Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed? We’ve Got You Covered at Clarkson Family Dentistry!
Wisdom Teeth Giving You Trouble? Let’s Take Care of That.
Wisdom teeth—most of us have them, but not all of us have enough room for them. If your wisdom teeth are causing pain, crowding, or other dental issues, it might be time to have them removed. At Clarkson Family Dentistry, we offer wisdom teeth removal in a comfortable, stress-free environment to help you feel your best and protect your smile.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually come in during your late teens or early twenties. For some lucky people, wisdom teeth grow in just fine and don’t cause any issues. But for many others, they don’t have enough space to come in properly, which can lead to problems like:
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against your other teeth, causing them to shift or become crowded.
- Impaction: If there’s not enough room for them to come in, wisdom teeth can get stuck (impacted) under your gums, leading to pain or infection.
- Pain: As your wisdom teeth try to break through, they can cause discomfort in the back of your mouth or jaw.
- Infections: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can be hard to clean, which can lead to infection and gum issues.
If any of these sound familiar, wisdom teeth removal might be the solution to protect your oral health and give you relief from discomfort.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, but if they’re causing issues—or likely to cause problems down the road—extraction is often the best option. Here are a few reasons why you might need your wisdom teeth removed:
- Pain or Discomfort
Wisdom teeth can cause pain in the back of your mouth, jaw, or gums.
- Impaction
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infections, cysts, or damage to your other teeth.
- Crowding
If your wisdom teeth are pushing your other teeth out of alignment, they can affect your bite and smile.
- Cavities or Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth are hard to clean, especially if they’re partially erupted. This can lead to decay or gum infections.
Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums and take X-rays to determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary for you.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal
We know the thought of having your wisdom teeth removed can sound a little intimidating, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here’s what you can expect during the process:
1. Consultation and X-rays
We’ll start with a thorough consultation and take X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and decide the best approach for removal.
2. Anesthesia Options
We want you to be as comfortable as possible during the procedure, so we’ll discuss anesthesia options with you, whether it’s local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia (for more complex cases).
3. The Procedure
During the extraction, we’ll make sure the area is fully numb, so you won’t feel any pain. Depending on whether your wisdom teeth are impacted, we may need to make a small incision in the gums to remove them. The whole process typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
4. Post-Procedure Care
After the extraction, we’ll give you detailed instructions for taking care of your mouth while you heal. This includes managing any discomfort and ensuring proper healing.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal typically takes about a week, though most patients start feeling better after just a few days. Here are a few things you can do to make your recovery as smooth as possible:
- Rest and Relax: Take it easy for the first few days, and avoid any strenuous activities.
- Ice for Swelling: Use an ice pack to reduce swelling and help with any discomfort.
- Soft Foods Only: Stick to soft foods like soups, smoothies, and yogurt for the first few days—nothing too crunchy or hard!
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: We’ll provide detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth, including how to keep the extraction sites clean and when to start rinsing with warm salt water.
- Avoid Straws and Smoking: Using a straw or smoking can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket, so avoid both for the first few days.
FAQs About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Does it hurt to have wisdom teeth removed?
The procedure itself is painless, thanks to anesthesia. You might feel some pressure, but no pain. Afterward, you’ll experience some soreness, but we’ll provide instructions on managing any discomfort with ice and pain relievers.
How long does recovery take?
Most people start feeling back to normal after about 3-5 days. Full recovery usually takes about a week, but it varies depending on how many teeth were removed and if they were impacted.
Can I go back to work or school the day after?
You’ll want to take at least a day or two off to rest after the procedure. If your job or school doesn’t require physical activity, you might feel up to returning after a couple of days.
What if my wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems yet? Should I still get them removed?
Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing issues now, they could lead to problems down the road. We’ll assess your teeth during your consultation and let you know if preventive removal is a good idea based on the position of your wisdom teeth.
Ready to Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation? Let’s Get Started!
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth, or if your dentist has recommended removing them, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (770) 532-4419 or use our online booking form to schedule your consultation. At Clarkson Family Dentistry, we’ll make sure the process is smooth and comfortable from start to finish!