Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause pain or discomfort as they come in, but that should subside once they have fully erupted. However, other problems can sometimes occur after the wisdom teeth come in. Some potential problems include overcrowding, tooth pain, infection, decay, and gum disease. In those situations, it is often best to have the wisdom teeth removed. A dentist can determine if removal is the best option. At Heritage Dental Associates, Dr. Jeffery Kendrick is your dentist for removal of wisdom teeth in Fayetteville, GA.

Reasons for Extracting Wisdom Teeth

The main reason for removing wisdom teeth is often pain. If the wisdom teeth are either impacted, meaning they have not fully erupted, or are causing crowding of other teeth, pain and discomfort can result. The pain and discomfort can be alleviated by extracting crowded or impacted wisdom teeth. Your Fayetteville dentist can determine if extraction is the best option in your situation. Reasons for extracting wisdom teeth include:

• Extensive tooth pain and discomfort
• Impacted wisdom teeth that will not fully erupt
• Crowding of the teeth when there is insufficient space
• Infection or decay develops in the wisdom teeth
• The wisdom teeth become infected or develop areas of decay.

Extraction Procedure

The procedure for getting your wisdom teeth removed can be performed in your dentist’s office. A local anesthetic and possibly a sedative are typically administered prior to the procedure to minimize potential pain or discomfort and to help patients relax. The dentist makes a small incision in the gums around each tooth being extracted, then gently pulls out the teeth. The gums are then stitched closed once the problem teeth have all been extracted.

There can be some slight swelling, bruising, and bleeding for a few days following the extraction procedure. During this time, it is best to rest at home before resuming normal daily activities. While recovering, ice packs can be applied to the cheeks to minimize swelling or bruising. Gauze pads can be placed on the extraction sites if any bleeding occurs. Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can be used to alleviate any pain or discomfort that develops. Finally, rinsing with salt water several times daily will help clear away blood and keep the mouth clean.

Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be beneficial in many situations, such as when the teeth are impacted or when crowding occurs. To speak with a dentist about the possible removal of your wisdom teeth in Fayetteville, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffery Kendrick by calling Heritage Dental Associates at (770) 460-9795.