WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

We all need more wisdom in our lives!

Of course, that desire might change when it comes to wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) are the last of the permanent teeth to erupt and the ones most likely to need extraction.

They usually appear during the late teens or early twenties.
More often than not, they erupt misaligned and come in horizontally or at an angle.
Sometimes they become impacted and do not erupt at all.
Failure to erupt or partial eruption can lead to a painful infection.
Their location in your mouth makes them difficult to reach with normal brushing so

they are more prone to tooth decay.
We will track their progress using x-rays during your regularly scheduled visits.
If we spot problems before they erupt, we may advise extraction before they break through the gumline.

• Extraction is easier the younger you are because the roots are not as developed.
  
• Recovery and healing time is longer in older patients.
  
• If your wisdom tooth cannot be removed by a simple extraction, we may refer you to an oral surgeon.
  
• You may bleed for several hours following an extraction procedure. This is completely normal.
  
• To minimize facial swelling after extraction, use an ice pack on your cheek.
  
• Some patients will experience dry sockets 3 to 4 days following surgery. This can be painful and will cause bad breath. Contact our office immediately if you suspect this has occurred; however, we'll keep in contact with you during your recovery.