Wisdom Tooth Extraction Dallas, TX

Wisdom teeth were once spares that came in during young adulthood to replace molars that were worn down due to early man’s diet. Today, however, they are no longer necessary, and often cause many oral health problems like impaction, cavities, crowding, and gum disease.

Thankfully, protecting your healthy adult teeth from damage and keeping them clean doesn’t have to be a challenge with wisdom tooth extraction. Your oral surgeon can skillfully remove these damaged teeth, safeguarding your mouth and preventing further problems from occurring.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are four molars that come in at the very back of your mouth beginning around the ages of 17 to 26. Researchers believe that they once acted as back-up teeth for early man, whose diet consisted of many tough-to-chew foods like roots, plants, and tough meats. Over time, as humans’ diets changed, they no longer needed these teeth, and as they evolved, their jaws became smaller and less able to accommodate them.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Today, even though we no longer need wisdom teeth, we still get them. But while it might be nice to have a few backup teeth, unfortunately they often cause more harm than good. Often, because they have little room, they can grow in sideways and become impacted. This can in turn cause them to break the neighboring teeth, or cause crowding, brushing and flossing problems, and even gum disease. Thus, it is usually best to remove them.

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

Wisdom tooth extraction is nothing to be afraid of. Before the procedure begins, your dentist will make sure that you are sedated and unable to feel any discomfort. Once you are completely numb, your dentist will remove your wisdom teeth and stitch the incision sites closed with a dissolving suture. This will not need to be removed and should completely dissolve within a week or so. Your mouth will be packed with gauze to bite down on to stop any bleeding, and you will be able to return home to recover for a few days.

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Recovering from wisdom teeth extraction is easier than you might think. First, be sure to follow our care instructions.  Stay on schedule with your pain medication, avoid hot beverages for the first 24 hours, avoid caffeine for two to three days following your procedure, and do not drink from a straw for at least one week.

Furthermore, stick to soft foods or liquids for the first few days, and apply cold compresses to your cheeks over the extraction sites for greater pain relief. Get plenty of rest and be sure to avoid strenuous activity for at least two to three days after. Soon, your stitches will dissolve (never pull on them!) and you will be able to return to your regular diet.