Wisdom Tooth Extractions Reynoldsburg

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Typically, between the ages of 17 and 25, a third set of molars attempts to emerge in the back of your mouth. These third molars are known as the wisdom teeth. Most individuals have four wisdom teeth, but it’s not uncommon to have three or fewer.

Our ancestors may have needed wisdom teeth to help them chew coarse, rough foods. Nowadays, however, wisdom teeth are no longer essential for the mouth to function properly. 

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Oftentimes, there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly. As a result, it can be all too easy for wisdom teeth to become impacted or emerge at the wrong angle, which can lead to all sorts of problems. On top of that, since the wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they can be very difficult to clean.

In short, removing your third molars could be a necessary step for protecting your oral health. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, pushing your other teeth out of alignment, or increasing your risk of developing an oral infection, your dentist in Reynoldsburg is likely to recommend that you have them extracted.

What to Expect from the Wisdom Tooth Procedure

If your wisdom teeth are visible in your mouth, we may be able to remove them via a simple extraction. This involves using special dental instruments to loosen the teeth until they can be taken gently out of their sockets.

Wisdom teeth that are trapped under the gums typically require a surgical extraction. During this procedure, an opening is created in the gums to reveal the teeth that need to be removed. It may be necessary to divide your wisdom teeth into sections in order to reduce the amount of bone lost during the extraction process.

Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Following your wisdom tooth extraction, you will be given detailed post-op instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process. In general, you will need to:

• Avoid using a straw (as it could dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket).
• Take a prescribed or over-the-counter pain reliever to manage discomfort.
• Eat only soft or liquid foods.
• Refrain from strenuous exercise for at least a week.