At Angleton Family Dental, we believe the first choice should always be to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible. There are times, however, when extraction is necessary to maintain your smile and oral health. Wisdom teeth extraction, for example, is often required because they become impacted, or to make space for adjacent teeth.
A full set of natural teeth includes three sets of molars, those teeth we use for chewing our food. That third set way in the back, your wisdom teeth, are prone to coming in crooked, crowding their neighbors, or not erupting from the gum at all (impaction). If your mouth is too small to accommodate a full complement of teeth, removing your wisdom teeth can alleviate crowding, and avoid more extensive and costly surgery later.
Getting Ready for Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is a relatively simple procedure that can be completed in a single visit. We want every patient to be comfortable and informed before your wisdom teeth extraction, and during the procedure. We will use a local anesthetic to numb the area for your comfort. To reduce stress and minimize discomfort, you may choose sedation service for your visit.
If you opt for sedation for your surgery, we recommend you have someone accompany you for your scheduled visit, as there may be some residual effects of the sedative when the procedure is completed.
Your Angleton Family dentist will consult with you prior to scheduling the wisdom teeth extraction. At this time, we will explain the procedure, and post-surgery care. We’ll answer any questions you may have, and discuss any health issues you may have or medications you’re currently taking.
What to Expect Post-Surgery
After your wisdom teeth extraction, we will schedule a follow-up visit to make sure your gums are healing well with no complications. It may take up to one week for your mouth to fully heal, during which you will be prescribed pain medication.
You can reduce swelling by applying an ice pack to the area periodically. Your Angleton Family dentist will recommend some options to prevent dryness of the mouth, like drinking plenty of water. You may feel some sensitivity to cold for some time post-surgery. This is common as the adjacent molars adjust after the wisdom teeth have been removed, and will eventually subside.
Your dentist will advise a no-solid-food diet for the first 24 hours, and gradually reintroduce chewable foods as your mouth heals. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the foods you love, and flashing that terrific smile.
If you need wisdom teeth extraction surgery, schedule your consultation today with us at Angleton Family Dental. We are pledged to give each of our valued patients quality dental care in a comforting environment.
If you need wisdom teeth extraction surgery, schedule your consultation today with us at Angleton Family Dental. We are pledged to give each of our valued patients quality dental care in a comforting environment.
