In modern society, it is almost a rite of passage to have a wisdom tooth extraction as a young adult. Wisdom teeth, the final, permanent molars located in the very back of the mouth, can actually cause problems for many patients if they are not removed. Fortunately, in most cases, the procedure is minimally invasive and does not require extensive healing time.
Wisdom teeth that are unable to erupt are referred to as “impacted.” Impacted teeth can lead to a host of dental problems, including infection, pain at the site of the impaction, bleeding gums, jaw pain, and difficulty opening the mouth. To avoid these potential issues, many dental professionals prefer to take out these molars even if they are not currently causing problems for the patient in question. Wisdom teeth can additionally crowd the other teeth and even cause shifting in a patient’s formerly perfect smile.
A dentist can explain to the patient the need for having wisdom teeth extracted. Perhaps the teeth are impacted, or maybe the dentist wants to prevent future problems in a patient with a small mouth by removing the wisdom teeth while the patient is still an adolescent, before the bones harden, which would make the procedure more difficult for a patient as an older adult.
The dental professional begins by going over the plan for extraction. For most patients, this procedure is no different than having any other tooth pulled. The exception is that these large molars sit in the very back of the mouth, which requires the patient to sit in an uncomfortable position for a while.
For wisdom teeth that have already erupted from the gums, the dental professional simply rocks the teeth from side to side and pulls gently with specialized equipment. This is similar to removing any other tooth. The patient may feel some pressure when the tooth is being removed. If the teeth have not yet erupted, the dentist may make a small slit in the gum in order to access the tooth underneath the gum.
Patients will receive instructions to avoid several activities after the removal, such as swishing with liquids, smoking, and drinking hot beverages. Every patient’s plan of care is slightly different due to unique factors in their cases. For instance, if a patient received stitches after having an incision to extract an impacted tooth, caution may be needed in eating and drinking specific foods for a longer period of time.
For most healthy patients, wisdom tooth extraction is a common, minimally invasive procedure that results in few complications and prevents future dental problems. If you still have wisdom teeth as an adult, it is not too late to investigate whether extraction would be beneficial. Schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team.
Request an appointment here: https://www.greatsmilesofhicksville.com or call Great Smiles of Hicksville at (516) 806-5067 for an appointment in our Hicksville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Hicksville, NY.
A dental implant restoration is a significant investment in your oral health. This tooth replacement option offers durability while improving the function and appearance of your smile. However, there are ways how you can ensure the long-term success and integrity of the restoration.Keeping good oral hygiene is important for the longevity of a dental implant…
Getting cosmetic dental services enhances the appearance of your smile. At the same time, these procedures also elevate your oral health. Understanding this benefit can motivate you to see your dentist right away. Here are the details about how cosmetic dental services can elevate oral health.Clear aligners can correct mild to moderate alignment issues. Traditional…
Cosmetic dental services offer transformative solutions for those looking to enhance their smiles. From addressing minor imperfections to performing full smile makeovers, these treatments cater to a variety of cosmetic imperfections and concerns. Learning about the potential options can help you select the service that will bring you closest to the smile of your dreams.Cosmetic…
A full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive treatment plan designed to restore the function, health, and appearance of a patient's smile. This approach combines multiple restorative and cosmetic procedures to address extensive dental concerns, including missing teeth, severe decay, bite misalignment, and gum disease. While full mouth reconstruction offers numerous benefits, it is important to…