Some of your earliest childhood memories likely involve learning how to brush your teeth to keep them healthy for a lifetime. It seems counterintuitive, then, that dentists would recommend extracting teeth. But it’s actually incredibly common to have wisdom teeth removed. In fact, wisdom teeth are the most commonly extracted of all teeth. Why? As it turns out, there are many reasons why Dr. Keider would recommend wisdom tooth extraction.
Extracting wisdom teeth ensures that the rest of your teeth have the space to grow in properly. We can also prevent issues like gum disease and shifting teeth by proactively removing these troublesome molars.
When a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Makes Sense
We decide to remove wisdom teeth when we believe it will benefit you in the long run. Wisdom tooth extraction can help prevent problems down the line, ultimately setting you up for a lifetime of better oral health.
When wisdom teeth start to grow in, they tend to erupt misaligned. And because the mouth is usually too small to accommodate wisdom teeth, these molars may remain trapped beneath the gum line. Even if your wisdom teeth do emerge, they can still become impacted. This means that they only partially erupt through the gums.
Patients typically find it challenging to keep impacted teeth clean, as food gets trapped between the gums and the tooth. This struggle not only contributes to tooth decay but also increases the risk of periocornitis, an inflammatory gum disease that can be very painful.
When wisdom teeth do emerge, they often come in at the wrong angle. This misalignment may shift the rest of your teeth, potentially causing bite problems and overcrowding.
By removing problematic wisdom teeth, we prevent these issues from occurring later on, saving you pain and discomfort.
Dr. Keider may recommend extracting wisdom teeth between the ages of 15 and 22, as removing them earlier in life usually results in faster and better healing.
What Wisdom Tooth Extraction is Like
It’s not uncommon for patients to feel anxious about wisdom tooth extraction. But at Keider DDS, we work with patients to make them feel comfortable during the extraction procedure.
Dr. Keider performs most wisdom teeth extractions in-house, with a simple, safe process.
To extract wisdom teeth, he’ll use safe and effective sedation dentistry to help reduce discomfort during the procedure. Dr. Keider offers nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, which enables you to relax while staying awake. But if you need a deeper sedation because you’re sensitive to sounds and sensations, he’ll refer you to a qualified IV sedation specialist.
Once you’re numb and comfortable, Dr. Keider will make a small gum incision if necessary. Then, he will remove the tooth, clean the socket, and stitch your gum closed.
Dr. Keider provides comprehensive aftercare instructions for the days or weeks that follow. These will walk you through how to keep the surgical site clean, manage pain, and provide recommendations for soft foods to eat during the healing period.
Typically, your wisdom tooth extraction heals in about two weeks.
When Can Wisdom Teeth Stay?
While it is very common to have wisdom teeth extracted, not everyone needs them removed. For instance, you may not need to remove wisdom teeth if they are healthy and have enough space to erupt. If they grow into the correct position and you’re able to clean teeth all the way in the back of your mouth, Dr. Keider might not need to perform an extraction.
Moreover, not everyone has wisdom teeth. So you might not need to worry about wisdom teeth extraction at all! Everyone’s mouth is different, and Dr. Keider will determine if you’ll need a wisdom teeth extraction when he examines your smile.
Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Consultation
Wisdom tooth extractions help prevent future dental problems. If we think you’ll benefit from an extraction, Dr. Keider is prepared to provide you with a comfortable extraction experience. When you stop in for a consultation, we’ll discuss a possible extraction, formulate a treatment plan, and go over any cost concerns you may have. Schedule your consultation today!
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