Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Farmington, CT
Painlessly Eliminate the Root of the Problem
Nowadays, wisdom tooth extractions are so common that they are viewed as a rite of passage. But how much do you really know about this procedure? If you’re interested in learning more about this surgical periodontal treatment, we have good news: you’re in the right place. Below, you will find some helpful information, including what to expect in the treatment chair, but don’t hesitate to give us a call if you’d like to speak with a friendly member of our team!
Why Choose BPS Periodontics for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Two Conveniently Located Offices
- Team Led by Two Board-Certified Periodontists
- Sedation Dentistry Available
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars. They typically make an appearance between the ages of 16 and 25; however, there are some patients who don’t have any. In fact, it’s estimated that upwards of 37% of patients don’t have wisdom teeth!
At your biannual dental visits, we review your latest X-rays to keep an eye on the development of your third set of molars. If there does come a time when they pose a risk to your oral health or overall quality of life, we will recommend having them removed.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Usually, our goal is to save your natural teeth. However, wisdom teeth can lead to several problems, including chronic jaw pain, difficulty keeping your molars decay-free, and bite misalignment. If that’s the case, then we will recommend having them removed before they negatively impact your oral and overall health.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
It’s very common for patients to worry about the procedure. However, the first step is always the same: numbing your mouth. Plus, we offer both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, which can alleviate anxiety, stress, and nerves.
Once you’re ready to begin, we will grip the tooth, gently rock it loose, remove it, and tend to the extraction site. If the tooth is trapped underneath the gumline, then an incision will need to be made first. Again, you don’t have to worry – your mouth will be completely numbed beforehand to ensure you don’t feel any pain.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Following your wisdom tooth extraction, it’s important to rest and recover. More specifically, we recommend:
- Changing the gauze as needed
- Keeping your head elevated
- Eating only extremely soft foods, like cottage cheese
- Not smoking or drinking alcohol
- Taking OTC or prescribed pain medicine as directed
- Drinking water to stay hydrated (don’t use a straw!)
Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Called That?
The name of wisdom teeth might seem funny. After all, they cause so much trouble that they hardly seem “wise” at all. However, their name does not stem from what they do. Rather, it comes from when they develop.
Wisdom teeth have that name because they typically emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood, a period when individuals are considered to have reached a new stage of maturity. Indeed, when they get their wisdom teeth, people tend to be older and “wiser” than they were when they received their other adult teeth.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Some individuals have all four, while others may have fewer or none at all. Rarely, a person gets more than four teeth at the very back of their mouth. The number and presence of wisdom teeth can depend on genetics and other factors.
Remember that even if you cannot see your wisdom teeth, you might still have them! There are situations where wisdom teeth remain trapped within the jawbone and do not erupt. Your general dentist in Farmington or our specialty team can perform comprehensive assessments to identify whether you have wisdom teeth, how many you have, and whether or not they may pose a threat to your oral health.
How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Preparation for wisdom tooth extraction involves several important steps. We recommend scheduling a consultation at our Farmington practice so that we may review your medical history and discuss any concerns. Prior to the procedure, fasting may be required depending on the type of sedation that we plan to use. Our team will provide clear pre-operative instructions.
Arranging transportation and planning time off work or school is crucial since recovery may require at least a few days of rest. You should also stock up on soft foods that will not irritate your surgical sites as your body heals.
How Do You Make Wisdom Teeth Pain Go Away?
Wisdom teeth pain often results from impaction, infection, or pressure on adjacent teeth. Temporary relief can be found through over-the-counter medications, cold compresses, and rinsing with warm salt water. However, these measures only provide short-term comfort.
Wisdom tooth extractions in Farmington are the only permanent solution to persistent wisdom tooth discomfort. Our specialists handle this procedure with the goal of ending your pain and supporting your long-term oral health.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
Patients often express concern about pain associated with wisdom tooth removal. Modern surgical techniques and anesthesia options make the procedure comfortable for most individuals. In fact, thanks to sedation, you might not feel anything at all during your appointment!
After the extraction, some discomfort and swelling are likely to occur, but these symptoms typically resolve within a 1 – 2 weeks. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you keep post-op discomfort to a minimum. For example, you may need to get extra rest, eat a modified diet, and take pain medications.
