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Average adults will have 32 teeth by the time they are 18. 16 of these teeth are on the top and 16 are on the bottom. The molars are used for grinding food for proper swallowing and digestion. The third set of molars, called wisdom teeth, are the very last to emerge and can be difficult for individuals to detect. Because the average mouth is only big enough to hold 28 teeth comfortably, wisdom teeth can often cause problems as they erupt. At Hebron Smiles and Smilebliss Orthodontics, we offer dental extraction treatment for wisdom teeth in our Carrollton, TX office. If the wisdom teeth emerge through the gumline properly and do not impact other teeth, they do not have to be extracted. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Extracting the wisdom teeth is often necessary to prevent oral health issues such as infections, crowding, or damage to neighboring teeth.
With regular dental care and x-rays, we can often determine that wisdom teeth need to be extracted and schedule the procedure long before they become an issue. For patients not receiving routine dental care, some of the symptoms that wisdom teeth need to be extracted include:
Patients who notice any of these signs and symptoms should call Hebron Smiles and Smilebliss Orthodontics as soon as possible for an evaluation.
New Patients: (972) 388-3320 Existing Patients: (972) 394-4300
Online scheduleHaving your wisdom teeth removed offers many health benefits including:
Before wisdom teeth removal, we will perform a thorough exam including x-rays or digital scans to determine the size and position of the molars.
If the patient has an infection or swelling due to wisdom teeth, antibiotics may be prescribed prior to the procedure. Certain antibacterial mouth rinses may also be used. If patients are in pain, over the counter pain relievers may be prescribed before the surgery. As always, make sure to give your doctor a list of medications you are currently taking prior to the extraction procedure.
Dental extractions are an outpatient procedure performed with sedation (typically IV sedation). Once the patient is under sedation, an area of bone and gum tissue surrounding the wisdom teeth is removed to allow for a clear and effective extraction. Once the teeth are removed, the gum tissue is sutured to minimize bleeding and improve healing. Gauze is placed over the area to control bleeding and the patient will be brought to a recovery room to rest.
Following the removal of wisdom teeth, it’s important to closely follow the after-care instructions. This helps with healing and prevents complications. Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction usually takes about five days. For bleeding, patients are instructed to reapply gauze to the area, so a blood clot can form. For swelling, ice packs on the cheek can be used as needed. Prescription or over the counter pain medication may be taken to alleviate any discomfort.
Patients are advised to eat soft foods after an extraction and avoid foods that are difficult to chew, hard, or spicy. Some good options are yogurt, oatmeal, applesauce, broth, scrambled eggs, bananas, cottage cheese, and smoothies. Avoid drinking out of a straw during recovery as it causes suction that can lead to a dry socket. Alcohol should be avoided, as it can irritate the wound. If there are any questions during the recovery process, patients should call the office.
At Hebron Smiles and Smilebliss Orthodontics, we offer dental extractions as a common procedure to improve oral health. Our highly trained staff has years of experience successfully removing wisdom teeth for our patients in the Carrollton, TX area. If you have any of the signs and symptoms that your wisdom teeth are erupting and would like to schedule a consultation, please call our office at. (972) 388-3320