Wisdom teeth can cause significant disruption within your mouth. At DMD Dental, we can help ensure your mouth remains healthy and functional.
What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure designed to extract the wisdom teeth, the four permanent teeth located in the very back of your mouth. These teeth come in later than other adult teeth, meaning they can become impacted and cause dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease if your anatomy cannot adapt appropriately. Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause severe pain – this is because the wisdom tooth pushes on the neighboring teeth. Dr. Du Mond may recommend having your wisdom teeth removed regardless of whether they are causing problems or not.
Most people have their four wisdom teeth removed in the late teens or early 20s. It is at about this time that the wisdom teeth grow or erupt from the gum tissue and shift the nearby teeth. How many wisdom teeth are removed may be dependent on several factors determined by Dr. Du Mond.
What are the Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth can severely disrupt the health of your mouth by growing at an inappropriate angle, causing the other teeth to shift, crowd, or impact their roots. The eruption of wisdom teeth can also cause inflammation, swelling, and infection. By causing crowding, wisdom teeth can also predispose your teeth to trapping bacteria, increasing the chances of decay. Best practice is often to remove wisdom teeth entirely before they can damage the nearby teeth. By removing them early, you can maintain good oral health and prevent significant problems with your smile.
What Can I Expect From Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. It uses local anesthetic or sedation anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Our oral surgeon will create incisions in the back of your mouth to access the wisdom teeth underneath the gums. Depending on their position, they may need to be removed in pieces, and some bone may need to be removed to gain access to the tooth. Once the teeth are removed and the treatment areas are cleaned and sutured, you’ll return home for recovery.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process and Beyond
Typically, it takes 5-7 days to recover from wisdom teeth extraction. However, it may take a few weeks to heal fully from wisdom teeth removal. Your jaw may be sore after treatment. You will need to eat only soft foods for the first few days and ensure the surgical sites remain clean and free of any food that could cause bacteria. Infection and blood clots are two of the most significant risks of wisdom teeth removal, so Dr. Du Mond will provide aftercare steps and check in regularly to ensure the area is healing as intended.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Scottsdale, AZ
To learn more about wisdom teeth removal, contact our Scottsdale, AZ office by calling or filling out our online form.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Frequently Asked Questions
What are wisdom teeth, and why might they need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. They may need to be removed if they become impacted (unable to fully emerge), cause crowding, lead to infection, or result in pain and swelling. Removal is often recommended to prevent potential complications.
What symptoms indicate the need for wisdom teeth removal?
Common signs that may necessitate wisdom teeth extraction include persistent pain or discomfort at the back of the mouth, swelling of the gums, difficulty opening the mouth, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste. If you experience any of these symptoms, its advisable to consult with DMD Dental for an evaluation.
What does the wisdom teeth removal procedure involve?
The procedure begins with administering appropriate anesthesia to ensure comfort. The dentist or oral surgeon then makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. If necessary, the tooth may be divided into sections for easier removal. After extracting the tooth, the site is cleaned, and stitches may be placed to aid healing.
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
With the use of anesthesia and sedation options provided at DMD Dental, patients typically experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Post-operative pain can usually be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers and following the aftercare instructions provided by your dental professional.
What is the recovery time after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery time varies among individuals but generally takes about one to two weeks for complete healing. Most patients can resume normal activities within three to five days. Following post-operative care instructions, such as resting, applying ice packs, and eating soft foods, can facilitate a smoother recovery.
Are there risks associated with wisdom teeth removal?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including dry socket (a painful condition where the blood clot is dislodged), infection, bleeding, and nerve injury. However, these complications are rare, and the experienced team at DMD Dental takes all necessary precautions to minimize risks and ensure patient safety.
How can I prepare for wisdom teeth removal?
Preparation may involve discussing your medical history and any medications youre taking with your dentist, arranging for transportation home after the procedure, and planning for a recovery period with adequate rest. Its also advisable to stock up on soft foods and follow any specific pre-operative instructions provided by DMD Dental.
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I had the best experience at DMD Dental! I went in for red light therapy and trigger point injections for my TMJ. Dr. Du Mond carefully examined my jaw, temples and back to source all of the tension related to my jaw clenching. The injections really helped! After my treatment, I relaxed in the red light therapy bed for a 10 minute session. I received so many compliments on my skin in the days following. I will definitely be back!
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Looking for a new dental office since my previous dentist moved to Hawaii, and I came across an ad for DMD Dental as a new office to the area. I figured I would check them out and I’m happy I did. Booking an appointment was super easy, and they got me in quickly to see Dr. Du Mond for a cleaning. She was fantastic; so helpful, patient, and really took the time to listen to my concerns about a crown I’ve been putting off for a while. The entire staff was incredibly nice and helpful, making the visit smooth and comfortable. I’m thrilled to say I’ve just found my new dentist!! Highly recommend checking them out.
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I want to call DMD a Tooth Spa – the most relaxed dental visit I’ve ever had. Exceptional service, brand new offices, brand new equipment with state of the art technology. Professional, knowledgeable and genuinely caring staff made my very long visit a wonderful success. Many thanks to you and your team
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