Wisdom teeth extraction can help to relieve pain in a patient’s teeth that results from the wisdom teeth causing crowding issues or growing incorrectly. There are many different reasons you may need to extract your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth extraction removes the third set of molars in the back of your mouth.
Wisdom teeth extraction is available at Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Coon Rapids, MN and the surrounding area. Most patients who need wisdom teeth extraction are in the stages of young adulthood. Call us today at (763) 284-3159 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
"Wisdom teeth" is the colloquial term for the third set of molars that sit in the back of the mouth. They are called such because they come between the more "mature" ages of 17 and 21. The emergence of wisdom teeth can be uncomfortable, even if they are emerging correctly. Wisdom teeth do not always necessitate extraction. On the contrary, properly aligned wisdom teeth may assist in chewing.
However, if there is no adequate space for the wisdom teeth to emerge or if the teeth are coming through in the wrong position, they may become impacted (or trapped in the jaw or under the gums). This may cause cysts, damage to neighboring teeth, gum disease, infection, pain, tooth, decay, and tumors. A dentist needs to monitor the patient’s wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action.
Wisdom teeth extraction is commonly performed and generally safe when carried out by qualified doctors. However, like any other surgery, it does carry a small risk of complications. These include bleeding, dry socket, and infection. Our team will do everything we can to minimize these risks even further. However, patients should contact our office immediately if they find themselves experiencing any of the following symptoms after their extraction:
Most potential complications following wisdom teeth extraction are easily treatable when reported to the doctor.
The first step to wisdom teeth extraction begins with an initial consultation. During this time, patientsshould be open and honest with their doctor about their entire medical history. This includes but is not limited to sharing any health problems they may have, any medications and supplements they may take regularly, and any lifestyle choices that may influence the success of the surgery. The consultation is also a good time for patients to assuage their anxieties by asking any questions about the procedure.
Generally, wisdom teeth extraction begins with the doctor injecting the patient with a local anesthetic to numb them to the pain of the procedure. The doctor will then cut into the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, making sure to remove any bone blocking access to the tooth root. Depending on how severely impacted the tooth is, the tooth may be divided into sections to be removed little by little.
After extracting the tooth, the doctor will clean the extraction site of any debris. Afterward, the wound may or may not need stitches, and the doctor will pack gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and to aid in the formation of a blood clot.
Having wisdom teeth extracted is an important surgical procedure and it is important to follow your post-op care instructions very carefully. Following the instructions provided by Dr. El Deeb can help to avoid pain and infections.
Dr. El Deeb will place sutures at the extraction site to help speed healing. If these sutures become dislodged, you can simply remove them from your mouth and discard them. Pain from the extraction should subside more each day after the surgery. These sutures are dissolvable, so there is no need to come back into the clinic to remove them. They will fall out by themselves.
The extraction site will have an empty space where the tooth was removed, this will fill in with new tissue over the next few months and should be kept clean with a saltwater rinse. If your blood clot gets dislodged early, it can result in a dry socket. This can lead to additional pain at the extraction site. If this happens, contact our office immediately.
Wisdom teeth extraction may make many patients feel more comfortable and improve your overall dental health. We at Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons may be able to help. Call us today at (763) 284-3159 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Q. Will I be able to drive myself home after wisdom teeth extraction?
A. This varies from person to person and the type of anesthesia used. Some patients who were only under a local anesthetic may feel alert enough to drive back home after their procedure, while some may not. However, those who have undergone general anesthesia will need to make arrangements for someone to drive them to and from the operation.
Q. Will I be in pain after wisdom teeth extraction?
A. You should expect some pain and discomfort following the procedure. However, this is generally manageable through administering ice packs and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. The dentist may prescribe you antibiotics, depending on the severity of your procedure.
Q. What can I eat after wisdom teeth extraction?
A. You may not have much of an appetite after getting your wisdom teeth extracted. Still, it is essential to stay hydrated and eat well. Since you do not want to dislodge your blood clot or stitches, stick to soft, low- or no-chew foods for the first few days. Refrain from eating anything hot or hard. Do not drink from a straw or slurp too vigorously from a spoon.
Q. How old do I need to be to have my wisdom teeth extracted?
A. Wisdom teeth can be extracted at any age, depending on the severity and type of impaction. However, complications are less likely in younger adults.
Q. Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from my wisdom teeth extraction?
A. You should exercise caution to avoid dislodging your blood clot or stitches for the first week. This means avoiding smoking, spitting, drinking from a straw, or anything else that might disrupt your healing.
Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons is located at 11441 Osage St NW Ste 3 Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
