Wisdom Teeth Removal in Greenville, TX

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Extracted

Wisdom teeth extractions are a fairly common procedure. Wisdom teeth often cause problems as they are trying to protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially. Extractions can range from a single tooth, to removing all four wisdom teeth at once.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Process

Based on the preference of the doctor and/or the patient, a local anesthetic could be used to numb the areas where the teeth will be extracted. Others will prefer to go under a general anesthetic so that they will be sedated during the procedure.

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After the surgery you will need to rest. You need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Post-op Care

Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.

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You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:

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Gelatin
Pudding
Yogurt
Mashed Potatoes
Ice Cream
Thin Soups

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When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly call Dr. Graham-Wyatt for a follow up.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction FAQ

How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be extracted?

Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted if they are impacted, causing pain, infection, or crowding of other teeth. Signs that you may need your wisdom teeth removed include pain at the back of the mouth, swelling, difficulty opening your jaw, or repeated infection of the soft tissue behind the lower last tooth. Our dentist or an oral surgeon can evaluate your teeth and recommend if extraction is necessary

What is the recovery process like after wisdom teeth extraction?

After wisdom teeth extraction, recovery typically takes a few days to a week. You may experience swelling, discomfort, and bruising around the jaw. It's important to rest, apply ice packs to reduce swelling and follow a soft diet. Our dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to clean the extraction site and manage pain.

Can I still get my wisdom teeth removed if they aren't causing problems?

Even if your wisdom teeth aren't currently causing problems, our dentist might recommend extraction to prevent potential future issues such as crowding, infection, or cysts. This is particularly common if there's not enough space in your mouth for the teeth to emerge properly. Each case is individual, and our dentist will advise what's best for your long-term oral health.

What are the risks of wisdom teeth extraction?

As with any surgical procedure, wisdom teeth extraction comes with some risks, including dry socket, infection, damage to nearby teeth or nerves, and prolonged bleeding. However, these complications are relatively rare and can be minimized with proper aftercare and following the instructions provided by our dentist or oral surgeon.

How long before I can return to normal activities after extraction?

Most people can return to normal activities within a few days after wisdom teeth extraction. However, it's advised to avoid strenuous activity for a week to prevent dislodging the blood clot from the socket. Our dentist can provide a more specific timeline based on your particular case and the complexity of the extraction.