Wisdom teeth usually develop when one is an adult, and in most cases, it is recommended that they should be extracted. Many questions surround the wisdom teeth topic, and in this article, we will try to answer most questions about this dental procedure.
Why Is It Necessary to Extract Wisdom Teeth?
Well, it is not mandatory to extract your wisdom teeth. However, in most cases, the right thing to do is extract them. The main reason for extracting wisdom teeth is if there is not enough space on your jaw. If space is not enough, they will overcrowd your mouth, pushing your teeth out of alignment. Additionally, if left on your jaw, wisdom teeth can cause infections and pain.
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Have Any Risks?
Wisdom tooth extraction in Spring, TX, does not result in any serious complications. However, if the wisdom tooth is impacted, it means the surgery will be necessary. That said, all surgeries are associated with some risks. But with an experienced dentist, you have nothing to worry about the extraction. Some of these risks include:
- Dry socket
- Bacteria developing on the extraction site
- Damage of nearby nerves, teeth, or jawbone
How Do One Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The procedure is usually conducted in the dentist’s office. However, for impacted wisdom teeth, the dentist may recommend an oral surgeon. Don’t panic, though. The procedure is not painful at all. You will be numbed, and you will be surprised by how fast the procedure will seem.
What to Expect
During the procedure, your dentist will use anesthesia to numb you, ensuring that you don’t feel any pain. He might use local anesthesia, sedation anesthesia, or general anesthesia.
The dentist will make an incision into your gums to expose the bone and tooth. He will remove the bone, blocking the access to the root and tooth. He will then remove the tooth, clean the extraction site, and stitch the wound if necessary. Finally, he will place a piece of gauze to help form a blood clot and stop bleeding.
After the procedure, expect some bleeding from the site. Avoid spitting out the blood as it can dislodge the blood clot, causing even more bleeding. Replace the gauze as advised by the dentist.
You will also experience some pain, but the dentist will provide you with some effective pain management techniques. Be sure to use the pain relievers recommended by your dentist. In case of swelling or bruising, use ice-cold compress method.
You can get back to your routine a day after the extraction. However, try to avoid strenuous duties for about seven days. Also, avoid taking alcohol, caffeinated, hot, or carbonated drinks. As you take other drinks, please don’t use a straw as it can dislodge the blood clot. As for food, please take soft foods and avoid hard ones as much as possible.
As for brushing your teeth, don’t brush your teeth for the first 24 hours. Just rinse your mouth with mouthwash, and you are good to go. However, you will need to keep your mouth clean. After 24 hours, brush your teeth gently to avoid dislodging the clot.
If you are a tobacco user, please don’t take any for the first three days. If possible, don’t take tobacco or tobacco products until you are all healed up. Using tobacco and tobacco products only delays your healing.
When Do I Need to Revisit the Dentist?
In most cases, the procedure does not involve any complications. However, every person is different. In case of a complication, call your dentist and get to his office ASAP. Some signs of complications include:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Excessive bleeding
- Severe pain that is not alleviated by recommended pain relievers
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Pus or blood in nasal discharge
- Persistent numbness
- Excessive swelling
Can I Keep My Wisdom Teeth?
Yes, sometimes wisdom teeth can be spared. If your jawbone has room for them to erupt healthily, then there is no need for extraction. If that’s the case, your dentist will advise you to keep your third molars. However, the dentist will still need to keep an eye on your wisdom teeth to ensure everything stays in order. We can help you if you require a wisdom tooth extraction in Richmond, TX.
Charm Dental Spring
If you require excellent dental services in Spring, you are in the right place. Our services include root canals, pediatric dentist, tooth extractions, and more. If you are in Richmond, you can count on our Charm Dental Richmond dental clinic.
