Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Lebanon, NH
Gentle and Conservative Surgical Tooth Removal
In our modern society, wisdom tooth extractions in Lebanon have become sort of a rite of passage for many teens and young adults. But what exactly are the wisdom teeth, and why is it usually necessary to remove them? Moreover, what can you expect if you will soon have to undergo this procedure? This page addresses those questions. If you want to learn even more about how we handle wisdom tooth extractions, contact our friendly team.
Why Choose O&S Dental Professionals for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Experienced Team of Dentists
- Sedation Available
- Recommended Only if Necessary
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the very back of the mouth. Many people have four of them — one in each quadrant of their mouth. However, some people have just one or two, while some people have five or more. They tend to develop well after the other adult teeth have already grown in, when a person is older and “wiser” than they were in their younger years. Most scientists agree that even though these teeth are largely unnecessary for modern people, they were essential for our ancestors who ate a very rough diet.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom tooth removal is not always necessary, but it is when the teeth pose a threat to a patient’s oral health. If your wisdom teeth are currently causing any of the following problems, or we believe they will do so in the future, we will recommend that you get theme extracted:
- The wisdom teeth can push against your other teeth, causing overcrowding and misalignment.
- The wisdom teeth can be tricky to clean, which means they can collect food and bacteria around them and easily become infected.
- Cysts and tumors. Cysts can form when fluid builds up around a tooth. This can damage the jawbone and shift the tooth out of place.
If you ever experience any discomfort around your wisdom teeth, it is quite possible that you require emergency treatment, so do not hesitate to reach out to us for an appointment.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
If your wisdom teeth have fully erupted, we may use basic extraction techniques to remove them. That is, we will use an elevator to lift the tooth before gripping it with forceps and gently extracting it. However, if the teeth are fully or partially impacted (stuck beneath the gumline), surgical techniques may be required to get them out. For example, we may have to create incisions in the gums or break the teeth into pieces. Regardless of which techniques we use, we will do all we can to make you comfortable during the procedure.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Most people feel better within a week or so of their procedure. In the meantime, swelling and facial soreness are normal. Some bleeding may also occur. It is important that you are careful not to disturb the blood clots at your extraction sites. To that end, you should eat soft foods, avoid drinking through straws and smoking, and be very careful when performing oral hygiene tasks. If you run into any questions or concerns during your recovery, be sure to call your dentist in Lebanon.