What to Expect When You Have a Wisdom Tooth Extracted

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Since wisdom teeth serve no useful purpose, Dr. Owen Waldman typically recommends removing them. However, you may be able to avoid wisdom tooth extraction in Scottsdale, AZ, if you do not get all four wisdom teeth or they are not bothering you. Wisdom teeth are an unnecessary third set of molars.

Common Reasons for Extracting Wisdom Teeth

Dr. Waldman would advise you to schedule an appointment for wisdom tooth removal for any of the reasons listed below.

  • Bone loss
  • Crowded teeth
  • Cysts
  • Effects on your surrounding teeth
  • Gum disease or cavities
  • Impaction, which means that the teeth attempting to erupt may become trapped in your gums or jawbone due to lack of space
  • The teeth are erupting at an awkward angle

Most patients who need their wisdom teeth removed are between the ages of 18 and 25 since that is when the third set of molars usually erupts.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

Dr. Waldman provides you with anesthesia at the start of the appointment to ensure that you remain comfortable and do not feel pain. Patients typically receive general or IV anesthesia. Next, Dr. Waldman makes a cut in your bone, gums, or both to gain access to the unwanted wisdom teeth and removes them with a handheld instrument called an elevator. Receiving at least a few stiches is common.

You should plan to eat a soft foods diet for at least a few days after the procedure to give your mouth a chance to heal without the pressure of chewing hard foods. You can take over-the-counter medication and apply an ice pack to the side of your face as needed until the discomfort subsides.

Please schedule a consultation for wisdom tooth extraction in Scottsdale AZ if you think you have wisdom teeth trying to erupt.

Why do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Extracted?

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Wisdom teeth may present a problem for a variety of reasons. When they interfere with oral health or cause certain issues, your dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, may have to extract them. There are multiple reasons why this procedure may be needed.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last permanent adult teeth to come in. There are four of them, and they are located at the very back of the teeth, behind the last molars. In fact, wisdom teeth are often referred to as third molars. It’s believed that wisdom teeth are left over from ancient times when the human jaw was larger. However, in this day and age, human jaws are much smaller, and for this reason and others, wisdom teeth are sometimes problematic.

Common Reasons Why Wisdom Teeth Need to be Extracted

The ADA reports that there are many reasons why wisdom teeth should be extracted, including:

  • Interference with planned orthodontic treatment, such as when braces are going to be used to correct alignment issues
  • Pain or discomfort from the existence of wisdom teeth
  • Wisdom teeth causing TMJ
  • Oral infection
  • Nearby teeth are being damaged or pushed out of alignment
  • Wisdom teeth are coming in crooked or at awkward angle
  • Wisdom teeth are impacted
  • Patient has gum disease
  • Patient has excessive tooth decay
  • There is a risk of development, or existence of tumor or cyst

What Happens With Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

The procedure for the extraction of wisdom teeth depends upon whether the wisdom teeth have or have not yet come in. If they haven’t yet erupted, then there is a surgical procedure, and the patient must be anesthetized. If the wisdom teeth have already come in, the procedure is just like any other tooth extraction, where a local anesthetic is used.

If you need a wisdom tooth extraction in Scottsdale, AZ, your dentist will tell you exactly how they will proceed. In the meantime, to book an appointment, please contact us.