Kettering area patients ask about wisdom tooth extraction and aftercare instructions

Most adults can recall having their wisdom teeth extracted some time in high school. This is because the eruption of the third and final molars most often occurs in the young adult years. By the time the wisdom teeth begin to emerge, there is often not enough room in the mouth, which can lead to overcrowding and impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling, infection, and pain for the patient.

The good news is that wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure and can be relatively painless for the patient. With proper preparation and aftercare, patients are back to normal after a few short days.

Wisdom tooth extraction

For most patients, we recommend the extraction of wisdom teeth before they have emerged. This can prevent the following problems:

• Impaction – This means that they are essentially “stuck” in the jawbone because there is not enough room for them to emerge.
• Alignment issues – Emergence of the wisdom teeth can cause teeth to shift out of place, affecting alignment and the bite.
• Tooth decay – Wisdom teeth are often difficult to reach when brushing and flossing which can lead to plaque build-up and decay.

Extracting wisdom teeth is an in-office procedure that can be done with local anesthetic,we can ensure that the patient is relaxed and comfortable as well as pain-free during the procedure.

Aftercare Instructions

In order to minimize pain and avoid complications or infections, it’s important for patients to follow the post-op aftercare instructions. They include:

• Avoiding vigorous mouth washing or brushing as it can cause the blood clot to become dislodged.
• Take pain medication as prescribed.
• Rest and avoid strenuous activity.
• Use ice packs on the outside of the cheek near the surgery site to reduce swelling.

Some bleeding is normal after surgery. If there is excessive bleeding, first try to rinse or wipe away old clots. Then bite down firmly on a gauze pad for about thirty minutes. Moistened tea bags may also help control the bleeding. If bleeding does not subside, call the office.

Detailed instructions will be sent home with you following your procedure.

To learn more about wisdom tooth extraction or other oral surgery procedures done in our office, give us a call.