Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Parsippany, NJ
Gentle Wisdom Teeth Removal by Skilled Dental Experts
At some point in their lives, almost everyone will have to make a decision on whether or not they should have their wisdom teeth taken out. More often than not, it’s the best choice for your oral health, but in the end it’s a decision that you and your dentist will have to make together. Our experts at the Rauchberg Dental Group can identify the signs of problematic wisdom teeth, and if an extraction is needed, they can take whatever steps are necessary to make sure that you don’t experience any discomfort during the process. Call today to set up a consultation and see if you need to start considering a wisdom tooth extraction.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that are located at the back of your mouth, behind all of your other teeth. Some people don’t have any wisdom teeth at all, while others can have one, two, three, or a full set of four. These teeth may attempt to erupt between the ages of 16 and 24, but by that point there probably won’t be enough room for them. Ancient humans may have benefitted from having wisdom teeth because they were more likely to see tooth loss early in life. In today’s world, most people in their late teens and early twenties haven’t experienced tooth loss yet, so wisdom teeth don’t have much utility; in fact, they can do more harm than good.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
While sometimes wisdom teeth do not cause any problems and can be left in the mouth, generally speaking they can pose a serious threat to your oral health if your mouth isn’t big enough to accommodate them. They might become impacted in your jaw, causing severe discomfort. They can also push against your other teeth and cause them to crowd together. Some people even see cysts or tumors form around their wisdom teeth, which can result in serious damage to the jawbone. As soon as you notice persistent pain near the back of your mouth or any other concerning symptoms, you should call the Rauchberg Dental Group right away so that we can determine whether or not your wisdom teeth are the cause; if they are, we will recommend that an extraction be performed.
What to Expect From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
The basic method for removing wisdom teeth that have already erupted through the gums is to loosen them with an instrument called an elevator before pulling them out with forceps. If the wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they’re stuck under the gums), a surgical approach is needed. This usually involves opening the gums and removing part of the bone to get to the tooth. Sometimes the tooth itself will be divided into pieces to be taken out one at a time. For both of these procedures, we will numb your mouth so that you don’t feel anything.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Common side effects after wisdom teeth extraction include facial swelling, bleeding, and mild discomfort. All of these should go away after a certain period of time; call us if they suddenly grow worse. Make sure you’re taking good care of your teeth while you’re recovering; when you brush, avoid directly touching the extraction site. Plan on eating soft foods such as mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs for a few days. Take any medications that we prescribe to you. Please contact our office if you have any concerns during the recovery process.