(954) 589-0292
Comprehensive Wisdom Teeth Extraction for Long-term Oral Health
At some point, you may need a wisdom teeth extraction. It's uncommon for individuals to have enough space in their mouths for all four wisdom teeth, which often leads to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, push other teeth out of place, and create spaces where food can become trapped, increasing the risk of infection and decay. For these reasons, we often recommend removing wisdom teeth. When you visit Smiland Dental Fort Lauderdale , we will examine your teeth, take X-rays, and advise you on the best time to schedule the extraction. Call us today at (954) 589-0292 to schedule an appointment.
What is the Procedure Like?
The first step in wisdom teeth extraction is administering anesthesia to numb the treatment area. To help you relax, some dentists or oral surgeons may also offer nitrous oxide or sedatives to make you more comfortable and reduce any memory of the procedure.
If your wisdom teeth have erupted straight, the extraction process is relatively simple. In this case, your dentist can remove the teeth using dental tools, without the need for surgery. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted, oral surgery is necessary. To access the tooth, the gum tissue covering it must be opened. Once the area is numbed, a flap in the gum tissue is created, allowing the dentist or oral surgeon to see the tooth. If bone or muscle is obstructing the tooth, that will be removed for better access.
The dentist will attempt to lift the tooth out of the socket, but if it’s stubborn, the tooth may need to be broken into smaller pieces for easier extraction. Once the tooth is completely removed, the area will be cleaned thoroughly, and the gum flap will be sutured back into place. Finally, gauze will be applied to control bleeding.
What Are the Aftercare Steps Following Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
After your wisdom teeth extraction, you will stay at the dental office until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. During this time, the staff will monitor you to ensure that bleeding has slowed and the gauze is effectively controlling it. Once you're stable, you will be allowed to go home, but make sure to arrange for someone to drive you, as you won’t be able to drive yourself.
At Smiland Dental Fort Lauderdale , we advise patients to prepare ahead of time for their recovery. Set up a comfortable resting area at home with extra pillows to prop up your head. Keep your nightstand stocked with water, additional gauze, ibuprofen, and entertainment like books or movies. You’ll need to take it easy for the next 48 hours. During this time, soft foods like popsicles, ice cream, yogurt, soup, and Jell-O are ideal, as they won’t require chewing.
To manage swelling, apply ice to your face for 15-minute intervals and take ibuprofen regularly for the first 24 to 48 hours. After that, you may still need ibuprofen but can stop using ice.
As you heal, you can slowly introduce solid foods back into your diet, starting with soft options and gradually progressing. Be patient—your recovery can take up to two weeks. During this period, avoid foods that are crunchy or hard, like nuts and chips, which can irritate your healing gums.
A follow-up visit with your dentist will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress and give you the green light to return to your regular eating habits.
How Long is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Recovery Time?
The first 48 hours are crucial, as you may experience bleeding, pressure, and swelling during this time. Full recovery typically takes one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether your wisdom teeth extraction involved surgery.
How to Prevent an Infection After Removal?
As dentists, we are always mindful of the risk of infections after surgery. Whether you're recovering from a wisdom teeth extraction or another tooth removal, there's always a chance that bacteria can enter the surgical site. To reduce this risk, we recommend rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater periodically. It's also important to continue brushing your teeth, being cautious around the surgical area. In some cases, we may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse to help prevent infection.
Is a Wisdom Teeth Extraction Really Necessary?
At Smiland Dental Fort Lauderdale , we recognize that every patient and their teeth are unique. Whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed depends largely on the size of your palate. If there is enough space for your third molars to grow in properly and without causing issues, there's no need for removal. However, if a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, it can harm surrounding teeth and roots, and increase the risk of infection. The best way to determine whether your wisdom teeth should be removed is to schedule a consultation with us. Call (954) 589-0292 to book an appointment, and we will provide a recommendation and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.