Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What It Is, Why It Is Performed, and Aftercare

Toothaches can be infuriating and, at times, even debilitating. There are a host of reasons as to why this happens, such as due to an infection or tooth decay. Every day, countless people seek tooth extractions in York Harbor to remove the affected tooth and restore their oral health.

Wisdom teeth removal in York Harbor is quite common since impacted wisdom teeth are known to cause patients to incur many sleepless nights. In these cases, our dentist in York Harbor, ME, may recommend that your wisdom teeth be removed.

Although they are the last to emerge, they are usually the first set of permanent teeth to be extracted. There is a myriad of reasons as to why this happens. Let’s take a look.

Why Wisdom Teeth Removal Is Sometimes Deemed Necessary

Typically, wisdom teeth will erupt from the age of 17 to roughly 25. That’s why they are referred to as wisdom teeth. These are the third molars that grow at the back of the mouth. They are typically large and erupt after all the other teeth have already settled into place.

For some people, their wisdom teeth will erupt without any issues. And for others, their wisdom teeth might erupt partially or not at all. Typically, this is among the top reasons for wisdom tooth removal in York Harbor.

Other than your wisdom teeth being impacted, our family dentist near you may deem it necessary to extract your wisdom teeth if:

• Your wisdom teeth are poorly positioned, which may cause bacteria and food to get trapped and cause an infection.
• Your third molars or wisdom teeth do not have enough space to emerge, leading to crowding, which might cause damage to the surrounding teeth.
• Your wisdom teeth have partially emerged and have given bacteria a pocket in which they can hide and cause an infection.
• Your wisdom teeth are not erupting upwards or downwards as they should and are erupting at an angle, therefore pushing on the other teeth.

Remember that our number one priority is to preserve your natural teeth at all costs. However, if your teeth jeopardize your oral health and, in turn, your overall health, then the only option would be to extract the affected teeth.

What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Wisdom teeth removal is an outpatient surgical procedure, meaning that you can go home after the surgery is complete. Most people get anxious when they hear that they may need to undergo this procedure as they assume that the procedure is quite painful. However, it is done to alleviate pain.

Our dentist near you will use anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. We may administer the following types of anesthesia:

• Local Anesthesia

Typically, local anesthesia will be administered via injections close to the affected tooth. With local anesthesia, you will be awake during the surgery. You will not feel pain, but you might feel some pressure and movement.

• General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is typically administered to patients who desire to be unconscious throughout the procedure. You will not feel pain, and neither will you have any recollection of the procedure. It is administered either through inhalation or intravenously.

After the anesthesia has kicked in, our family dentist near you will do the following:

• Make an incision so that the bone and root will be exposed.
• Remove the bone that is blocking the tooth root.
• Divide the tooth into pieces to make it easier to remove.
• Remove the pieces.
• Clean the socket of any debris.
• Stitch the wound to promote wound healing.
• Gauze will be placed to aid in clotting.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery is a gradual process. It may take over two weeks for you to fully heal. However, you can do the following to ensure that you heal as you should:

• Use icepacks to help reduce the swelling
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Eat soft foods
• Take the prescribed drugs
• Brush your teeth a day or so after the surgery
• Avoid hard and sticky foods
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid drinking using a straw because this can cause the clots to dislodge from the socket
• Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously

Wisdom teeth extraction is quite common, and there is no need for you to be afraid of the procedure. Contact our dentist in York Harbor, ME, at York Dental Group for more information.