If you or a member of your family is approaching adulthood, now is the prime time to address your wisdom teeth. Also known as third molars, these are four additional teeth that may erupt as we leave our teens and enter our adult years. Without treatment, this could mean poor alignment and other serious oral health issues. Fortunately, your El Paso, TX, dentists can remove these teeth before they pose a risk!
The Dangers of Wisdom Teeth
For some, only one or two could erupt, while other people may experience all four trying to erupt at once. When the third molars arrive, they force 32 teeth in an area that has evolved to comfortably accommodate 28 teeth. Meaning the teeth could only partially erupt, causing a painful impaction. Other complications related to wisdom teeth include misalignment, infection, or even damaged teeth. To avoid severe discomfort, or major complications for our smile’s health and appearance, we may suggest removing them before they even begin to erupt.
The Extraction Process
To start, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the areas where the teeth reside. We will also offer dental sedation to ensure you enter a calm and relaxed state. We then open the gums above the teeth and gently remove them. After we remove the teeth, we will suture the area closed. Since sedation takes time to wear off, you should avoid driving for several hours until the effects wear off. Arrange for a friend or family member to bring you home.
Once at home, resist the temptation to poke or prod the area with your tongue. You should be very careful when brushing and flossing, and consume soft food items at first, such as soups, and gradually move up to your normal diet. We will schedule follow-up visits to remove the sutures and monitor your smile as it heals.
Tooth Replacement
What if we extract a tooth due to infection, injury, or gum disease? In these scenarios, you will have an exposed gap in your smile. Tooth loss has been linked to a host of complications for your smile’s health, comfort, and alignment. Fortunately, we can discuss eventual tooth replacement options to fill the gap and prevent complications, such as dental bridges, dental implants, or even partial and full dentures. If you have any questions about the extraction process, or if you want an exam to see if you need to have wisdom teeth removed, then contact our team today.
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO REMOVES THIRD MOLARS
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team can prevent the dangers of wisdom tooth impaction with a safe and comfortable dental extraction. If you have questions about the process of removing a tooth, then please call our East El Paso location on N. Zaragoza Road at 915-849-9000!