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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?

Closeup of teeth on white background after wisdom tooth extraction in Arvada

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?

Man with toothache needing wisdom tooth extraction in Arvada

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

Dentist in Arvada holding extracted wisdom tooth with forceps

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

Woman using ice pack after wisdom tooth extraction in Arvada

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

Teenage girl smiling holding tooth after wisdom tooth extraction in Arvada

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.

Do All People Have Wisdom Teeth?

While it’s uncommon, some people do not have wisdom teeth. In most cases, people will notice four wisdom teeth erupting in their top and bottom arches. However, others may only notice one to three teeth appear. No matter how many wisdom teeth are present, we’ll always confirm which teeth we believe to be problematic and never just extract them simply because they are there.

Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Hurt?

Just like with any tooth extraction, our team applies a small amount of local anesthetic to the extraction site beforehand so you feel no sensation during treatment. With that said, it’s normal for you to experience a small amount of pressure during the actual removal. Like with any oral surgery, you may also notice some swelling and mild discomfort as the area heals. We’ll go over all your post-op care so you can have the smoothest recovery period possible.

How Do I Know If My Wisdom Teeth Need Removal?

Dr. Paylor sees tooth extractions solely as a last resort, not the first option. If a tooth needs to be removed, including wisdom teeth, it’s because they are putting your neighboring teeth or general oral health at risk. This is why routine checkups are such an important aspect of your long-term oral health. With that said, if you notice discomfort, sensitivity, or a throbbing sensation in the back of your mouth, give our dental office a call so we can confirm if your wisdom teeth are putting your oral health at risk.

What Can Happen If I Don’t Have Them Removed?

If a wisdom tooth is not removed even when it’s causing problems for your oral health, it can easily trigger an oral infection. This occurs when the tooth partially erupts. Alternatively, it could become trapped underneath the gum tissue and allow a cyst to grow and develop, causing damage to the bone and gum tissue. In other cases, wisdom teeth can erupt crooked, pushing neighboring teeth into misaligned positions. Misaligned teeth make the bite uneven, which then puts stress on your jaw joints.

What If I Feel Nervous About Upcoming Treatment?

Dr. Paylor and his team at West Arvada Family Dental take all the necessary steps to explain your treatment in detail beforehand so you know what to expect before it begins. We’ll always be by your side during your treatment, asking questions throughout about your comfort levels and what we can do to make your experience as relaxing as possible. Of course, those who struggle with dental treatments due to dental anxiety can make use of our in-house sedation services.