December 16, 2018
Whether young or old, wisdom tooth removal can be frightening. But wisdom tooth removal is common, simple, and necessary. Sinclair Smiles has compiled everything you need to know about the process.
The most important reason for you is probably that not removing your wisdom teeth will cause more problems. Set in the far back of your mouth, wisdom teeth emerge quietly. But if your jaw is too small, there may not be sufficient room for the new molars. They may emerge at an incorrect angle. In either scenario, this puts pressure on surrounding teeth, causing pain and damage to teeth. Food will likely become trapped between teeth. This leads to decay, gum disease, and worse.
While they can be removed at any age, the roots have not yet formed between the age of 17 and 21. This makes the process safer, easier, and reduces recovery time. From here, your unique situation will determine how to proceed.
Wisdom teeth that have passed the gums usually won’t require more than local anesthesia. Surrounding gum is loosened, the tooth sectioned and carefully removed. Usually, stitches are not needed.
If roots have developed, surgery is necessary. Local anesthesia is complemented with general anesthesia or sedation. You will not experience pain or recollect the procedure. Within 45 minutes, incisions reveal bone and tooth under the gums. Then, the tooth is carefully removed. The area is cleaned, stitched, and gauze is applied to stifle bleeding.
Local anesthesia will require lesser recovery in the dentist’s office. Sedation or general anesthesia will require you to stay a bit longer. You cannot drive.
Pain is minimized with painkillers. You may receive antibiotics. You can resume most normal activities in about a day. Start with non-carbonated liquids and transition to very soft foods with caution. Expect soreness as you heal. An elevated head and ice packs assuage bruising and swelling.
Do not drink through a straw or smoke in the first full day or two. Sucking and carbonation dislodge the blood clot. This is painful.
If you need a teeth removal dentist in Encinitas or dentist near Encinitas, consult Sinclair Smiles, dentist in 92024. Sinclair Smiles will answer your questions, so consider Sinclair Smiles, the best tooth extraction dentist in Encinitas.
Call (760) 753-3368 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.