Wisdom Tooth Removal – What You Need to Know

Wisdom teeth usually make their appearance between the ages of 17 and 25 years. While not all wisdom teeth require removal, their eruption can lead to a host of dental complications, including pain, overcrowding, and gum infections. Here's everything you need to know, explained by the expert NYC dentists at Sachar Dental.

A dentist consulting with a patient in preparation for a wisdom tooth removal procedure

When Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?

While wisdom teeth may grow in without any issues for some, others may face problems that make wisdom tooth extractions necessary. Common reasons include:

Impaction: When a tooth grows at an angle or fails to fully emerge due to lack of space for it to erupt, it can become trapped in the jawbone or gums, causing pain and swelling.
Overcrowding: Wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, resulting in misalignment or shifting.
Cavities or Decay: Their hard-to-reach location often makes wisdom teeth more susceptible to cavities.
Infections: Partially erupted teeth create pockets that harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of gum pockets, gum infections or pericoronitis.

A dentist will usually take X-rays in addition to a clinical exam, to evaluate whether a wisdom tooth extraction is necessary or not.

How to Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Extraction If You Need It

Here’s how to get ready:

Schedule a Consultation: Meet with your dentist or oral surgeon to discuss the procedure. Share any relevant medical history, medications, or allergies during this visit.
Understand Anesthesia Options: Depending on the complexity of your case, your dentist may recommend local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.
Gather Recovery Essentials: Stock up on ice packs, soft foods, prescribed medications, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Plan Ahead: Take time off from work or school and arrange for someone to accompany you to the procedure and drive you home as needed
Follow Pre-Operative Instructions: If undergoing sedation, you may need to fast for several hours before the surgery. Strictly adhere to your dentist’s guidelines to ensure a safe experience.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Wisdom tooth extractions are typically quick and straightforward, lasting about 45 minutes to an hour. The process involves:

Anesthesia Administration: To ensure your comfort, the dentist will administer the appropriate anesthesia.
Tooth Removal: Using specialized instruments, the tooth is carefully extracted. For impacted teeth, a small incision in the gum and sectional removal of the tooth may be necessary.
Stitching and Gauze Placement: The dentist may stitch the site and place gauze to control bleeding.

Post-Extraction Care

Proper after-care is essential to prevent complications and promote healing. Follow these guidelines:

1. Control Bleeding: Bite down gently on gauze for the first 20 min and replace as needed.
2. Minimize Swelling: Apply ice packs to your cheeks for 15-minute intervals during the first 24-48 hours.
3. Follow a Soft Diet: Stick to foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups. Avoid anything crunchy, sticky, or spicy for the first two days or until it feels comfortable.
4. Practice Gentle Oral Hygiene: Avoid brushing near the extraction site for 24 hours. After that, brush twice a day gently and rinse gently with warm salt water 2-3 times a day to keep the area clean.
5. Avoid Straws and Smoking: Sucking motions can dislodge the protective blood clot, causing a painful condition called dry socket.
6. Take Prescribed Medications: Use pain relievers and antibiotics as directed by your dentist.

Potential Complications and How to Prevent Them

While wisdom tooth extraction is routine, being aware of potential risks ensures you’re prepared:

Dry Socket: To avoid this condition, refrain from smoking for a week and avoid using straws or rinsing vigorously for the first 48 hours.
Infection: Monitor for symptoms like fever, swelling, or discharge, and contact your dentist immediately if they occur.
Nerve Irritation: Rarely, temporary numbness in the lips, tongue, or chin can occur due to nerve proximity- if this happens contact your dentist.

Long-Term Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Benefits include:

Reduced Risk of Cavities: Extracting hard-to-reach teeth lowers the likelihood of decay.
Improved Oral Health: Prevent overcrowding and related complications like misalignment or gum disease.
Pain Relief: Say goodbye to the discomfort caused by impacted or infected wisdom teeth.

Sachar Dental NYC

If you are concerned, schedule a consultation appointment with one of our NYC dentists to assess if your wisdom teeth need to be removed or not. If wisdom tooth removal is necessary and is complex, we will refer you to a trusted Oral Surgeon for the procedure.

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile.

Read MORE about Tooth Extractions on our services page.

How to prepare for wisdom teeth removal

Sachar Dental NYC
20 East 46th Street, Rm 1301
(Between 5th Ave & Madison Ave)
New York, NY 10017
212-752-1163
www.sachardental.com
drsachar@sachardental.com

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