How are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Often developing during late adolescence, the emergence of wisdom teeth is often accompanied by oral pain, difficulty maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine, as well as an increased risk of developing dental problems such as pericoronitis, gum disease, and tooth decay. As a result, early removal is often recommended to protect the health and function of a patient’s smile.

While wisdom tooth extraction may sound like an overwhelming, extensive process, many patients find the procedure to be fairly straightforward and the recovery convenient, as illustrated by the following steps:

Treatment Development

During this phase, an oral surgeon conducts a thorough evaluation of your smile to determine the number of wisdom teeth present in the dentition as well as how they are developing in relation to the rest of the smile. At Lorton-Springfield Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, our NorthernVirginia oral surgeon uses advanced imaging technology to determine whether the teeth are partially or fully impacted. Thanks to these high powered tools, Dr. Patel is able to create a strategic treatment plan for removing the tooth and ensuring successful recovery.

Preparation

Once the treatment plan has been developed, patients have the option of selecting a sedation option. While not necessary, many have found dental sedation to be a welcome relaxation method. At our Lorton and Springfield offices, intravenous sedation is offered as way to remain conscious and responsive during the removal procedure yet in a state where patients often do not recall the details of their procedure.

For patients receiving sedation dentistry, there are certain preparations the must be made. In particular, patients must fast for at least six hours prior to their procedure. Additionally, individuals must enlist the help of a family member or friend to bring them back to their home following their procedure.

The Procedure

Local anesthesia is first applied to the area and a surgical tool is used to open the gums, revealing the bone and tooth. A specialized tool is then used to remove the tooth. If the molar is too large to be removed as one piece, it will be broken into smaller pieces for easier extraction. Once the tooth is out, the gums are sutured together and left to heal.

Post-Treatment Healing

Following wisdom tooth extraction, patients may experience some swelling in the tissue and cheeks near the treatment site. To ensure successful recovery, Dr. Patel provides patients with recovery instructions, including directions to avoid strenuous activity and smoking. To prevent dry socket, patients should avoid touching the treatment area with their tongue or using straws as this can dislodge the developing blood clot and expose the area to food and bacteria.

Undergoing wisdom tooth extraction is a normal, simple process that can protect the long-term health of your smile. For more information about this treatment, schedule your consultation at Lorton-Springfield Oral Surgery and Dental Implants today.