Despite their name, your wisdom teeth won’t make you any smarter. Named for their tendency to grow when people are nearing adulthood, many people keep their wisdom teeth without complications. Other people are forced to visit the dental office for tooth extractions after experiencing intense discomfort. Here are some helpful facts regarding wisdom tooth removal in case you need to have yours extracted.

A Brief Guide to Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth can grow without issues, but impacted teeth don’t have room to develop normally. Some impacted wisdom teeth grow at an awkward angle and need to be removed to relieve pain and possible damage to your other teeth.

How does a dentist extract them?

Dentists can perform procedures, but more seriously impacted teeth may require the help of an oral surgeon. The surgical approach involves an incision in the gum to remove bone that is blocking the tooth. Then professionals divide the tooth into removable pieces. After removal, they clean the area before closing the wound with stitches. Lastly, they place gauze over the extraction site to form a blood clot and control bleeding.

What types of sedation options are available?

Different types of anesthesia can be used depending on the severity of your impacted tooth and your personal preference. Local anesthetics are injected near the affected area that will keep you awake during the procedure, while sedation anesthesia is supplied through an IV for more severe operations that will keep you barely conscious. Your dentist may incorporate general anesthesia for more involved procedures, placing you completely unconscious via inhalant or IV while a surgical team monitors your vitals.

What is the aftercare process?

Just like any surgery, a healing process will take place after extraction. Your dentist can prescribe medication to relieve pain, or over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen might suffice. An ice pack is also an excellent tool to relieve pain, and it will also help reduce swelling and bruising. A week of rest is essential to avoid losing your blood clot in the affected area, but you’ll have to shun spicy foods and alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours to prevent irritation.

Keep your entire family smiling brightly with the help of the professionals at Cooper Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ. Trained in state-of-the-art dental procedures while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere, you can trust the experts for a variety of services including tooth extractions, oral exams, and teeth whitening procedures. Visit their website for a look at their specials or call for an appointment at (480) 619-6470.