Wisdom Tooth Extraction – Lakewood, CO
Eliminate the Pain of Intrusive Third Molars
Many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point in their lives. This third set of molars usually emerges in a person’s late teens or early twenties, and leaving them in can often lead to problems like chronic pain, alignment issues, TMJ disorders, and even tooth loss. Here’s a brief guide to why we have wisdom teeth, why they often need to be removed, and how this procedure is carried out. If you have any questions, the staff at our office in Spring, TX, will be more than happy to answer them.
Why Choose Lakewood Complete Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Skilled and Compassionate Dentist
- Eliminate Dental Problems at Their Source
- Financing Plans Available
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
While wisdom teeth were necessary before people figured out how to cook food, modern human jawbones are often too small to accommodate them. These molars typically begin erupting in a patient’s late teens or early twenties, and many people may not be born with all four of them. In some cases, the wisdom teeth do not need to be removed at all.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
The emergence of the wisdom teeth poses a serious threat to the long-term oral health of many people. If the mouth does not have enough room for the third molars, they can push the other teeth out of alignment as they emerge, leading to issues like chronic pain, crowding, misalignments, infections, and damage to the jawbone. If you notice symptoms like pain while chewing, stiffness in the jaw, facial swelling, bad breath, or difficulty opening your mouth, it could be because you need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
When removing a wisdom tooth that has already erupted, Dr. Artino will use a tool called an elevator to lift it out of its socket before using dental forceps to gently rock it back and forth until it is worked free of the connective tissue within the socket. However, if the wisdom teeth do not emerge completely from the gum tissue, they become impacted and require surgical extractions.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After your wisdom teeth are removed, you can expect to experience some temporary discomfort, facial swelling, and bleeding. It’s still important to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, but remember to brush and rinse gently while avoiding the extraction site. The shifting pressures of spitting or drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot over the extraction site, leading to a painful condition called dry socket, so it’s important to avoid doing these things and refrain from carbonated beverages while you are healing. It’s best to stick to a soft diet until you can chew tougher foods comfortably, and it’s crucial that you take any prescribed medications as instructed. If you have any concerns while recovering, please contact our office.