Wisdom Teeth Extraction in MA
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Jamaica Plain and Malden, MA
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Am I a Candidate for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
- Have impacted wisdom teeth (teeth that are unable to emerge properly).
- Experience pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth.
- Are at risk for infection or other oral health issues due to wisdom teeth.
- Have overcrowded or misaligned teeth that could worsen with the addition of wisdom teeth.
Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth can lead to problems, such as infections, cysts, or damage to nearby teeth, if not properly addressed. Removing impacted or problematic wisdom teeth prevents these issues from becoming more serious and potentially requiring more invasive treatments.
Wisdom teeth often cause pain and swelling, especially when they become impacted or infected. Extraction can provide immediate relief, allowing you to avoid constant discomfort and reduce the risk of more severe pain in the future.
When wisdom teeth are misaligned or impacted, they can crowd or shift your surrounding teeth, potentially leading to misalignment. Removing these teeth helps maintain the stability of your bite and prevents the need for additional orthodontic treatments.
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. If not cleaned well, they can trap food and bacteria, leading to cavities, gum disease, and infections. Removing them makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, reducing the chances of developing other dental issues.
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause damage to the surrounding bone structure. The longer you wait to have the teeth removed, the more likely they are to cause permanent bone loss or nerve damage. Extraction early can prevent such damage and preserve your overall dental health.
Do I need Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Causes
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When there isn’t enough room in the mouth, wisdom teeth may grow at an angle, pushing against other teeth or becoming trapped beneath the gum line.
- Infection and Gum Disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria build up, leading to infections and gum disease.
- Tooth Decay: Due to their location, wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean and more susceptible to cavities.
- Cyst Formation: Impacted wisdom teeth may cause cysts, which can damage surrounding bone and nerves.
Symptoms
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth.
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums or jaw.
- Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing.
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
- Red or swollen gums around the affected tooth.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process in MA
Before undergoing wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll have a consultation with one of our experienced dentists at Atlantic Dental Partners. During this consultation, your dentist will take X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action for your treatment.
To ensure your comfort, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around your wisdom teeth. If you feel anxious, sedation or general anesthesia can be used.
The emergency dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom tooth. If the tooth is impacted, it may be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the case’s complexity.
Following the extraction, you’ll be given aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize discomfort. Swelling and mild discomfort are common for the first few days, and our team will guide you through the recovery process.
Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Extraction
It’s normal to experience some discomfort and swelling following the procedure. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or stronger painkillers if necessary. To reduce swelling, apply ice packs to your face for 15-20 minutes, especially during the first 48 hours.
For the first few days after your extraction, stick to a diet of soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and soups. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, which may irritate the surgical site.
It’s essential to keep your mouth clean to avoid infection. However, don’t brush directly over the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After that, gently rinse with warm salt water to reduce swelling and clean the area. Your dentist may also recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent infection.
Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications. Additionally, sucking on a straw can create suction in your mouth, potentially dislodging the blood clot that forms in the extraction site, leading to a condition called dry socket. Avoid smoking and using straws for at least a few days after surgery.
Rest is crucial for proper healing. Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 3-4 days, as this could disrupt the healing process. Allow your body the time it needs to recover.
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FAQs
Recovery times vary depending on the complexity of the extraction. Most patients experience improvement within a few days, although it may take up to two weeks for a full recovery.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. Some discomfort and swelling can occur post-surgery, but pain can be managed with prescribed medications.
Mild swelling and bleeding are common after extraction. Apply ice to reduce swelling, and use gauze pads to manage bleeding. If bleeding persists or swelling worsens, contact our office immediately.
In most cases, dissolvable stitches are used to close the incision after the extraction. These stitches do not need to be removed.
