Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Arvada, CO
Gently Extracting
Unneeded Teeth
Wisdom teeth may have once had a purpose, but nowadays, you don’t need them for a healthy, fully functioning smile. If they become impacted (stuck) under the gums and are causing an excessive amount of pain, or if they start to pose a threat to someone’s oral health, it’s better to have them removed instead of leaving them in the mouth where they can cause additional problems. Is there anyone in your family around the ages of 17 to 25 who might need a wisdom tooth extraction in Arvada? If so, schedule an appointment with us today so Dr. Jeramiah Paylor can take care of problematic wisdom teeth before they cause any issues.
Why Choose West Arvada Family Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Sedation Available for Anxious Patients
- Knowledgeable, Experienced Dentist
- Small, Comfortable Private Dental Office
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars and the last adult teeth to erupt in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on top, and two on bottom. Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were especially helpful for our prehistoric ancestors who needed serious chewing power to grind through rough plants, seeds, nuts, and foliage that made up the majority of their diets. As teeth would fall out, wisdom teeth could step in and act like a replacement as well. Now that we have a softer diet filled with carbohydrates and high-calorie foods, as well as a focus on dental care, wisdom teeth aren’t usually needed anymore. People can be born with none, one, two, three, or four wisdom teeth, and they don’t always need to be removed. It all depends on your individual smile.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
A lot of the time, wisdom teeth need to be removed because they can pose a serious threat to oral health down the road. There are a variety of issues that can occur if wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to develop properly, such as overcrowding, oral hygiene issues, discomfort, impaction, increased risk for developing cysts or tumors, and possible jawbone damage. Here are some signs that you may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted:
- Pain while eating
- Jaw stiffness
- Facial swelling
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Repeated infection of soft tissue behind the lower last tooth
What to Expect From the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
To remove wisdom teeth that have already erupted, Dr. Paylor will use dental forceps and an elevator. If the wisdom teeth have yet to erupt, the process works a little bit differently. An incision will be made to expose the tooth and bone. Bone that blocks access to the tooth root will be removed. The tooth may be removed in pieces if it is easier. Afterwards, the site of the extraction will be cleaned of any debris and stitches may be used to close the wound if necessary. Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control the bleeding and to help blood clots form and begin the healing process.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After your procedure, it is common to experience bleeding, discomfort, swelling, and bruising, but these should subside over the next few days. During this time, it is especially crucial to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine, like rinsing and brushing gently while avoiding the extraction side. Stick to softer foods and don’t drink from a straw. Take all prescribed and over-the-counter medications as directed. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give our office a call. This way, we can give you proper guidance.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re learning about wisdom teeth for the first time or noticing symptoms after they have already erupted, you’re likely feeling concerned about your future oral health. Thankfully, the removal of wisdom teeth is a very common practice for dentists that’s performed millions of times every year. If you have questions about wisdom teeth removal, please take a look at the most common questions our dental office receives today as you might find your answer below.