Wisdom teeth extractions are often necessary for adults as a way to solve the many problems these unnecessary back molars can cause. If your wisdom tooth is causing issues for your daily comfort, physical appearance, or dental health, rely on the quality services from Spectrum Family Dentistry in Raleigh, NC. Our caring and knowledgeable team can address any wisdom tooth concern you have.
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth
Due to the evolution of human mouths, third molars or wisdom teeth are no longer necessary for chewing. When they erupt from gum tissues later in life, usually after age 17, they tend to emerge sideways, causing problems for neighboring molars. As a result, your existing teeth could shift, break, or create hard-to-clean spaces that harbor food particles and bacteria, leading to tooth decay.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth emerge partially and cause an impaction. Since most people’s jawbones don’t have the space to accommodate a third molar set, wisdom teeth extractions are usually necessary to solve several problems, like:
- Damage to neighboring molars, the jawbone, and nerves
- Swollen gums
- Infections or abscesses
- Crowded or misaligned teeth
Wisdom tooth removal will improve your oral health, reduce pain, and improve your smile. The pressure alone from impacted wisdom teeth can cause considerable discomfort and make it tough to eat, sleep, or focus.
Typical Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
Our dental team will examine your teeth to determine the best way to handle your wisdom tooth problems. Dr. Shi is a skilled oral surgeon and dentist, so if he recommends wisdom teeth extractions, he can quickly do the procedure during one appointment.
During a wisdom tooth extraction operation, you will receive sedation to keep you calm and comfortable while preventing pain during the extraction. When you’re completely comfortable, Dr. Shi will incise the gum tissue covering the impacted tooth, remove the bone blocking the wisdom tooth root, and use special tools to pull the entire tooth from the socket.
After the extraction, Dr. Shi will clean the surgical site and possibly stitch the wound close. Extracted tooth sockets need gauze to reduce bleeding and allow a blood clot to form over the wound.
Caring for Your Mouth Post-Treatment
Our team will provide clear instructions on how to care for your mouth following wisdom teeth extractions. General post-treatment care includes steps like rinsing with salt water regularly to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Ice packs and pain relievers will minimize swelling, inflammation, and discomfort.
We also don’t recommend drinking with a straw. The sucking motion can remove the blood clot over the wound and create a dry socket. Dry socket is a painful condition that could lengthen your recovery time, which usually takes about two weeks.
Turn to Spectrum Family Dentistry for Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Our team at Spectrum Family Dentistry in Raleigh, NC, has the training to thoroughly evaluate your dental health to determine if wisdom teeth extractions are best for solving your dental problems. Dr. Shi and our dental practice always provide individualized treatment options in a calm, relaxed environment to ease patient anxiety. Call Spectrum Family Dentistry at (919) 278-7576 to book an appointment today.
