At Western Carolina Family Dentistry, we take pride in providing top-tier dental services to our clients in Maiden, North Carolina, and the surrounding areas. One of the essential dental procedures we specialize in is wisdom teeth extraction. This seemingly daunting process is made comfortable and straightforward thanks to our team of expert dental professionals.

Wisdom Teeth: Why the Extraction?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are typically the last teeth to develop and appear in your mouth. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25; a period often referred to as the "age of wisdom", hence their name.

While wisdom teeth can sometimes align properly and gum tissue remains healthy, complications often arise. This is due to a lack of space in the jaw or mouth to accommodate them. Misaligned wisdom teeth can angle towards the second molars, potentially damaging them or causing decay due to the inability to clean those areas effectively.

Moreover, an unerupted wisdom tooth can lead to painful impaction, causing damage to nearby teeth and possibly leading to cysts or tumors. Therefore, many dental professionals, including ours at Western Carolina Family Dentistry, often recommend extraction before the roots are fully developed, typically in the late teens or early twenties.

Before the Procedure

During the procedure, our team will administer a local anesthetic and possibly conscious sedation, depending on the complexity of the extraction, to ensure your comfort. Our expert dentist then makes a small incision into the gum to access the tooth, remove it, and close the wound with self-dissolving stitches if necessary. This process typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.

After the Extraction: Recovery and Pain Management

You might wonder about the pain and recovery process following the extraction. Well, worry no more. We at Western Carolina Family Dentistry ensure the process is as painless as possible.

Post-operative pain is usually minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers or prescribed medication. Swelling and discomfort are normal and will peak after about 24-48 hours, then gradually subside.

We recommend you rest during the first 24 hours and avoid strenuous activities. Apply an ice pack intermittently on the cheek near the extraction site to reduce swelling.

Eating After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Immediately following the surgery, stick to a soft food diet - think yogurt, pudding, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as your comfort level improves, typically after a few days.

After the first day, it's crucial to maintain hydration but avoid using straws as the sucking motion can disrupt the healing process and potentially lead to a painful condition known as dry socket.

Typically, most patients can resume their normal diet after a week, depending on their individual healing process. Strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least a week as they can disrupt the healing process.

Complications of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth Early

Suppose wisdom teeth aren't removed before the roots are fully developed. In that case, it can lead to several complications, such as a higher risk of nerve injury, more complicated and painful extraction, and increased recovery time.

At Western Carolina Family Dentistry, your dental health and comfort are our top priority. We assure you of personalized care and attention, making your wisdom teeth extraction process as comfortable and painless as possible. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact us at (828) 754-2600

Remember, regular check-ups can help identify potential issues like wisdom teeth complications early, making treatments less invasive and more effective. So, never delay your dental appointments!