What are wisdom teeth?
Your wisdom teeth, commonly called third molars, are a set of permanent adult molars located in the back four corners of your mouth. They often appear between ages 17 and 25, though some people never develop wisdom teeth.
While some people have room for these third molars, others do not. When not removed, wisdom teeth can cause complications, such as pain or adjacent tooth damage.
See the Mamkin Dentistry Aesthetic & Restorative Center team any time you develop tooth pain or to determine if wisdom teeth removal is right for you.
Is wisdom teeth extraction right for me?
You or your child may be a candidate for wisdom tooth extraction if they have:
- A small mouth
- No room for wisdom teeth
- Tooth pain
- Tooth impaction
- Adjacent tooth damage
- Infection
- Decay
- Cysts
- Other dental health issues
To determine if you’re a candidate for the procedure, your dentist asks about your oral health history, symptoms, and goals. They examine your teeth and gums and take dental X-rays to obtain an in-depth view of teeth that haven’t yet erupted.
What happens during wisdom teeth extraction?
Before extraction, your provider numbs the treatment area and offers a sedative that helps you relax or fall asleep. Your dentist makes an incision to expose the affected tooth and bone, removes any bone blocking access to the tooth root, and extracts the tooth (often in small pieces).
They clean the site, remove any debris, and close the open wounds to promote optimal healing. Your dentist may place gauze over the incision site to minimize bleeding.
What should I expect after wisdom teeth removal?
After undergoing wisdom teeth extraction, you rest in a recovery area. Have a family member or friend drive you home and stay with you. Take medications as directed and begin with a liquid or soft-food diet.
Avoid brushing your teeth vigorously, drinking through a straw, or using mouthwash until given the OK. Take it easy, get plenty of rest, and ice the area to reduce swelling as needed.
Call the Mamkin Dentistry Aesthetic & Restorative Center office any time with concerns or questions and follow up with your dentist when necessary to maximize healing.
Schedule an evaluation at Mamkin Dentistry Aesthetic & Restorative Center by phone or request one online today to determine if wisdom teeth removal is right for you.