Wisdom Tooth Extraction Williamsville
Smile-Saving Treatment When Necessary
Wisdom teeth that are healthy and properly positioned can be a valuable asset to the mouth. Unfortunately, this is often not the case, and problems develop that require their removal. For example, when the jaw is not large enough to accommodate these teeth, they can become impacted—unable to come in or move into their proper position. They may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gums, or remain trapped beneath gum and bone.
Impaction occurs most often in the third molars of the lower jaw, or mandible. After examining your mouth and taking radiographs, we will discuss whether or not you need wisdom tooth extractions in Williamsville, NY.
Why Choose Amherst Dental Group for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
- Advanced Diagnostic Technology
- Conservative, Gentle Care
- Multiple Sedation Options Offered
What are Wisdom Teeth?
In the past, before oral hygiene became important, humans would sometimes lose teeth to decay or injury. In fact, by the time a person became a young adult, it was common to have lost a tooth or two, but around this timeframe wisdom teeth or the third set of molars would emerge, replacing missing dentition.
As humans have evolved, our jawbones have shortened significantly, but the third molars still develop in our mouths.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Extraction of third molars can protect the overall health of the mouth. It is generally recommended when the following conditions occur:
- Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, fever, jaw stiffness and general illness can result.
- Impacted wisdom teeth may continue growing without enough room, damaging adjacent teeth. This continued pressure can eventually destroy the healthy second molar.
- A fluid-filled sac (cyst) or benign tumor forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or roots of adjacent teeth.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Please be aware that we at Amherst Dental Group are quite conservative about recommending the removal of wisdom teeth. In many cases, we will monitor them before recommending removal. However, if they do need to be removed, Doctor Tykta has hospital training in the removal of third molars.
We do understand that you may have questions and anxieties about the procedure. Our professionally trained staff is here to put your worries at ease. We will fully prepare you for your wisdom tooth extraction and explain each step of the process. We will answer your questions and address your concerns while helping to promote a quick recovery process.
First, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic. If you desire it, you may also receive a sedative for added comfort and peace of mind. Then, for wisdom teeth that have erupted, we will use dental pliers to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it loosens and comes out. For teeth that are still submerged, we will create a small opening in the gums, divide the tooth into multiple pieces, and take them out before closing the gum tissue up.
In some instances, there may be a special situation with the removal of these teeth, and we will refer you to one of the fine oral surgery offices in Williamsville. Even under these circumstances, we will communicate with the other dental office and monitor your status prior to and after the removal of the teeth.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After the procedure, you’ll need to get plenty of rest to allow your mouth to heal. This means taking at least a couple of days off work or school, especially from strenuous activities. A blood clot needs to form over the site—otherwise, you could experience an infection or complication called dry socket.
Keep your head elevated and take over-the-counter pain reliever as needed to control discomfort. A cold compress on your face also helps. Note that you must continue brushing and flossing your teeth in days following the extraction, but be careful not to disturb the clot. For at least 48 hours, have only fluids or soft foods when you eat, but do not use a straw. After a few days, you may start to resume a more normal diet, but avoid contact with the extraction site as you eat.
Please remember that we provide 24/7 emergency coverage for all our patients. If a problem arises, please tell the answering service (no recording, but a live person) that you need to speak to the doctor on call.