Wisdom teeth refer to the third set of molars that grow after an individual’s adolescence. Sometimes these teeth cause no issue, but they may also create problems with your other teeth or your gums.
If your wisdom teeth negatively impact your oral health, your dentist will likely recommend oral surgery to have them removed. Dr. Jason Baldwin, a dentist in Truckee, CA, responds to frequently asked questions about the wisdom teeth extraction procedure.
Wisdom Tooth Removal FAQs
When Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Your dentist will monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth so that when they develop in young adulthood, they will notice signs of disruption to your smile soon and form a treatment plan accordingly. Your teeth may feel sore as they grow into place, but you might need a dental professional to recognize if your wisdom teeth are causing your other teeth to shift and become crowded.
In this case, your dentist will recommend a wisdom tooth extraction to protect your smile. They will also suggest this treatment if wisdom teeth become impacted because you could be at risk of an oral infection.
What Is the Extraction Procedure Like?
Your dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic to numb the entire area near the extraction site for optimal comfort during the wisdom tooth removal procedure. An oral surgeon can also offer general anesthesia for patients with impacted wisdom teeth or who need all of their wisdom teeth removed at once.
The dental professional will then open the gum tissue, separate it from the affected tooth, and remove the tooth from its socket. They may use stitches to close the surgical site, but these often dissolve on their own.
How Long Will It Take to Recover from This Surgery?
The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal lasts for a few days. When leaving your dentist’s office after the surgery, you will likely feel groggy from the anesthesia and will need to arrange for someone to take you home.
You should change the gauze over your surgical site as needed, but bleeding should stop within 24 hours. Avoid using a straw or eating hard or chewy foods. These actions could aggravate the healing process and lead to a painful condition called dry socket that will require additional treatment.
Learn More from Your Dentist in Truckee, CA
Dr. Baldwin is an expert dentist, offering tooth extractions and other general dental procedures to patients in Truckee, CA. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including tooth replacement treatments. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 530.206.0392.