Wisdom Tooth Extractions for Coppell and Beyond
Your wisdom teeth, or third set of molars, start coming in between the ages of 15 and 25. Although this happens naturally, our modern jaws typically don’t have room for them. Our ancient ancestors needed them because our diet was much tougher back then and mainly consisted of roots and lightly cooked meats. Typically, an adult would have lost a set of molars by the time the wisdom teeth started erupting. Thanks to modern dentistry and cooking techniques, they are no longer needed, and in fact, can cause many problems that can affect a person’s entire smile.
That’s why Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics offers wisdom teeth extractions. Our specialist will perform your procedure in one visit to our Coppell office. And to make your visit more comfortable, we’re happy to talk to you about our sedation options. We want your experience to be as comfortable as possible.
What Happens If My Wisdom Teeth Aren’t Extracted?
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can give bacteria and germs a place to multiply, which could result in an infection and the formation of cysts. Tumors may even form. An erupting wisdom tooth can also cause crowding, pushing teeth out of their correct position as it tries to come in. This can lead to severe pain, swelling, and infection. Thankfully, these problems are avoidable with a simple extraction procedure.
Would you like to talk to our Coppell dental team about a wisdom tooth extraction procedure? Call Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics today. We serve Lewisville, Irving, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Arlington, Frisco, and the surrounding areas with quality, personalized dental care.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
When it comes to questions regarding certain subjects, our office gets quite a few when it comes to wisdom tooth extractions. After all, more often than not, people need to have them removed but aren’t sure why. If you were recently told that one or more of your wisdom teeth require removal, you can trust the dentists at Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics to provide you with detailed answers. For your convenience, our most commonly asked questions can be found below.
Will I definitely need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
In most cases, erupting wisdom teeth only cause neighboring teeth to shift out of place. This makes the mouth crowded, putting you at higher risk of other dental complications. Only in very rare cases is the human mouth large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, especially if all four erupt. Even then, it’s not uncommon for dentists to recommend extraction as wisdom teeth only become more difficult to remove as you age. With that said, a detailed exam and X-ray at our office will help us determine the best treatment approach for you.
How do I know if I need wisdom teeth removed?
If you already keep up with routine dental exams, one of our dentists will be able to confirm if your wisdom teeth should come out or not. However, you may also need to have them removed if you are experiencing specific symptoms. The most common ones include:
- Tooth or jaw pain
- Swelling, redness, or inflammation around the gums
- Occasional swelling or bleeding
- Frequent oral infections near wisdom teeth
What does it mean when a wisdom tooth is impacted?
When a wisdom tooth (or any tooth for that matter) is impacted, it means that it is essentially trapped underneath gum tissue and therefore cannot erupt properly. In order to remove the tooth, a small incision will need to be made into the gums and the tooth will likely be broken into smaller pieces before a safe extraction can occur. Without attention, the tooth can easily become infected, so prompt treatment is highly recommended.
Will I be sedated for wisdom tooth extraction?
At the bare minimum, you will receive local anesthetic around the tooth and the nearby gums to ensure you do not feel any sensation during the actual procedure. However, Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics is happy to provide multiple sedation options for those who may be feeling nervous or anxious about an upcoming wisdom tooth extraction.
How long does it take to recover following a tooth extraction?
The bulk of recovery following a wisdom tooth extraction takes about three to five days, but this also depends on the patient. In most cases, you should be able to resume normal activities after about five to seven days of healing. After about two weeks, your mouth should be fully healed. To relieve any minor discomfort during this healing period, you can take over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. We also recommend taking a break from strenuous physical activity and avoiding the use of straws for the first 48 hours after treatment.