Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Rarely does someone have enough room for all of their wisdom teeth, and as a result, they tend to become impacted. This can be uncomfortable, push your other teeth forward, and create a space for food to become trapped. Impacted wisdom teeth can also increase your risk of infection and tooth decay. This is why we often recommend our patients have their wisdom teeth removed.

When you schedule an appointment with Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we can examine you, take X-rays, and let you know if and when you should schedule an extraction procedure. You can reach us by calling (305) 614-2438.

What is a tooth extraction?

We use tooth extraction to remove wisdom teeth. The exact method we use will depend on their current location and whether or not they are impacted.

What is a tooth extraction like?

First, you will receive anesthesia to numb the area and possibly nitrous oxide to help you relax and so you do not remember anything about the actual procedure.

If your wisdom teeth have grown in straight, removing them is fairly easy. Most likely, no surgery will be required. However, if your teeth are impacted, the procedure requires oral surgery to access the tooth. After numbing the area, a flap will be created in the gum tissue to get to the tooth. If muscle or bone is covering the tooth, that will also need to be cut away to provide clear access. At this point, Dr. Amador may be able to grab the tooth and simply lift it out of the socket. If, however, the tooth does not budge when being wiggled, it will need to be broken into several pieces that can be extracted individually.

Once the tooth has been entirely removed, the area will need to be carefully cleaned. Afterward, the flap of gum tissue can lie flat and be sutured back in place. To stop the bleeding, the dentist will place gauze on the area.

Care following wisdom teeth extraction?

Immediately following a wisdom teeth extraction, you will remain at our office until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. During this time, you will be monitored to ensure that any bleeding has slowed and the gauze is working sufficiently. So long as it is, we will send you home to finish your recovery. Just make sure you have someone pick you up so you do not need to drive home on your own.

At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we tell patients who are planning for an extraction to prepare ahead of time. You will need to rest when you get home, so have your bed ready with plenty of pillows to prop up your head. Fill your nightstand with bottles of water, gauze, ibuprofen, and some good books or movies. Plan on taking it easy for the next 48 hours. During that time, you may want to eat a lot of popsicles, ice cream, yogurt, gelatin, warm soup, and other soft foods that do not require chewing.

To manage swelling, you should ice your face for 15 minutes at a time and take ibuprofen around the clock for 24 to 48 hours. Afterward, you may still need some ibuprofen, but icing may no longer be necessary.

Gradually, you will be able to add solid foods to your diet and begin to eat like normal. The key is to take it easy and not rush the process. Slowly add soft foods that are easy to chew and work your way up to eating everything you did before the procedure. It may take up to two weeks to be 100% back to normal, so during this time, be sure to avoid nuts, chips, or foods that could scratch or puncture gum tissue.

You will need to schedule a follow-up visit with the dentist who performed the procedure to ensure you are healing properly. During this visit, you will get the sign-off to return to normal eating habits.

How long does it take to recover after wisdom teeth extraction?

The first 48 hours are critical since this is when you may experience bleeding, pressure, and swelling. After this, it can take a week or two to recover fully. Your recovery time will be based on the procedure and whether your wisdom teeth extraction was completed with surgery.

How to prevent an infection after extraction

As a dentist, we are always concerned about infections post-surgery. Whether you have a wisdom teeth extraction or need to have another tooth removed, there is always the risk that the area will become exposed to bacteria. To prevent this, you should rinse your mouth periodically with warm saltwater. Brushing your teeth is also important, even though you need to carefully avoid the surgical site. In some cases, an antibiotic mouth rinse may also be prescribed.

Is wisdom teeth extraction really necessary?

At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we understand that each of our patients is unique, and so are their teeth. Whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed will depend on the size of your palate. If you have plenty of room for all your teeth and your third molars, they can stay in place. There is no point in removing something that grows in straight and is healthy. However, any tooth that grows in impacted needs to be removed because it is posing a direct threat to your other teeth and roots, in addition to being a target for infections. The best way to find out if your wisdom teeth should be removed is to call (305) 614-2438 and schedule an appointment with our Coral Gables dentist office. We can make a recommendation and answer any questions you have about the procedure.

Dental Terminology

Anesthesia

A medication administered as a gas, injection, or pill that helps patients not feel pain or sensations during surgical procedures.

Asymptomatic Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth that show no symptoms of irritation, inflammation, or crowding other teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums, and/or bite.

Cysts

Fluid-filled sacs that can occur anywhere on the body, even in or around the mouth/teeth.

Dental Checkup

An appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection, and removing them at least once every six months in the office.

Dental Prophylaxis

A professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth.

Dentist

A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.

Dry Socket

A condition that can occur after pulling a tooth out and seeing white bone in the socket; symptoms of dry socket include bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Oral Surgery

A type of surgery that focuses on the mouth, jaw, gums, or teeth to repair, enhance, or correct multiple issues in the mouth.

Pericoronitis

The inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the crown of a partially-erupted tooth.

Preventative Dentistry

The branch of dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar, and infections in the mouth.

Third Molars

Also known as the wisdom teeth, they typically require removal to prevent pain and other issues in the mouth.

Vacuum-Formed Mouthguard

The process of customizing the mouth guard to match a mold of an individual patient’s teeth for a perfect fit.

Wisdom Teeth Impaction

When the wisdom teeth are under the gums enough that an individual cannot reach them with a toothbrush.

Schedule an Appointment

If you live in the Coral Gables area, call (305) 614-2438 to schedule your dental exam so you can remain in good dental health or receive treatment for a current condition.