Everything You Need to Know About Wisdom Tooth Removal and Recovery

Thank you for choosing Family Dental Center in Manteca, California, for your dental health needs. We are happy to show you how we approach dentistry differently. Relax! Zero-pressure dentistry is our style here. We listen to you, advise you, and let you make the final decision.

Today, we will run through the wisdom removal treatment and how to take care of your smile after the procedure. So, what do you have to do? Not much. Just read through the post, and Dr. Mircea Mitu will soon see you for the procedure.

Why should I remove my wisdom teeth?

Sometimes referred to as the third set of molars, wisdom teeth usually appear in patients aged between 17 and 21. All the back teeth have already erupted at this stage, so there may not be enough space for another tooth to grow.

For some patients, the wisdom tooth may find space and grow just behind the existing molars. Unfortunately, for most patients, wisdom teeth partially erupt, grow at an awkward angle, or become impacted within the jaw.

If you have a healthy wisdom tooth, it doesn’t always need removal. However, in the instances below, removing your wisdom teeth is the best action to salvage your oral health. Your wisdom tooth needs removal if:

• It causes overcrowding
• It’s impacted within the jaw
• It causes pain, repeated infections, and damages nearby teeth
• The healthy wisdom tooth has severe tooth decay or damage

Most dentists advise patients to remove wisdom teeth sooner rather than wait for them to cause dental health issues. We also recommend early removal (age 15-18) of wisdom teeth before their roots are fully formed.

How are wisdom teeth removed?

If your wisdom tooth has erupted through the gum line, Dr. Mitu will perform a simple extraction. We numb your mouth and then use light-touch techniques to pull out the tooth. However, we will perform a surgical extraction if the wisdom tooth is trapped below the gum line.

Don’t let the word “surgery” scare you—the procedure is pretty straightforward and painless. Just like simple extraction, we numb your gums and make an opening on the gum line to access the trapped tooth. Next, we break the impacted tooth into small pieces for easier removal. After removing the tooth, we clean the area and suture the surgical site to kick start the recovery process.

Recovery tips after wisdom tooth removal

Wisdom tooth removal is like any other surgery, so expect some pain and swelling, especially after the anesthesia wears off. However, this shouldn’t worry you because it’s normal and should subside after a few days.

To ensure you recover smoothly after your wisdom tooth removal, we recommend you observe the tips below:

• Use painkillers to manage pain
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Rest as much as you can
• Consider soft or liquid foods for a few days
• Avoid chewing on the side of the surgical site
• Ensure your mouth stays clean by brushing, but take extra care around the surgical site

Looking for wisdom tooth removal services in Manteca, California? Trust our dental team at Family Dental Center. We offer gentle wisdom tooth extraction services to protect your oral health and reduce discomfort. Please dial (209) 420-1205 to schedule a free consultation.

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