How Wisdom Teeth Extraction Works

When patients need a wisdom teeth extraction, it can be intimidating. According to the University of Washington's Dental Fears Research Clinic, 75 percent of adults harbor some level of fear over having a dental procedure completed. Fortunately, we are very experienced at removing teeth and can make sure that the entire process goes smoothly with as little pain as possible.
All dentists can remove teeth, but only certain dentists are experienced enough to go by the title of an oral surgeon. When a wisdom tooth breaks through the surface, there is a chance that a normal dentist can pull it out. If it is impacted or still below the surface, patients need to see an oral surgeon instead of a traditional dentist.

We understand how to make the process of a wisdom teeth extraction as painless as possible. An inexperienced dentist can take longer to remove the impacted tooth and cause the patient unnecessary swelling and pain.

If your tooth is impacted, the wisdom teeth extraction will typically have the following process:

• We will thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. It is important to remove any lingering bacteria and plaque from the mouth prior to undergoing oral surgery or any cosmetic procedures. Following a cleaning, we will put the patient under sedation, so that he or she does not feel any pain.
• We then cut open the gum. The gum tissue above the wisdom tooth will be cut open and lifted so that we can access the area.
• We will remove any small parts of bone in the way. At times when the gum tissue is opened up, there will be bone above part of the tooth. We may need to remove the piece of bone in order to extract the tooth.
• We may wiggle the tooth to ease it out of the socket. Using a dental tool, we will grasp the tooth and gently move it back and forth to see if it will easily come loose from the bone and ligaments that are holding it in place.
• We may need to break up the tooth. When a tooth is not responding, it may need to be broken or cut up into smaller pieces and removed one piece at a time.
• Removal and cleaning. After completely removing the tooth, we will thoroughly clean the area and the area in order to prevent any sort of infection.
• We will replace the gum tissue. We will lay the gum tissue back down and use stitches, if necessary, to hold everything in place and promote healing.
• We will use gauze to stop the bleeding. We will hold gauze in place to help and stop the bleeding. Eventually, the body will form a blood clot so that this is no longer necessary.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Green Brook Township

After a wisdom teeth extraction takes place, there is a necessary  recovery process. It can take a couple of weeks to feel completely normal. During the timeframe of the recovery process, most patients experience some level of swelling. Ice packs and pain medication can assist and make patients feel more comfortable. Patients need to consume foods that are soft and cool during this time frame. Things with extreme temperatures may cause pain, so it is safe to stick with Jello, applesauce, pudding, yogurt and other soft foods. To learn more or to schedule an appointment call today.
Live in Green Brook Township, NJ and have questions about wisdom teeth extraction? Give us a call at (732) 424-8483.

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Wisdom Teeth Extraction and Oral Surgery

It is common for people to need wisdom teeth extraction at some point in time.  The back molars are the last teeth to come in and more often than not, they need to be removed either by having them pulled or through oral surgery.  There are several reasons for this including not having enough room in your mouth or the tooth becoming impacted.

A general dentist will conduct an examination to determine if your tooth can be pulled.  If it has already broken through the surface and is growing in straight, this is a viable option.  The procedure is typically done with local anesthesia with minimal recovery time.

Typically, they don't grow in straight and break through the surface like they should.  In this case the general dentist will refer a patient to an oral surgeon for a wisdom teeth extraction.  This procedure is more complicated and needs to be done by a specialist.  Having it performed by a general dentist could lead to unnecessary pain and swelling.

How the Process Works
In your initial consultation for wisdom teeth extraction, the oral surgeon will examine your teeth and gums to determine how impacted the tooth is and the best way to proceed.  The day of the surgery you will be given anesthesia to help with the pain.  The exact amount should be determined after discussing your pain tolerance and any potential anxiety with your surgeon.

The surgeon starts by cutting open your gum and lifting up the flap.  Underneath there may be bone that has to be cut away and removed in order to reach the tooth.  The tooth is attached to ligaments and bone, both of which need to be cut away in order to pull out the tooth.  If it is severely impacted or won't loosen up with wiggling, it will need to be broken into several pieces and removed one section at a time.

Once the tooth is completely removed the surgeon and their staff will clean the entire area prior to laying the gum down and using stitches.  If they are necessary, dissolvable ones will typically be used so that they don't need to be removed at a later date.  Gauze is placed initially to help stop the bleeding until the body forms a natural blood clot.

After the bleeding has stopped and the anesthesia is worn away a patient is released to go home and recover.  Someone else needs to drive as the effects of anesthesia can linger.  It may take several weeks to fully recover from the procedure and during that time patients should eat soft foods that don't require chewing.  Things like applesauce, Jello, yogurt, ice cream, and popsicles are ideal.  Warm soup is also a good way to get nutrients but be careful not to drink it when it is too hot as your teeth and gums may be sensitive during this time frame.  You may also need to come back in for a follow up appointment to make sure that everything is healing properly.

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