Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that can prevent long-term problems like painful chewing, tooth decay, and gum disease. It’s usually recommended that patients have their impacted or over-grown wisdom teeth removed in their teenage years or early twenties to reduce complications and pain.
Our skilled oral surgeon provides a safe and precise tooth extraction with minimal discomfort. This article will cover the preparation, anesthesia, surgery, and recovery of a tooth extraction.
Preparation
Tooth extraction is a complex procedure that requires skill and precision. It is best left to an oral surgeon who specializes in the mouth and face. Our board-certified oral surgeon has received extensive post-dental school training and is experienced in safely and effectively performing a variety of tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth removal harrisonburgva.
Some people develop their wisdom teeth without any problems, but for many others, these third molars become trapped under the gums (also known as impacted), or erupt at an angle and cause overcrowding of the teeth in the back of the jaw. This can lead to severe problems, such as infections and damage to adjacent teeth.
It is important to follow all pre-surgery instructions to minimize pain and swelling. Over-the-counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce pain after the procedure. It is also important to avoid eating crunchy or spicy foods, and smoking, as these can disrupt the blood clot that forms over the extraction site, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket.
Anesthesia
When patients require wisdom teeth removal Harrisonburg VA, our skilled oral surgeon can provide anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety throughout treatment. Our office is equipped to accommodate all levels of anesthesia, from nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas (which can be adjusted based on patient needs), to prescription oral sedation for more moderate anxiety.
Once the mouth is completely numb, our surgeon gently opens the gum tissue to expose the tooth and carefully dislodge it. Occasionally, the tooth is removed in sections to limit risk of nerve damage and to make extraction easier.
Following treatment, our team provides patients with postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week to remove the sutures. We advise patients to rest and avoid strenuous activities to minimize bleeding and promote recovery. Patients may experience soreness and swelling in the back of their mouth, but this should subside in a few days.
Surgery
X-rays help us determine whether wisdom teeth are impacted or have enough room to erupt normally. Most dentists recommend removal of wisdom teeth that cause crowding, pain while chewing or other problems when they erupt.
We use advanced surgical techniques and dental tools to remove impacted wisdom teeth in a quick, effective manner with minimal discomfort for patients. We may also perform wisdom teeth extractions in combination with orthodontic treatments to produce more predictable and lasting results.
It is important to maintain a soft-food diet after wisdom tooth removal, and not to chew with the surgical sites in order not to dislodge the blood clot and promote complications like dry sockets. We encourage you to eat yogurt, ice cream, Jell-O and other foods that are easy to chew and do not require much chewing. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and take any prescribed medications as instructed. Swelling is normal after oral surgery and will peak 2-3 days after your procedure. Applying ice packs will diminish swelling and comfort.
Recovery
The recovery process can take a few days. You may experience some discomfort and bruising, but this is normal. It is important to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions, as they will help you minimize pain and swelling.
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common problem and can cause serious problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease. They usually grow in crooked or overlap other teeth and do not have enough space to erupt, so they must be removed.
Tooth extractions are a complex procedure, so it is important to choose an experienced oral surgeon. Dr. Quitmeyer routinely performs wisdom teeth removal Harrisonburg VA office using advanced technology and protocols to ensure patient safety and comfort. He is licensed to provide all levels of anesthesia and his technology-forward office creates a comfortable, stress-free tooth extraction experience.
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