Safely Extracting Wisdom Teeth for a Healthier Smile
When the wisdom teeth, or third molars, do not erupt properly, you can develop a range of oral health issues. Whether it is trapped below the gums or coming in at the wrong angle, a troublesome wisdom tooth can cause gum disease, cavities, and infection.
At Las Sendas Dental Health, our doctors can perform both simple and complex wisdom tooth extraction to remove problematic teeth and protect your smile. Dr. Martin Farnsworth and Dr. Derek Farnsworth perform extractions at our convenient offices in Mesa, AZ. For complex extractions, we offer multiple sedation options to ensure your comfort.
When to Remove Wisdom Teeth
The third set of molars at the back of your jaw are called wisdom teeth. Because these molars typically erupt between ages 17 and 25, a large portion of the population does not have space in their jaw for them. Dr. Farnsworth may recommend an extraction for wisdom teeth that are:
- Impacted: An impacted tooth is trapped in the jawbone or under the gums and can cause infection or other issues.
- Erupted at the wrong angle: Crooked wisdom teeth can press against neighboring teeth and cause damage or shifting.
- Difficult to clean: The location of wisdom teeth can make them difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss. Over time, these limitations in oral hygiene can cause cavities and gum disease.
Typically, Dr. Derek Farnsworth and Dr. Martin Farnsworth recommend removing wisdom teeth before they become an issue. By taking x-rays of your jaw, we can often predict whether or not you have enough space in your jaw for wisdom teeth to erupt properly.
What to Expect during the Procedure
At Las Sendas Dental Health, we offer both simple and complex wisdom tooth removals. When the wisdom tooth is visible above the gum line, Dr. Farnsworth can perform a simple extraction by grasping the tooth with forceps and removing it from the socket. Wisdom teeth that are impacted below the gum line usually require a complex extraction.
If we use sedation during your procedure, someone will need to drive you home.
For a complex wisdom tooth removal, we can provide nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Farnsworth will need to create incisions into the gums or bone to reveal the impacted tooth. Once the tooth is removed, he may need to place sutures to help your gums heal.
Recovering after Wisdom Tooth Removal
If we use sedation during your procedure, someone will need to drive you home. Make sure to get plenty of rest during the first 24 hours or so after your appointment. Most patients should expect some swelling and discomfort for a few days.
To make your recovery more comfortable, you should:
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling or bruising
- Gently open and close your jaw to exercise it
- Eat soft foods, such as ice cream, pasta, and soup
- Take any medication we prescribe
- Drink plenty of fluids
For the first few days, do not drink through a straw and try to avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully. A blood clot will form in the area of extraction and you do not want to disturb it.
Eliminate a Potential Health Hazard
At Las Sendas Dental Health, we offer comfortable and convenient treatment for a range of patients. For more information about wisdom tooth removal or the other oral surgery services we offer, contact our office online or call us in Mesa at (480) 283-5854.
