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Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Landrum, SC
Say Goodbye to Unneeded Teeth
In the distant past, wisdom teeth had a purpose, but today, most people don’t necessarily need them to maintain a healthy, fully functioning smile. If they become impacted or stuck under the gums and are causing a lot of pain, or they are beginning to pose another threat to your oral health, it is often best to have them removed instead of leaving them where they can cause additional issues. If you need to say goodbye to unneeded teeth, we’re here to help. To find out more about this procedure, give us a call to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Parkside Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Friendly, Professional Dental Team
- We Welcome Dental Insurance
- Flexible Financing Options
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars and the last adult teeth to erupt in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth – two on the top and two on the bottom. Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were once especially helpful for our prehistoric ancestors who needed additional chewing power to grind through rough plants, seeds, nuts, and foliage that made up the majority of their diets. As teeth would fall out over time, wisdom teeth could step in and act as replacement teeth as well. Now that we have a softer diet filled with carbohydrates and high-calorie foods, as well as a focus on dental care, wisdom teeth aren’t usually needed anymore. People can be born with none, one, two, three, or four wisdom teeth, and they don’t always need to be removed. It all depends on your individual smile.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
A lot of the time, wisdom teeth need to be removed because they can pose a serious threat to dental health down the road. There are all sorts of issues that can occur if wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to develop properly, like overcrowding, oral hygiene issues, discomfort, impaction, increased risk of developing cysts, and possible damage. Here are some signs that you may need your wisdom teeth extracted:
- Pain while eating
- Jaw stiffness
- Facial swelling
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Repeated infections of the soft tissue behind the lower last tooth.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
To remove wisdom teeth that have already erupted, dental forceps and an elevator will be used. If your wisdom teeth have not erupted yet, the process works a little bit differently. An incision will be made to expose the tooth and bone. Any bone that blocks access to the tooth root will be removed. The tooth may be removed in pieces if it’s easier to do so. Afterward, the site of the extraction will be cleared of any debris and stitches may be used to close the wound if necessary. Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help blood clots form and begin the healing process.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After your procedure, it’s common to experience some bleeding, swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but this should subside over the next few days. During this time, it’s especially crucial to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. This includes rinsing and brushing gently while avoiding the extraction site. Stick to softer foods and don’t use a straw when you drink. Take all prescribed and over-the-counter medications as directed. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call. This way, we can give you specific guidance to meet your needs.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
If you have upcoming wisdom tooth extractions, you might have some initial questions and concerns about the process and why it’s necessary. Our team here at Parkside Dental is happy to assist you in answering these questions and walking you through everything you can expect. We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about wisdom tooth extractions and their answers so that you can feel informed and confident about your upcoming procedure! If you have any other questions about wisdom tooth extractions in Landrum, don’t hesitate to give us a call for additional information.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
It’s true that your wisdom teeth might seem like nothing but a nuisance, especially if they need to come out, but they actually used to serve a pretty important purpose. Early humans ate a very coarse diet that consisted of several raw foods like meats, berries, roots, nuts, and other earthy items. They also didn’t slice up their food or cook it how we do today, so their jaws needed a little extra help—which necessitated the need for a third set of molars! But since modern food is softer and easier to eat, wisdom teeth aren’t really necessary anymore and our jawbones have gradually evolved to often not have room for them once they erupt.
What’s the Best Age to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Simply put, there is no set age when wisdom teeth should be extracted, as everyone’s mouth is different! That said, it’s often recommended that you have them removed sometime during early adulthood—even though they can still be extracted later in adulthood, the process and recovery are typically easier when the patient is younger. This is because as you age, the roots of your wisdom teeth grow longer and become more embedded in the jaw. If your dentist has suggested having your wisdom teeth removed, it’s best to do so sooner rather than later to avoid risks like impaction, decay, cysts, and damage to other teeth.
Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Hurt?
The very first thing we’ll do during your wisdom tooth surgery is numb your mouth with a local anesthetic, so pain isn’t something you need to worry about at all! You might feel some slight pressure, but it shouldn’t be outright painful. Some soreness or general discomfort is common following the procedure, but as long as you follow your aftercare guidelines, which include taking prescribed and over-the-counter medications as directed, you’ll feel back to normal within about a week or so.
What Can I Do to Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
We’re happy to provide you with specific guidelines concerning what you need to do before your wisdom tooth surgery. However, some generic helpful tips include:
- Arrange to have somebody drive you to and from the appointment, as you won’t be fit to drive after receiving sedation or anesthesia. It’s also wise to have them keep an eye on you for a few hours following the procedure.
- Our team will need to know what prescribed and over-the-counter medications you take, if any, to avoid unwanted interactions.
- If you’re receiving general anesthesia, avoid eating or drinking after midnight the night before your procedure. Also refrain from smoking for at least 12 hours before the procedure.
- Consider wearing comfortable clothing to your appointment. If you’re receiving IV sedation, wear a shirt that has short sleeves or sleeves that are easy to roll up.
- Stock up on plenty of soft foods and liquids; you’re going to need them for the next few days while your mouth heals up!
