Wisdom Tooth Removal Near You
Just as the name of the treatment conveys, wisdom tooth removal entails the extraction of a patient’s “third molars.” These teeth can be found behind your permanent molars and, in many cases, must be taken out to preserve one’s smile. If you’re unsure whether this procedure is necessary, we encourage you to consult with one of our dentists near you. They can examine your smile and let you know the most appropriate method moving forward.
Why Extraction is Necessary
Not everyone will have wisdom teeth develop, and of those that do, they don’t always need to be extracted. Treatment is often needed when these teeth cause problems with eating, chewing, or the rest of your smile. Here are some indications to keep an eye out for:
- Tissue inflammation
- Jaw pain and pressure
- Tooth impaction (scraping against other teeth)
- Overcrowding
- Tooth decay
- To prepare for orthodontic treatment
Understanding the Procedure
Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical process due to the more invasive methods needed to isolate, loosen, and then extract the tooth. Anesthesia is provided to help you feel comfortable and freeze the tooth and surrounding area. You may feel slight pressure but won’t feel any pain while the Lincoln Dental team works.
For teeth that have only partially emerged through the gum line, small incisions are made into the tissue for better access. It may need to be divided into smaller pieces so it can be easily removed. We use forceps to loosen the tooth within the socket before pulling it out. The site may be stitched up to promote healing and a piece of gauze is pressed against the area to control bleeding.
Once your procedure is done, you may be asked to return to the clinic so we can ensure that your smile is recovering without issue. Please let our dentists in Coquitlam, BC, know if you have concerns or questions.
Minimal bleeding, facial swelling, and soreness can occur after the extraction, so please give yourself time to rest. Press a cold cloth against your face during the first 24 hours. On day two, you can switch to heat, but make sure it isn’t too hot. If any of these symptoms do not go away, call us.
We Provide Gentle, Effective Care
Lincoln Dental puts patients first. You are entitled to a positive, relaxed experience whenever you walk through our doors. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for wisdom tooth removal near you or set up an initial meeting for more information, please contact our dental practice at [email protected].
We hope to speak with you soon!
FAQ's
1. What are the signs of impacted wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth that are impacted can lead to pain, swelling of the face, stiffness of the jaw, and trouble opening the mouth. Some of the signs include inflammation of the gums, bad breath, and, in some cases, infection or damage to nearby teeth.
2. Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The procedure itself is not a painful one with the use of anesthesia, though slight pain and swelling may ensue afterward. Pain can be managed with pain pills or medication purchased over-the-counter. The patient heals exceedingly well with correct aftercare.
3. How long does the wisdom tooth extraction procedure take?
The wisdom tooth extraction will typically take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the case’s complexity. A simple extraction will not take as long, and impacted teeth will take longer than that. Your oral surgeon or dentist will be able to provide a better estimate.
4. How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth removal?
The first phase of healing progresses over a week before returning to normal within a couple of weeks. Swelling and discomfort often fade away in 3 to 5 days. Complying with the aftercare suggestions can hasten the healing process.
5. What foods can I eat after the procedure?
For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies. Do not try to eat hard, spicy, or crunchy food, as this can irritate the extraction site. As the healing progresses, you should be able to start eating solid foods again.
6. Can wisdom teeth grow back after being removed?
Wisdom teeth are not known to grow back after being removed. But in rare cases, there are more teeth or unerupted teeth that may come out at a later time. If you have any symptoms after the removal, you should see your dentist for an examination.