Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Pantego, TX
End Chronic Oral Pain
The wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to emerge in a person’s lifespan, and they typically begin to erupt in their late teens or early twenties. In many cases, these third molars can cause constant pain and potentially a host of other oral health problems when they come in, so it is often best to remove them to protect a patient’s smile and preserve their comfort. Here’s a quick look at the wisdom tooth extraction process from the friendly team at South Arlington Dental Care, but please contact our office in Pantego if you’d like to know more or schedule an appointment.
Why Choose South Arlington Dental Care for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Friendly and Experienced Dental Team
- Resolve Chronic Oral Discomfort
- Dental Insurance Welcomed
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
While our ancient ancestors needed their wisdom teeth to chew the tough and fibrous raw plant and animal matter they subsisted on before humans learned how to cook, modern jawbones are often too small to accommodate them. This means that when they emerge, they can force other teeth out of alignment and cause persistent pain, and they can even lead to nasty oral infections if they do not emerge from the gums and jawbones properly. However, some people with relatively large jawbones can keep their wisdom teeth with no problems, and others are born with fewer than four wisdom teeth or none at all.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
For some people, the wisdom teeth present a significant threat to their long-term oral health. If these third molars force the other teeth out of alignment, they can become more susceptible to injuries and infections, and the constant pressure caused by dental crowding can lead to chronic pain. You may need to have your wisdom teeth removed if you notice symptoms like:
- Pain while chewing
- Stiffness of the jaw
- Facial swelling
- Persistent bad breath
- Trouble opening the mouth
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
The process of removing the wisdom teeth begins with the dentist administering an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that the patient feels no pain. When the patient is ready, the dentist will lift the targeted teeth from the gum tissue with a specialized device called an elevator and gently work them loose from their connective tissue with forceps. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions so you can know how to ensure a smooth healing process and stay comfortable while recovering after the procedure.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After having your wisdom teeth removed, you may notice side effects such as temporary bleeding, facial swelling, and discomfort. To manage these symptoms and prevent complications, we’ll provide you with aftercare instructions that will probably include:
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene while being gentle around the extraction sites
- Rinsing with warm salt water to soothe inflammation
- Drinking through a straw and refraining from spitting to prevent dry socket
- Sticking to a soft, mild diet
- Taking prescribed or over-the-counter medications as instructed
If you would like to know more about how to preserve your comfort after having your wisdom teeth removed, please contact our office.