Wisdom teeth are molars that emerge near the back of the jaw in early adulthood. Sometimes, these teeth emerge with no issues, and no special care is needed. However, many people require wisdom tooth extraction to avoid complications. Here’s a guide to the procedure for those who may need it. 

Why a Dentist Might Recommend Wisdom Teeth Removal

The wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the jaw, and they often don’t have enough space to fully emerge. This may cause them to grow in crooked or become impacted, pushing against your jaw, gums, or other teeth. This can be painful and may even lead to infection, which is why dentists often recommend removal if these teeth are impacted or have little room to emerge. Additionally, some wisdom teeth should be removed if they have cavities or tooth decay. 

What the Procedure Is Like

Wisdom tooth extraction often takes under an hour. An oral surgeon will typically use anesthesia to numb the area. Then they’ll make an incision in the gums if necessary to access the tooth. Once they extract the tooth from the jaw, they’ll add stitches to the gums and repeat the process for any additional wisdom teeth. 

Aftercare Tips

After wisdom tooth extraction, the gums usually need about two weeks to heal. During that time, avoid anything that could irritate the area. In the days following surgery, avoid hot or crunchy foods, and don’t drink through a straw, as this forces the cheeks to rub against the back of the gums. Instead, get plenty of rest, take anti-inflammatories if recommended by your dentist, and eat soft foods. Brush and floss the rest of your teeth like normal, but avoid the incision area. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with salt water to clean the wound and prevent infection. 

If you think you need wisdom tooth extraction, contact Stadler Dental Care in Columbus, NE. The family dentist provides a wide array of both preventive and restorative dental services. Dr. Stadler and the team explain options and care instructions clearly and help patients feel comfortable during each procedure. Visit the website to see a full list of dental care services, or call (402) 564-4093 for an appointment.