Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Rockwall, TX
It’s Wise to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted
If you’re between the ages of 17 and 25, you might’ve started to notice a new set of molars emerging towards the back of your mouth. These are your wisdom teeth, and in many cases, their partial eruption or possible impaction can cause you a great deal of pain! Fortunately, this is something that Dr. Spillman and the team at Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall can easily handle. We can perform wisdom tooth extractions right here in-office, so you don’t have to worry about seeing an unfamiliar specialist. Contact us today to schedule an appointment if you or a loved one needs to discuss potential wisdom tooth extractions.
Why Choose Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Experienced Oral Surgeons
- Prevents Future Oral Health Issues
- Sedation Options Available for Patients with Dental Anxiety
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are commonly referred to as third molars, and they typically make their appearance during later adolescence or early adulthood. Unlike your first two sets of molars, your wisdom teeth often don’t have an adequate amount of room to push through the gumline. This often results in impaction, causing increasing discomfort.
Our wisdom teeth were necessary for our ancestors because of the coarse diets they consumed. However, gradual changes in the formation and development of facial structures have made them no longer essential. Also, since there’s often a lack of room for these teeth, they can cause harm to other nearby teeth if left in place.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Some lucky individuals do not need to have their wisdom teeth removed if they erupt without issue. However, most people need theirs extracted before they can cause further damage. Some of the most common reasons for wisdom tooth extraction include:
- Fully or partially impacted wisdom teeth.
- An infection that causes fever, swelling, and pain.
- A misaligned bite.
- Continuous pain or pressure near the back of your mouth.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Dr. Spillman wants you to feel comfortable throughout your extraction, so you can expect to be numbed with local anesthesia. Sedation options are also available for additional comfort. Once you’re in a calm state, the procedure can be carried out. Partially erupted teeth can be gently loosened using special instruments until they’re able to be removed. However, fully impacted teeth will require a surgical approach where the gums are opened, and each molar is removed in sections to help minimize the amount of bone loss.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After the procedure is complete, gauze is placed over the surgical sites to reduce bleeding and encourage the formation of blood clots, which play an important role in the healing process. Once you’ve wrapped up the appointment, you’ll need someone to escort you home if you’ve been given dental sedation or general anesthesia.
At home, you should follow your aftercare instructions closely. Take any medications as prescribed, use cold compresses to alleviate swelling, and be careful when cleaning your mouth—disrupting your blood clots will delay the healing process! You’ll also be expected to adhere to a liquid diet at first before transitioning to softer foods. Some additional tips you should keep in mind during recovery include:
- Don’t use a drinking straw.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
- Avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity for the first few days.