New Paragraph
Oral Surgery
Oral Surgery Services
Over 40 Years of ExperienceIn-House Savings Plan
Extractions
While wisdom teeth extractions are a fairly common procedure, wisdom teeth often cause problems as they're trying to protrude through the gums. If a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means that the tooth is coming in at an angle, which can cause pain or cause the tooth to come in unevenly or only emerge partially.
Rest when you arrive home but do not lie flat, as it could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. You will be prescribed pain medication to take as directed when you become sore. You may also use an ice pack for pain. The dentist may provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth that cause infections need to be removed. Extractions can range from a single tooth to all four wisdom teeth at once. A local anesthetic may be used to numb the area where the tooth will be removed, or you may prefer a general anesthetic so that you're sedated during the procedure.
The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is cut open to reveal the tooth. The tooth is then loosened by wiggling it back and forth until it can be lifted out of the gums. If a tooth is impacted so tightly that it can't be lifted out of the gums, the tooth will need to be broken into pieces before removal. You may require sutures to close the area, with soluble sutures being the best option as they dissolve on their own.
After surgery you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member due to the anesthesia. Expect the extraction site to bleed for a while following the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of your surgery and you should change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for more than 24 hours, contact your dentist.
Rest when you arrive home but do not lie flat, as it could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. You will be prescribed pain medication to take as directed when you become sore. You may also use an ice pack for pain. The dentist may provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
You will need to eat only soft foods for the days following your surgery. Some recommended foods include:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Ice cream
- Thin soups
- Any food you can eat without chewing
Do not use a straw when drinking as the sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. You should also refrain from smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or feel the extraction site is not healing properly, contact us
for a follow-up appointment.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that emerge, typically during your late teens to early twenties. Some people have their wisdom teeth cause problems as they protrude through the gums, causing an impacted tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause damage to the jaw and the surrounding teeth, making it necessary for them to be removed. Routine X-rays during a dental exam can reveal whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Extraction Site Preservation
When removing a tooth, you must consider what will be done with the empty space that is left behind. Wisdom teeth are in the back of the mouth, so that site will heal on its own. If you need another tooth removed, plans must be made for the extraction site.
If a tooth is removed and nothing is done, the jaw bone will degenerate and change shape during healing and can cause your teeth to shift, causing problems in your bite and affecting your ability to speak and chew normally.
If you want to fill the space with a dental implant, you will need a sturdy jaw bone to place the implant. If you want a dental bridge, the bridge must be molded and placed before your teeth shift.
At Dr. John Stivers, we are always open to a conversation about what you'd like to do with your extraction site prior to removing a tooth. We will make recommendations and layout a treatment plan. Be sure to schedule follow-up appointments to properly care for your extraction site.
Share On: