The removal of wisdom teeth appears to be a milestone for teenagers and young adults. Everybody has a wisdom tooth story to share, and a lot of them include going to a new dentist’s office. At  Sachs Family Dentistry our staff always wants to provide the finest care for our patients. We understands that it’s critical to keep patients at ease and calm to achieve the greatest results from any dental procedure.  If you’re interested in learning more about wisdom tooth extraction or any other dentistry service we provide, give our dental office in Michigan a call.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars located in the back of the mouth. They are the last teeth to erupt, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth are often removed due to overcrowding or alignment issues. If left in, these teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Removal of wisdom teeth is usually done by an oral surgeon or dentist. Recovery times vary; however, most people are back to their normal activities within a few days.

How are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or more of the third molars that typically grow in during the late teens and early twenties. The procedure is typically done in a dental office and is usually done under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum line to expose the tooth, and then use a dental drill to loosen the tooth before it is extracted. The entire procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the number of teeth being extracted and the complexity of the procedure. After the extraction, the patient may experience some swelling, bleeding, and discomfort, but these symptoms will usually subside within a few days.

What Happens After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

After wisdom teeth are extracted, you should expect some swelling and pain. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication to help manage it. You should also expect some bleeding and a lot of drooling. You will likely need to eat soft, cool foods for the first few days and avoid hot liquids, alcohol, and smoking. You should also avoid brushing your teeth around the extraction site for the first day or two. Your dentist will likely advise you to rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help keep the area clean. You should also expect to go back to the dentist for a follow–up appointment to ensure that the extraction site is healing properly.