For people approaching their late teens or early 20s, there is a chance that up to four new teeth could erupt. Known as wisdom teeth, or third molars, for many these could be a source of serious oral health issues. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists explain why we recommend removal for these teeth, and what to expect from the extraction process.
What Happens When Wisdom Teeth Erupt?
Our mouths have evolved over the millennia to comfortably accommodate 28 teeth, but once your wisdom teeth arrive, this could push the number to 32, and lead to serious complications. For example, you could develop misalignment, and in addition to changes to your appearance, poor dental alignment is linked to higher risks of tooth decay and gum disease. The arrival of the third molars also cause painful partial eruptions, known as impaction, as well as damaged teeth and even dental infections for some people. To avoid these negative changes, we suggest removing them prior to eruption.
The Extraction Process
We start by carefully explaining the procedure and then administering a local anesthetic and dental sedation to ensure you remain calm and comfortable throughout the proceedings. Next, we open the area of the gums above the teeth to so we can access and remove them with forceps. We then suture the extraction site closed. A friend or family member can then bring you home afterward, as sedation takes time to wear off. Along with addressing wisdom teeth, we can use the procedure to remove severely damaged teeth that are beyond reasonable repair, address infected teeth to prevent the spread of infection, or to make room to reposition the smile for people undergoing orthodontic treatment. We also take out teeth loosened by advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis.
Recovery and Tooth Replacement
At home, we will have detailed information for ensuring a complication-free healing period. For example, try to avoid using straws, and eat only soft foods and cut back on strenuous activity for the first day or two. Don’t prod the extraction site with your tongue, and be sure you take any prescribed medication on schedule. We will set up a follow-up visit to monitor the healing process and remove your sutures. If you lost a tooth to infection, injury, or gum disease and a gap remains in your smile, then we could discuss possible replacement options with dental bridges, partial dentures, and advanced dental implants. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO PROVIDES DENTAL EXTRACTION
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team is ready to help you maintain your smile’s health and appearance. For more information on oral surgery, then contact our N. Zaragoza dental practice by calling 915-849-9000.