If you’re approaching adulthood, or you have a teen about to do the same, then you should be aware of the risks posed by wisdom teeth. Also known as third molars, these additional teeth erupt in the rear of the mouth in our late teens and early 20s. Unless removed, they could cause major discomfort! In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists look at how we remove these teeth safely and carefully.
The Dangers of Your Third Molars
When they arrive, they may only partially erupt, know as an impaction. This could be a source of severe discomfort! The wisdom teeth have also been linked to a greater risk of infection, damaged teeth, and even dental misalignment. In addition to changes to a smile’s appearance, misalignment is also linked to higher risks of everything from tooth decay and gum disease to TMJ disorder and bruxism. By extracting these teeth, we help you preserve your smile.
The Extraction Process
First, we will administer a local anesthetic to help ensure your comfort. If you have anxiety about the procedure, we can also discuss sedation options to help you enter a calm and relaxed state with little to no memory of the procedure afterward. We then gently open the area of the gums above the teeth to extract them. We suture the area closed, and then a friend or family member can bring you home, the entire visit only takes a short time!
Recovery
Since the sedation may take time to wear off, arrange for a ride home. We will send you with detailed aftercare instructions. Eat soft food items and avoid strenuous activity for the first day or two, and try not to prod the extraction side with your tongue. Also, steer clear of straws too! We will schedule a follow-up visit so we can monitor you as the area heals and also remove your sutures. If you need a tooth removed due to damage or infection, we can discuss replacing it with a bridge or even a lifelike dental implant. If you have any questions, then please contact our team today.
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO, TX ABOUT DENTAL EXTRACTION
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, we can help you enjoy optimal oral health by removing impacted wisdom teeth. We also offer a full array of restorative treatment options to help return smiles to optimal health and function, whether that means filling a cavity or respiring minor damage, sometimes in as little as one visit. For more information on removing third molars, contact your El Paso, TX, dentists at Sunny Smiles on Dyer Street by calling 915-859-7000.