A Comprehensive Guide to Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that can help prevent complications and maintain optimal oral health. Our Loveland, CO dentists are dedicated to providing a comfortable and successful experience. Call (970) 669-3918 to learn more at the Center for Advanced Dentistry.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically erupt in the late teens or early twenties. However, they often don’t have enough room to grow properly, leading to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a range of problems, including:
- Pain and discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain and discomfort, especially when they become infected or press against nearby teeth.
- Infection: Bacteria can become trapped around impacted wisdom teeth, leading to infection and swelling.
- Cysts and tumors: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can develop cysts or tumors.
- Damage to nearby teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against and damage nearby teeth.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
- Consultation: Our dentist will assess your oral health and determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
- Anesthesia: You will be given anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. There are several options available, including:
- Local anesthesia: This numbs the area around the wisdom teeth.
- IV sedation: This provides a deeper level of relaxation.
- General anesthesia: This puts you completely to sleep.
- Tooth Extraction: The dentist will carefully remove the impacted wisdom teeth. The procedure may involve:
- Sectioning: Cutting the tooth into smaller pieces to facilitate removal.
- Bone removal: Removing any bone that is blocking the tooth.
- Suturing: Closing the incision with stitches.
- Post-operative care: Our dentist will provide detailed instructions for caring for your mouth after the procedure. This may include:
- Pain management: Taking over-the-counter or prescription pain medication as needed.
- Oral hygiene: Gently brushing and flossing around the extraction site.
- Avoiding strenuous activity: Resting for a few days.
- Following up with your dentist: Scheduling a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wisdom tooth removal is generally quick and painless, as the area will be numbed before the procedure begins. You may feel slight pressure and tugging during the extraction, but should not experience any pain. After the procedure, some tenderness and swelling can occur near the extraction site, however, this should subside within 7 days with some rest and recuperation.
Wisdom tooth extraction typically takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours, with the average procedure lasting around an hour. Single teeth may take shorter to remove, while difficult cases and those involving all four teeth could take longer. How many wisdom teeth need to be removed to protect other teeth and your gum tissue will depend. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons will evaluate your X-rays to determine your treatment.
Schedule Your Appointment Today with Dr. Howard
Don’t let impacted wisdom teeth affect your oral health. Our experienced dentists are committed to providing you with the highest quality care during wisdom teeth extraction. A dentist or oral surgeon will be sure to get your wisdom teeth removed without any pain.
To schedule an appointment, contact our Loveland dental office at (970) 669-3918. We welcome patients from Boulder, Fort Collins, and Evans.