Wisdom Tooth Extraction Near You
As you’re most likely aware, your wisdom teeth are situated at the back of your mouth on the top and bottom rows. While not everyone has wisdom teeth, the majority of patients do. Sometimes, they need to be extracted to help preserve the health of your smile. If you’re looking for a reliable dentist in Grande Prairie who can perform this procedure, contact us here at Bear Creek Dental!
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Your wisdom teeth are the last molars to appear. Occasionally, they fit comfortably in one’s mouth, meaning they don’t require treatment. However, they often disrupt the natural development of one’s smile and must be removed to create more space and allow your teeth to grow properly.
A common reason for this procedure is impaction. This is when your tooth erupts at an irregular angle and jams up against another tooth. This can cause fragmentation and severe pain, amongst other symptoms. To avoid structural damage to your smile, you’ll need to contact a dentist near you and have them examine your oral cavity. By doing so, they can understand the extent of the issue and determine if you’re an ideal candidate for extraction.
What Happens During the Procedure?
You’ll be given anesthesia to remain relaxed during the appointment. If you’re dealing with high anxiety or the procedure is lengthy, you may be an ideal candidate for sedation dentistry.
The first step entails cutting into your gums to reach the tooth. Any debris surrounding it, such as bone, tissues, or even decay, will be cleared away as needed. Dental forceps are employed to carefully loosen and remove the tooth. Sutures are used to close the socket and promote healing.
Giving your mouth and body time to heal after the surgery is essential. Be gentle when brushing the site, and take over-the-counter medication to manage discomfort and swelling. Keeping your head elevated will help control any bleeding that occurs. Eating soft foods like mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and yogurt is best for the first few days while your mouth is tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
The wisdom tooth may require extraction if they do not emerge correctly and are causing issues such as pain, infection, affecting neighbouring teeth and more. Sometimes, they may not have enough space to grow properly, leading to discomfort or swelling.
If needed for your oral health, our dentist will recommend wisdom teeth removal to prevent potential dental problems. They’ll assess your situation and guide you through the most suitable treatment options.
When pulling out your wisdom teeth, a dentist will administer some anesthesia to the site. Occasionally, the procedure is accompanied by a sedative or general anesthesia. Our dentist will carefully remove the wisdom teeth, and if necessary, may make small cuts in the gum tissue to access the teeth. After the teeth have been extracted the area will be cleaned to enhance the healing process and also minimize the risk of infection.
Following the extraction, the patient should follow the instructions provided by the dentist to prevent infection. After 24 hours, gently rinse the area with saltwater. Avoid brushing the extraction site for a few days, and eat soft foods to protect the area while it heals.
You should avoid eating hard, crunchy, or hot foods right after the extraction. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup. It’s important to chew away from the extraction site and stay hydrated, but avoid sucking through straws to prevent complications.
Usually, they refer to the third set of permanent teeth that may not emerge completely through the gum line or those that have emerged sideways. This can cause them to become trapped in the jaw or under the gum tissue, leading to pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth. In most cases, affected wisdom teeth have to be removed (extracted) to avoid additional complications.
After your wisdom teeth are removed, avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, or vigorous physical activity for a few days. These actions can create pressure or disturb the healing process, leading to complications like dry sockets, infections and more. Follow our dental clinic’s professional dentist’s aftercare recommendation carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
Have Questions?
Do you have any inquiries about wisdom tooth extraction in Grande Prairie? Our dental team is here to help! Your concerns are our concerns, and we will do everything possible to ensure that your time at our practice is smooth and comfortable.
Contact us by phoning (780) 530-0404 today; we can restore your smile quickly.