Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the back of your mouth. When these teeth don't have enough room to emerge or develop normally, they become impacted, potentially causing pain, infection, and other dental problems. At Liberty Dental Arts, we provide expert removal of problematic wisdom teeth.
Benefits
Prevent pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth
Avoid overcrowding that can undo previous orthodontic work
Reduce risk of cysts and tumors that can form around impacted teeth
Eliminate hard-to-clean areas that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease
Resolve painful symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, and discomfort
Procedure Details
When Wisdom Teeth Need Extraction
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but extraction is often recommended when these teeth are impacted (unable to fully emerge through the gums), emerge at an angle that can damage other teeth, create a difficult-to-clean area that promotes bacteria growth, or cause pain and discomfort. We conduct thorough examinations and use advanced imaging to determine if extraction is necessary.
The Extraction Procedure
Wisdom teeth extraction is typically performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level. During the procedure, we make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, remove any bone blocking access to the tooth root, divide the tooth into sections if easier to remove in pieces, extract the tooth, clean the site of debris, and close the wound with stitches if necessary.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery typically takes a few days to a week. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to manage swelling and discomfort, what to eat, how to keep the extraction sites clean, and when to take prescribed medications. It's normal to experience some swelling, bruising, pain, and minor bleeding. We'll schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing and remove any non-dissolving stitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
While there's no specific age that's right for everyone, wisdom teeth are typically removed between the ages of 17 and 25, when the roots are not yet fully developed and the bone is less dense. This often makes extraction easier and recovery faster. However, wisdom teeth can be extracted later in life if they begin causing problems.
What if my wisdom teeth aren't causing any problems?
Even if your wisdom teeth aren't currently causing symptoms, they might still need to be removed. Impacted wisdom teeth that seem to be problem-free can still harbor bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups allow us to monitor your wisdom teeth and recommend extraction if potential issues are identified.
How painful is wisdom teeth extraction?
During the procedure, you'll be under anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and cold compresses. Most patients find that the pain is manageable and subsides within a few days.