Wisdom Tooth Extraction

While dentists prefer that you keep all of your teeth, there are a few teeth that they will likely want to extract as soon as they come in—your wisdom teeth. These teeth can cause a host of oral health issues, and because of this, many dentists will decide to extract them before they have a chance to cause serious damage.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that come in after the rest of the adult teeth have erupted. Generally, wisdom teeth appear somewhere between the ages of 17 and 25. While some patients notice their wisdom teeth erupting, other patients find out about their wisdom teeth through x-rays during a regular checkup.

Why Would I Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

While wisdom teeth aren’t always an issue, they can pose more of a threat than they are worth. Wisdom teeth are a redundant set of teeth—which means they are unnecessary for chewing and good oral health. Because of this, many dentists will remove them preemptively.

A few of the problems that wisdom teeth may cause are:

• Impacted Teeth
• Cavities
• Gum Disease
• Pain

If you notice your wisdom teeth erupting, or if you are experiencing any pain, visit a dentist to see if your wisdom teeth are coming in.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

Once your dentist has confirmed that your wisdom teeth are erupting, they will set an appointment for an extraction. This process should take around 45 minutes. A separate appointment will need to be made for the extraction. You’ll also want to let your dentist know about any ongoing health issues, as well as any medications that you are on. During the extraction, your dentist will give you anesthetic to ensure that you don’t feel pain. Your dentist will then cut into the gums to remove your wisdom teeth. They will then stitch the area up.

Aftercare

Before the wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist will walk you through specific aftercare instructions. This will include when you can begin eating again, when you can start smoking again and what kinds of foods you can and can’t eat until the healing is completed. It’s important to keep in mind that the anesthetic that your dentist uses will leave you unfit for driving, and for work. You’ll want to make sure to have a friend or family member accompany you to the procedure, so they can drive you home. There is the chance that you will have full memory loss of the procedure, and after the procedure. Pick a day off of work, or take time off so you are able to return home and heal after the procedure.

Speak with Your Dentist

If you feel pain or pressure in the back of your mouth, or if you see your wisdom teeth beginning to erupt, make sure to set an appointment with your dentist. They will walk you through the wisdom tooth extraction process, and they will set an appointment with you to have your wisdom teeth removed.

More Information About Tooth Extraction : Smoking After Tooth Extraction