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If you think that you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed in Jackson, Hartford, Germantown, or the surrounding areas, you may not be sure what to expect. So in this blog from Jackson Family Dentistry, we’ll discuss the entire process step-by-step.
To begin with, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ben Heffter or Dr. Pako Major to see if you need your wisdom teeth to be extracted. The wisdom teeth are a natural part of your mouth, and if you have enough space to accommodate them without any issues, they don’t necessarily need to be removed.
Your doctor will conduct a visual exam of your mouth and your wisdom teeth, and will also take x-rays to look at the position of your wisdom teeth, and determine if they’ll be able to grow into your mouth properly.
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and you have enough room in your mouth for them, you won’t need an extraction. But if your doctor sees that they are growing in crooked, have not fully erupted, or otherwise are not erupting properly, they will likely need to be removed. You’ll need to schedule an appointment for tooth extraction surgery at Jackson Family Dentistry.
Depending on the position of your teeth, you may need either a basic extraction, or a surgical extraction. The process for each treatment is a bit different.
Basic extractions can be used if your wisdom teeth are not impacted (partially stuck below the gum line) and have fully erupted. To begin the process, your doctor will clean and numb your mouth. You can also be sedated during your extractions for your comfort.
After your mouth is numb, your doctor will begin loosening the wisdom tooth using specialized dental tools. When the tooth is loose enough for removal he will grab it by the root using dental forceps and extract it. Then, the area will be cleaned and stitched shut. If you need multiple extractions, this process will be repeated.
Surgical extractions are a bit different. After your mouth is cleaned and numbed, your doctor will make an incision in the gum tissue near your wisdom tooth, exposing the tooth structure. Then, the tooth will be cut into pieces and removed. Once the entire tooth has been removed, the gums are disinfected and stitched shut to promote healing.
It will take up to 1-2 weeks to recover from your tooth extraction. Dr. Heffter or Dr. Major will provide you with a comprehensive set of recovery instructions to ensure your mouth heals properly. You’ll need to eat a diet of soft foods and avoid heavy exertion for at least 2-3 days.
In addition, you can’t brush the extraction site directly for a few days after treatment, and you will need to avoid doing things like sucking on straws or spitting vigorously. This ensures the blood clot that forms in the now-empty socket is not dislodged. If this happens, it causes a painful condition known as “dry socket.”
At Jackson Family Dentistry, we’re always here to provide you with the dental care you need. If you think you may need wisdom teeth removal in Jackson, don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (262) 677-3003 to schedule an appointment and get the dental care you need right away.