Wisdom teeth are the four large teeth found in the back corners of the mouth, two on the upper and two on the lower. For many years, it was common for dentists to recommend removal of the wisdom teeth for most patients. But that thinking is now evolving.
Today, wisdom teeth are usually only removed if they are crowding the other teeth or causing serious problems. But problems caused by wisdom teeth are not uncommon. They can damage neighboring teeth as they grow, they can become infected, and they can even cause inflamed gums and other issues.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
At Bella Smile, we address wisdom teeth removal on a patient-by-patient basis. We can usually make a recommendation after a routine exam. And if they need to come out, we often can perform the procedure in our offices with minimal pain and discomfort.
Tooth extraction isn’t the painful experience it used to be. Thanks to advanced dental techniques and modern anesthetics, most patients don’t feel any pain and only a little discomfort during the procedure. Usually, a local anesthetic is all that’s needed, and the patient stays awake throughout the entire procedure.
Post-Removal Care
The procedure itself usually only takes about an hour. But recovery from wisdom teeth removal can take about 7-10 days. During that time, the patient usually will be given antibiotics to help prevent infection and is instructed to avoid vigorous rinsing for a period of time after the procedure. It’s recommended that the patient take a day or two off from work immediately afterward.
Some minor swelling may occur as a result of the extraction. Ice packs can help alleviate the pain and reduce the swelling. The patient will usually be asked to return to our offices 5 to 7 days for a post-procedure exam so we can watch out for complications.