Wisdom Teeth
“Wisdom teeth” is the colloquial term for the third set of molars that sit in the back of the mouth. They are called such because they come between the more “mature” ages of 17 and 21. The emergence of wisdom teeth can be uncomfortable, even if they are emerging correctly. Wisdom teeth do not always necessitate extraction. On the contrary, properly aligned wisdom teeth may assist in chewing.
However, if there is no adequate space for the wisdom teeth to emerge or if the teeth are coming through in the wrong position, they may become impacted (or trapped in the jaw or under the gums). This may cause cysts, damage to neighboring teeth, gum disease, infection, pain, tooth decay, and tumors. A dentist needs to monitor the patient’s wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action.
Wisdom teeth extraction is available at 75th Ave Dental Studio in Glendale and the surrounding area. Most patients who need wisdom teeth extraction are in the stages of young adulthood.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Extraction
1. Numb the Pain
Wisdom teeth extraction begins with the doctor injecting the patient with a local anesthetic to numb them to the pain of the procedure.
2. Cut Into the Gum
The doctor will then cut into the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, making sure to remove any bone blocking access to the tooth root.
3. Remove Tooth
Depending on how severely impacted the tooth is, the tooth may be divided into sections to be removed little by little.
4. Clean Wound
The wound may or may not need stitches, and the doctor will pack gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and to aid in the formation of a blood clot.
Aftercare for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Patients should expect to rest for the remainder of the day following their wisdom teeth extraction. Though regular activities can be resumed as soon as the day after, patients should refrain from any strenuous activity for at least a week following their procedure. Otherwise, they run the risk of overexertion and dislodging the blood clot. Our team will provide patients with a customized recovery plan for their specific procedures.
