The Importance of Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What You Need to Know

Each year, approximately 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted from over 5 million people in the U.S., according to the American Journal of Public Health.  The wisdom teeth, or third molars, are located at the back of the mouth and are often the last set of teeth to emerge, usually in your late teens or early 20s. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth do not always arrive without incident. Certain circumstances may warrant the removal of your wisdom teeth. Here’s what you should know about wisdom teeth extraction.

Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

There are several reasons why your dentist in Clermont may recommend wisdom tooth removal. These reasons include:

• Impaction: If the mouth is too crowded or the teeth try to emerge at an odd angle, the wisdom teeth may become impacted. Wisdom teeth that become trapped in the gums or jawbone can cause significant discomfort.
• Decay: If you frequently develop gum disease or decay because you’re unable to properly clean your wisdom teeth, your Clermont dentist may recommend having them removed.
• Infection: Limited space in the back of the mouth can cause inflammation and infection when the wisdom teeth try to emerge. Wisdom teeth can also cause damage to nearby teeth.

When wisdom teeth cause problems, they often need to come out. Other reasons why your dentist in Clermont FL may recommend wisdom tooth extraction is to prevent alignment issues, sinus problems, and jaw damage due to cysts that form and damage nerves.

What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom tooth removal is generally a straightforward procedure that takes approximately one hour or less. More complex cases may take longer. Before the procedure begins, the patient is given anesthesia to numb the mouth and gums. Sedation is also available to make patients more comfortable.

Next, incisions are made in the gums to expose the wisdom teeth that are trapped in the gums or jawbone. The teeth are then carefully loosened and lifted from the socket. In some instances, the tooth will need to be cut into smaller sections and removed.

After the wisdom teeth have been removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned to prevent infection. Stitches are placed to close the surgical site. The patient will then be asked to firmly bite onto a piece of gauze placed over the surgery site to slow any bleeding. Once your sedation has worn off, a family member or friend should drive the patient home.

What Is Recovery Like After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction takes approximately one to two weeks on average. However, most people can return to their normal routine within three to five days on average. Before leaving your Clermont family dentistry office, you’ll receive postoperative instructions to promote healing and keep you comfortable.

You should rest as much as possible directly after wisdom tooth extraction. Use ice packs to help reduce swelling and take any medications prescribed to you. You’ll also want to keep the extraction site clean. You’ll want to avoid dry sockets which can be caused by swishing, which dislodges blood clots.

While it’s generally ok to brush and floss your teeth the day after surgery, you’ll want to take precautions. Do not brush directly over the extraction site as this could open the wound and cause bleeding. Instead, focus on keeping your other teeth clean and avoid disrupting the extraction site as it heals.

There are also some other things you’ll want to avoid during recovery, such as drinking through a straw, exercising, lifting heavy things, and eating crunchy, chewy, or hard foods. Avoid drinking beverages that contain alcohol or carbonated beverages that can increase your risk of dislodging blood clots and causing dry sockets.

Contact Hancock Village Dental to Learn More

There are certain times when wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary, such as if there’s not enough space in the jaw or when the teeth are impacted. The best way to determine if wisdom tooth extraction is right for you is to speak with your Clermont dentist about your oral health concerns. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Hancock Village Dental at 352-989-5815.