That nagging wisdom tooth in the back of your mouth has become a problem, and now it’s time to extract it, but you’re wondering what to expect. Will this be a complicated process? Should you be worried? Your local dentist says you shouldn’t feel stressed because you can now get answers to all of your questions about oral surgery in Tomball. Learn more about the process as you continue reading.
Are You in Need of a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. If they grow in correctly, they can be co-exist with the other teeth, but when they are misaligned, they require removal.
Here are some of the reasons to extract wisdom teeth:
- No Room – When there is insufficient space in your mouth for a wisdom tooth, it has to be extracted.
- Impacted Tooth – An impacted tooth is one whose crown is partially covered by the gums or fully encased in the jawbone. It can lead to infection, gum disease and leave you more susceptible to tooth decay.
- Cysts – Another problem that can occur is for cysts to develop around a wisdom tooth, which can cause significant damage to the jawbone or tooth roots.
It’s always best to consult with your dentist to discuss whether you need to have your wisdom tooth extracted.
What to Ask Your Dentist During the Consultation
Here are the most important questions to ask your dentist during the consultation:
- Do all four wisdom teeth need to be pulled?
- What are the options for anesthesia?
- What are the possible complications?
- How severe is your case relative to the others your dentist has seen?
- Should you expect to see swelling?
- What will happen if the wisdom tooth is not extracted?
What Happens During the Surgery?
The process begins with your local oral expert administering a local anesthesia to numb the area. He will next make small incisions to open the tissue and bone around the treatment site and then remove the tooth from the socket. On most occasions, your dentist will apply sutures to close the area and facilitate the healing process.
Tips for Recovery
Here are ways to encourage healing and recovery after the surgery is completed:
- Use gauze pads to slow and stops the bleeding.
- To lessen the pain, you can take over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen.
- For swelling, you can use the 20-minute on, 20-minute off ice pack method, applied to the outside of your jaw.
- Finally, it’s best to eat soft foods like jello, soup and applesauce after the surgery.
So now you’re wiser about the process of extracting your wisdom teeth in Tomball. If you’re unsure whether yours need to be addressed, just reach out to your dentist today to schedule a consultation.
About the Author
Practicing dentistry for over 40 years, Dr. James D. Geer earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas at Houston. In addition, he has advanced training in oral surgery with an emphasis on extractions and removal of impacted 3rd molars. Dr. Geer practices at James Geer DDS and can be reached for more information through his website.