Wisdom Teeth Extraction: How and Why Dentists Remove Wisdom Teeth

Sometimes during certain dental procedures, it’s best for the patient to receive sedation. Sedation puts the patient in a relaxed state so that the patient will feel calm and the dentist can work uninterrupted. Sedation dentistry is used for procedures like surgical and non-surgical extractions, root canals, implant placement, and more.

Wisdom Tooth Removal from Brentwood Dental Spa
Doesn’t Have to be a Pain in the Mouth

For many young adults, growing wisdom teeth can be a major pain. Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge and usually don’t grow in until your late teens or early twenties. These molars are also rather large and located in the very back of your mouth. Even though wisdom teeth often have many issues and can be a challenge to brush and floss, many patients resist the idea of removal. Learn more about the simple process used to remove wisdom teeth and why it’s often a good idea.

Why Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

It’s common for wisdom teeth to grow in a different direction than your other teeth. Sometimes they don’t fully erupt from the gums. Other times, they can cause problems for your other healthy teeth. It’s true that dentists often encourage patients to take all possible measures to save natural teeth. So, why are your wisdom teeth different? In today’s world, wisdom teeth aren’t necessary for the food we consume. The most common theory is that wisdom teeth helped humans break down and chew tough foods in ancient times. Since we’re no longer required to eat those foods, wisdom teeth aren’t useful to humans. However, they can still cause many problems that threaten your oral health. Wisdom tooth removal is generally necessary for one of these reasons.

• They’re growing in wrong. Wisdom teeth have been known to grow in crooked, at an angle, sideways, or even upside down.
• Wisdom teeth don’t fully emerge. Often, wisdom teeth don’t have the space they need to grow in and become impacted.Wisdom teeth that remain below the gum line can cause a variety of problems and pain.
• They crowd healthy teeth. When your teeth are straight and healthy, there may not be sufficient room for another large set of molars. Wisdom teeth can cause your healthy teeth to become crowded and misaligned.
• Wisdom teeth are more susceptible to decay. Since your wisdom teeth are located at the very back of your mouth, they can be difficult to brush and floss. Often, they are also partially covered by your gums, leading to additional opportunities for bacteria to gather.

 Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

The procedure to remove your wisdom teeth is quick and painless. Recovery time is short and typically without complications. You will be under anesthesia while the procedure takes place, and it’s often possible to remove all four wisdom teeth at once. Before surgery, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth is located. Sometimes, a general anesthetic is used when all wisdom teeth are being removed. After the anesthesia takes effect, the dental surgeon will open up your gum tissue to expose the tooth for removal. The tooth may be extracted whole like a typical tooth extraction. Sometimes, it may be necessary to section the tooth into smaller parts for easier removal. You may need a few stitches when the removal is complete. During the procedure, you won’t be able to feel any pain at all. You may feel some pressure during the removal process, or you may feel nothing at all. It’s common for the anesthesia to make you feel drowsy or like you’re dozing off during the procedure. When the surgery is complete, your dental surgeon will send you home with proper care instructions.

After your wisdom tooth extraction, it’s important to follow these directions to assist the healing process.

• Periodically change gauze pads to control bleeding.
• Prop your head up while resting.
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
• Avoid using straws for the first few days.
• Eat soft foods for the first few days.
• Use an ice pack and OTC pain relievers for pain. 

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, infected, or growing improperly, they likely need to be removed. Don’t procrastinate. This simple surgery can eliminate your wisdom tooth pain and get you back on track in no time. Contact us to learn more about wisdom tooth extraction or schedule your appointment today.

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