Sometime in adolescence, most people develop a third set of molars at the back of their mouth. These teeth, known as wisdom teeth, usually have to be removed! If you or someone in your family is in need of wisdom tooth extractions, we invite you to visit our Meriden dental team for a consultation. We perform this advanced service with great care and attention to detail. We want the experience to be as comfortable as possible!
Why Choose Meriden Dental Group for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Experienced & Caring Team
- Comfortable & Efficient Treatment
- Prevent Future Oral Health Problems
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, which develop at the back of the mouth. Most people get four wisdom teeth, though some get more or fewer. A small percentage of the population never gets wisdom teeth at all! Although these teeth may have been essential for ancient human ancestors, who ate a rough diet, they are largely viewed as unnecessary today.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
While some patients may be able to comfortably keep their smiles complete, others experience serious problems with their third molars. These teeth are the last to erupt from the gums, and if they are impacted (stuck beneath the gumline), or there is not enough room for them within the mouth, it can cause serious pain and damage. If left alone for an extended amount of time, they can cause the other teeth to shift out of place, and they may even become infected. It is even possible that cysts and tumors will develop.
This is why we will always keep an eye on your wisdom teeth during your regular checkups. Ideally, we would like to be able to remove them before you have to deal with any issues. But, if you start to feel pain in the back of your jaw, we can remove them right in our office with a minor surgical procedure
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
If a wisdom tooth has fully erupted from the gumline, removing it should be fairly straightforward. After numbing your mouth, we will lift the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. Then, we will grip it with forceps and gently rock it back and forth to break the connective tissues holding it in place. Once it is out of your mouth, we will clean the socket.
If a tooth is impacted, removing it can be more challenging and complex. It might be necessary to create incisions in your gums or break the tooth into pieces in order to completely extract it.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Most patients are well-recovered from wisdom tooth extractions within 1 – 2 weeks of their procedure. In the meantime, you can support your body’s healing process by doing the following:
- Take pain relievers as necessary.
- Do not drink from a straw.
- Do not smoke.
- Prop your head up on pillows when you sleep.
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods. Instead, eat items that are soft and easy to chew.
- Contact our office if you run into any questions or concerns.