90% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
Dr. Williams will take digital x-rays to look at the position and condition of your teeth to determine if an extraction is necessary. If the tooth is impacted, it will require surgical removal.
A local anesthetic will be administered to numb your mouth before we begin. If you have dental anxiety and would like to be sedated, we also offer sedation to relax you.
An incision will be made into the gums to gain access to the impacted tooth. If any bone is blocking the tooth, this will be cut. Then, your tooth will be sectioned into smaller fragments for easier removal. From there, your tooth is removed like a basic extraction.
Using a dental elevator, we will sever the ligaments that are holding the tooth in place until the tooth is fully loosened in the socket. Then, we will use forceps to remove it
Any incisions will be sutured shut and gauze will be placed in the socket for you to bite down on to stop the bleeding. By applying pressure, you encourage the formation of a blood clot.
Dr. Williams will provide you with aftercare instructions that you will need to follow to promote proper healing and prevent Dry Socket. He will inform you how to reduce swelling and discomfort, and stop the bleeding. You will be given a list of things to avoid for the first 24 hours.
After numbing your tooth, we will loosen the tooth with a dental elevator. This severs the ligaments that attach it to the socket. Once the tooth has been loosened in the gums, forceps will be used to remove it. Sutures are typically not necessary.
After administering local anesthesia and any necessary sedation, an incision will be made into the gums to reveal access to the tooth. From there, additional bone tissue may be removed near the tooth’s root. The tooth will then be sectioned, which means cut into smaller fragments for easier removal.
The tooth is removed in the same way as a basic tooth extraction in that it is loosened and then removed with forceps. We will then clean the site of the extraction to remove any remaining debris or tooth fragments and suture the gums shut.
Kids and adults lose over five million teeth every year!
No, an extraction is a completely painless procedure thanks to modern dental advancements like anesthetic and sedation. We will administer local anesthesia to numb your mouth and prevent the sensation of pain.
For more complex surgical procedures or if you have dental anxiety, we may use additional sedation that will relax you. The most discomfort you will feel will come following the procedure, once the anesthetic has worn off.
Even then, you should only feel minor tenderness or discomfort that can be treated with anti-inflammatory pain medication and cold compresses. The pain should subside with each passing day. If pain is severe or gets worse, you should contact us right away. Avoiding dislodging the blood clot is essential to avoid a painful condition called Dry Socket.
Yes, you must replace a missing tooth as soon as possible, or you will quickly run into problems. Tooth loss causes jaw bone degradation which is irreversible. Once you suffer from bone loss, it’s not coming back and this can have serious consequences such as changes to your bite, changes to your facial structure, premature facial sagging, and inadequate support for dental implants and other restorations.
This can happen pretty quickly after losing a tooth, so it’s important to act fast. If you don’t fill the gap in your teeth, your other teeth will also begin to shift, which can cause orthodontic problems that require treatment with braces.
These teeth may also lean into the space where your old tooth used to be, which makes replacing the tooth difficult until you undergo orthodontics. There are many tooth restorations to choose from, such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures.
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal can vary from person to person, but on average, it takes about a week to fully recover. Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, but this will gradually subside over the next few days. It's important to follow your dentist's post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. This may include taking prescribed pain medication, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, and sticking to a soft food diet. Avoiding strenuous physical activity and smoking during the healing process is also recommended. If you experience any prolonged or severe pain, bleeding, or other concerns, be sure to contact your dentist promptly.
The level of pain experienced during wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on factors such as the position of the teeth, the complexity of the extraction, and individual pain tolerance. However, it's worth noting that advancements in dental techniques and anesthesia have significantly reduced the discomfort associated with this procedure. Most patients report feeling pressure and some mild discomfort during the extraction itself, but this can be effectively managed with local anesthesia or other sedation options. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness and swelling, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs. Following your dentist's post-operative instructions will help minimize any discomfort and promote a smoother recovery.
While getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common and safe procedure, there can be some side effects that you should be aware of. Immediately after the extraction, you may experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort around the extraction site. This is a normal part of the healing process and should subside within a few days. Some patients may also experience minor bleeding, jaw stiffness, or difficulty opening their mouth wide for a short period of time. These side effects are temporary and typically resolve on their own. However, if you notice any excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection such as fever or pus, it's important to contact your dentist immediately. By following your dentist's aftercare instructions and attending any follow-up appointments, you can help ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of complications.
Remember, every patient's experience with wisdom teeth removal can be slightly different. If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, it's best to consult with your dentist. They will be able to provide personalized advice and address any specific concerns you may have.
When it comes to wisdom teeth, many people wonder whether it's necessary to have them removed. Here are a few issues that can arise if you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed:
• Dental Crowding: Wisdom teeth often lack sufficient space to erupt properly, leading to crowding and misalignment of adjacent teeth.
• Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth that don't fully emerge can become impacted, causing pain, infection, and potential damage to nearby teeth and bone.
• Gum Infections: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets in the gums, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and increasing the risk of infections like pericoronitis.
• Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. This increases the chances of tooth decay and cavities.
35% of us are born without wisdom teeth.