Wisdom Tooth Extractions Salmon Creek
We Can Help You Say Goodbye to Your Wisdom Teeth
Our team at Salmon Creek Complete Dentistry understands what a hassle impacted wisdom teeth can be since they cause discomfort while also increasing your risk of potentially serious symptoms. That can throw a wrench into anyone’s day! But don’t worry – that’s where we step in. Providing top-tier care is our calling, so we’ll ensure you enjoy the utmost comfort throughout the process. If you are interested in learning more about wisdom tooth extractions, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kelly or read on!
Why Choose Salmon Creek Complete Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Dentist Welcomes Patients of All Ages
- Dental Practice Uses State-of-the-Art Technology
- We Focus on Whole-Body Health, Not Just Your Smile
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to grow in. Since they emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and wisdom comes with age, they earned the nickname “wisdom teeth.” While they were essential for our ancestors, they are usually more harmful than helpful for patients today because our jaws have evolved to be smaller than those of our ancestors, so there isn’t always enough space for these late-arriving teeth.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
There are several issues that can arise if there isn’t enough room in your mouth for your third set of molars, including cysts and infections. Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause severe pain and damage the neighboring second molars if left untreated. In situations like these, it’s best to have an extraction performed by an experienced dentist who specializes in wisdom tooth removal surgeries.
Dr. Kelly is prepared to guide each patient through the wisdom teeth removal process. He will explain why your third molars are causing discomfort, review assessment X-rays, and discuss possible sedation options to ensure a comfortable surgical experience.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
The treatment plan for wisdom tooth extractions varies from case to case and depends on various factors such as age, tooth positioning, and personal oral health history. That said, there are two types of extractions: simple and surgical. With simple extractions, we can numb your mouth, grip the tooth, and rock it loose until it’s ready to be removed. With surgical extractions, we need to create a small incision in your gums to access the tooth. Then, we can focus on removing it section by section.
Important reminder: If you struggle with dental-related anxiety, you need multiple extractions, or you have a sensitive gag reflex, we can add sedation dentistry to your treatment plan to ensure your experience is positive, calm, and comfortable.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
To ensure the recovery period goes smoothly as well, we will provide you with aftercare instructions, like:
- Taking prescribed or OTC pain medication (following the directions on the label, of course)
- Carefully brushing and flossing around the extraction site
- Using a cold compress in 10-minute intervals
- Sticking to a diet consisting of only soft foods, like cottage cheese
- Propping yourself up on a few pillows so your head stays elevated while you sleep
- Avoiding strenuous exercise, like running and lifting weights