Have you ever heard of wisdom teeth? Sometimes referred to as third molars, these are an extra set of teeth that don’t erupt until a person is in his or her late teens or early 20s. For some, these teeth could cause serious oral health problems! In order to address them your El Paso, TX, dentists may suggest a dental extraction.
The Dangers of Your Third Molars
While some people may not have much to fear from these additional teeth, for others they could become impacted, only partially erupting. As a result, surrounding teeth could be damaged, infection could develop, and your smile could also develop dental misalignment. These complications also strain your jaw joints, increasing the risk of both TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). To avoid major changes to the health and beauty of your smile, we often remove the teeth before they even erupt. If you or a family member is in your late teens and early 20s, then consider scheduling an appointment. We can take detailed x-ray images of your smile to assess the risk posed by your wisdom teeth. We can then safely and comfortably remove them in a future visit!
The Extraction Process
First, we will administer a local anesthetic near the extraction site. If you have anxiety, we could also provide sedation to ensure you remain calm and relaxed, with little to no memory of the procedure itself. We then open the gums above the tooth to access it, and gently rock it free. We repeat the process for the rest, taking them out before they pose a risk. We suture the extraction site closed and a friend or family can bring you home. The procedure is quick and only takes a single visit to complete.
What Happens Next?
At home, you will begin taking antibiotics and possibly pain relievers as your body heals. For the first day or two, try to avoid strenuous activity and eat only soft foods. Don’t prod the extraction site with your tongue, and avoid using straws when drinking. You will return for a follow-up so we can monitor the healing process and also remove the sutures. While wisdom teeth don’t need replacement, if you have an extraction due to a damaged or infected tooth, we can discuss replacement options to fill the gap, such as bridges or even dental implants. If you have any questions, then please contact our team today.
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO PROVIDES ORAL SURGERY
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, we can help patients enjoy better oral health by addressing serious concerns, such as wisdom tooth impaction. For more information on our restorative treatment options, then contact our N. Zaragoza dental practice by calling 915-849-9000.