Wisdom Teeth Removal
Overview
The decision to undergo wisdom teeth removal is important; however, it offers significant benefits. At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, we understand this choice and aim to provide exceptional support and care. Moreover, our skilled and compassionate dentists—Dr. Mindy, Dr. Peterson, Dr. Jackie, Dr. Foster, Dr. Naert, and Dr. Teja —prioritize your oral health. In addition, they combine expertise, empathy, and personalized care to ensure you feel comfortable and valued.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, emerge last in the mouth’s back corners. Consequently, they typically appear in the late teens or early twenties. However, their size, position, or alignment often causes issues for many people.
Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Impaction:
Wisdom teeth often become impacted because they lack space or are obstructed by other teeth. Consequently, impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth if not treated.
Crowding:
The presence of wisdom teeth can contribute to overcrowding in the mouth, leading to misalignment of other teeth and orthodontic issues.
Infection and Decay:
Wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and infections in the surrounding tissues.
Cysts and Tumors:
In some cases, cysts or tumors may develop around impacted wisdom teeth, causing pain and potential damage to nearby structures.
Signs or Symptoms I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed
Signs that may indicate the need for wisdom teeth removal include:
- Persistent or recurrent pain in the back of the mouth
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums around the wisdom teeth
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing properly
- Chronic bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Crowding or shifting of other teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult with a dentist for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations.
What to Expect When Getting My Wisdom Teeth Removed
Before the procedure, your dentist will conduct an examination, including X-rays, to assess your wisdom teeth. Then, they will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs for the best outcome.
Next, the procedure is performed with local anesthesia at Cornerstone Family Dentistry for a quicker recovery. Additionally, this option reduces the financial burden compared to IV sedation, making it more affordable.
During the extraction, your dentist will carefully remove the wisdom teeth from their sockets in the jawbone. If necessary, small incisions may be made in the gums to access the teeth properly. Afterward, we will clean the extraction site thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection. If needed, we will also close the area with sutures for proper healing. Finally, we may place gauze to control bleeding and promote faster recovery.
Wisdom Teeth Aftercare
- Avoiding strenuous activities and eating soft foods for the first few days
- Rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water to keep the extraction sites clean
- Avoiding smoking and using straws, as these activities can dislodge blood clots and delay healing
- Following up with your dentist for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and remove stitches if necessary
Gentle Wisdom Teeth Removal
At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, we believe exceptional dental care goes beyond treatments and procedures. Therefore, we focus on building relationships, fostering trust, and empowering individuals to prioritize their oral health.
Whether you need wisdom teeth removal or general dental services, we are here to help. Additionally, we invite you to experience the Cornerstone difference with our compassionate and skilled team.
So, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with us today and prioritize your oral health!