Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Did you know that the average human mouth is generally only capable of holding 28 teeth comfortably? Unfortunately, as many as 32 teeth can appear by the time you reach the age of 25. This can cause some major complications for your oral health. The additional teeth in question are the third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.” The good news is Dental Innovations’ dedicated oral surgeon, Dr. Kurtzman, is more than prepared to remove problematic teeth if necessary. If you feel that wisdom teeth may need removal, give our office a call to schedule an appointment!

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

If a wisdom tooth erupts and it’s aligned with neighboring teeth as well as surrounded by healthy tissue, there’s a much higher chance that it can be kept in the mouth. However, this is not the case very often. What ends up happening is the tooth, regardless of where it erupts, tends to grow in an awkward or problematic way, such as sideways or only partially. In some cases, a failed eruption can occur or the tooth can lead to overcrowding and other major oral health concerns that result in pain and even infection. While uncommon, even cysts and tumors can appear! If this is the case, Dr. Kurtzman will more than likely recommend removal.

What are the Signs of Needing Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The only way to know for sure if you need wisdom teeth removed is to visit our office so an X-ray can be completed. If the tooth is causing teeth to shift out of place or has become trapped underneath the gums, an extraction will likely be the best option moving forward. If you notice any of the following symptoms, don’t hesitate to give our office a call right away:

• Dental pain (particularly in the back of the mouth)
• Shifting teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Facial swelling

What Does the Process Entail?

If we determine that a wisdom tooth is needed, we’ll make sure that treatment is as comfortable as possible. You’ll receive local anesthetic ahead of time to ensure no sensation is felt during treatment. Depending on the location of the tooth and how it has erupted, we may perform either a simple or surgical extraction. Both involve gently rocking the tooth back and forth until it’s removed from the periodontal ligament, then taking it out using dental forceps. However, a surgical extraction requires creating a small incision in the gums beforehand to access the tooth.

Aftercare Following Wisdom Teeth Removal

After your surgery, you’ll need to follow all instructions provided by our office to ensure a speedy and smooth recovery. This includes the following:

• Taking all prescribed medications as directed
• Applying a cold compress to the swollen area in 20-minute intervals
• Sticking to a liquid diet over the next 24 hours
• Eating soft foods on the second day
• Avoiding the use of straws for the next 24 to 48 hours
• Calling our office if discomfort does not stop or gets worse