Wisdom Teeth, and Why Are They Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop. They typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. For some, these teeth come in without a hitch. For others, they can lead to a range of issues:
- Impaction: Teeth that remain trapped beneath the gums or grow at awkward angles.
- Overcrowding: Not enough room in the mouth to accommodate new molars.
- Infection or Decay: Partially erupted teeth can be hard to clean and prone to infection.
- Cyst Formation: Fluid-filled sacs can develop around impacted teeth, potentially damaging nearby bone or teeth.
Removing wisdom teeth early can help prevent these problems and protect oral health.
Do You Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. We conduct an examination and take X-rays to determine if removal is necessary. We’ll assess:
- The position and development of your wisdom teeth
- Any signs of crowding, infection, or damage to nearby teeth
- Whether future complications are likely
Wisdom Teeth Extraction at Summit Family Dental
Knowing what happens during the procedure can help ease your mind if you’re nervous about having your wisdom teeth removed. At Summit Family Dental, our skilled dentists perform extractions using local anesthesia, so while you’ll remain awake, the area will be completely numb, and you won’t feel any pain. Most extractions are completed in under an hour. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect:
Accessing the Tooth
If the wisdom tooth has already erupted (broken through the gums), the dentist can typically remove it with forceps. If the tooth is impacted (partially or fully trapped under the gum or bone), the dentist may make a small incision in the gum tissue to access it.
Loosening the Tooth
The dentist gently rocks the tooth back and forth to loosen it from the socket. You may feel some pressure; this is normal and not painful due to the anesthesia.
Sectioning the Tooth (If Necessary)
The dentist may cut the tooth into smaller pieces for impacted teeth. This makes removal easier and helps preserve surrounding bone and tissue.
Removing the Tooth
Once the tooth is fully loosened (or sectioned), it is carefully lifted out of the socket.
Cleaning the Site
After the tooth is removed, the dentist cleans the socket to remove any debris or bone fragments. If necessary, they may place dissolvable stitches to help the gums heal.
Controlling Bleeding
The dentist places gauze over the extraction site and has you bite down gently to help a blood clot form. This clot is essential to proper healing, so you’ll be given instructions on how to protect it following the procedure.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery
Recovery typically takes a few days to a week. You can manage the pain with over-the-counter medications. We’re only a phone call away if you have questions or concerns during recovery. Here are a few tips to speed up healing:
- Rest: Take it easy for the first couple of days.
- Use Ice Packs: Apply ice to the outside of your jaw to reduce swelling.
- Stick to Soft Foods: Yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce are good options.
- Avoid Straws and Smoking: These can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
Why Choose Summit Family Dental?
At Summit Family Dental, we provide personalized, affordable, high-quality dental care built on trust and communication. We accept dental insurance and Medicaid for this procedure, and for those without coverage, our dental membership plan includes 15% off oral surgeries.
Contact us if you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule an evaluation. At Summit Family Dental, your smile and your comfort come first.
