Extracting Wisdom Teeth

At a certain point, your wisdom teeth will come in (if they haven’t already). When this happens, your dentist will decide whether or not a wisdom tooth extraction is right for you. In order to know if you need your wisdom teeth extracted, it’s important to understand what a tooth extraction is, what your wisdom teeth are and what the wisdom tooth extraction process is like.

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is exactly what it sounds like—it is when a dentist removes a tooth. Often times, extraction is a simple procedure involving the dentist using a tool to pull the tooth out. Other times, though, the extraction process may be more complex. This is often the case with the extraction of wisdom teeth.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are an extra, redundant set of molars that come in after the adult teeth. Most people will see their wisdom teeth emerge between 17 and 25 years old. While sometimes these extra molars are harmless, other times they can do severe damage to your healthy teeth.  The eruption of wisdom teeth may impact other, healthy teeth. They also may come in at a weird angle that makes it difficult to brush and floss. Because of these issues and more, your dentist may decide to extract your wisdom teeth as soon as they emerge.

What Is the Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process?

If you suspect your wisdom teeth are coming in, set an appointment with your dentist. Even if you don’t notice them, during a checkup your dentist will likely notice them. This is part of why it is so important to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Once your dentist notices your wisdom teeth coming in, they will make a decision as to what to do with them.

If your dentist decides to remove your wisdom teeth, they will set an appointment with you for the surgery. This will likely require taking time off work, and it will require the patient to find someone to take them home after the procedure.

The procedure will involve the use of anesthetic to eliminate any pain. The anesthetic will likely also cause amnesia, allowing the patient to forget any painful aspects of the procedure. Your dentist will then cut into the gums, remove the wisdom teeth and sew your gums back up. These sutures should dissolve within a few days. Your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions, and may prescribe medication to reduce the pain. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions to help the healing process, and avoid any infections.

Ask Your Dentist About Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If you notice your wisdom teeth erupting, make sure to speak with your dentist. They will take a look at your wisdom teeth, and will make the decision as to whether they should be removed, and when the right time would be to remove them. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly for checkups, so they can spot your wisdom teeth emerging early on.

If you're in need of tooth extraction and live or around the Lynnwood, WA area, contact Meadowdale Dental Clinic Today!

Interested in learning more about tooth extraction? Here's information on a common question about smoking after a tooth extraction.