Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Peachtree Corners, GA
Wisdom Tooth Extraction provided by Dr. Clint Baugham
in Peachtree Corners, GA at Southern Family Dental Care
The term "wisdom teeth" refers to your third molars but has no connection to the rapid onset of wisdom. Although it varies for each person, these teeth erupt at the back of the upper and lower jaw between the late teens and early twenties.
The set of 32 adult teeth is completed by two wisdom teeth at the top of the mouth and two at the bottom.Your dentist may worry that the wisdom teeth will disturb the nearby teeth or affect your bite if they cannot erupt at the proper angle. This condition is called wisdom teeth impaction. At Southern Family Dental Care, we help you to figure out the pros and cons of removing your third molars vs. retaining them.
When you come in for your appointment in Peachtree Corners, GA, we will will determine whether or not and how to remove the wisdom teeth while keeping you at ease throughout the procedure.
How Do I Know if I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Sometimes the four wisdom teeth can erupt naturally without any issues. However, when they erupt at a certain angle or remain wholly or partially impacted under the gum line or within the jawbone, they can cause multiple issues. There is a definite connection between jaw pain and impacted molars.
Your dental professional can advise wisdom teeth removal in the following circumstances:
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You are suffering from dental pain at the back of your mouth.
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There's food and debris trapped around your wisdom teeth.
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Develop any gum disease around your wisdom teeth.
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Develop any cavities or have tooth decay in or around the wisdom tooth.
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Develop an abscess around the wisdom teeth.
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The neighboring teeth or surrounding bone have been damaged in any way. |
Dental professionals often advise the removal of wisdom teeth as a precautionary measure. Even if you are symptom-free, Dr. Clint Baugham may advise wisdom teeth removal. This can lessen your likelihood of developing issues down the road, such as infections and tooth decay.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Removing the damaged or impacted wisdom teeth can have the following benefits:
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Prevention of decay and infection
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Improvement of oral health
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Prevention of damage to surrounding teeth
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Resolution of bad breath issues
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Removing facial and oral pain
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Prevention of further dental work |
What Happens Before Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Your dental professional will refer you to a surgeon for a consultation. During your first appointment, Dr. Clint Baugham will examine your wisdom teeth and take x-ray images to pinpoint their precise location.
We will also talk to you about your sedative choices. Depending on your particular circumstances, wisdom tooth extraction is often done under local anesthetic, IV sedation, or general anesthesia.
You should disclose any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking to Dr. Clint Baugham You should also use this opportunity to inquire about any concerns regarding the operation.
What Happens When You Get a Wisdom Tooth Pulled?
First, Dr. Clint Baugham will apply a local anesthetic to numb the gums around the wisdom teeth after giving you a sedative. They will next make incisions to gain access to the impacted wisdom teeth and remove them easily. Dr. Clint Baugham will then separate and pull the wisdom teeth out of their sockets, clean the holes, and stitch them up. The stitches will typically dissolve on their own in the next few days.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
The extraction process usually takes an hour or less. In complex cases, the procedure may take longer.
Use of Local Anesthetic
Drugs used in local anesthetics numb the targeted body part. They are available in topical and injectables and are used in basic procedures, such as stitching a cut, wisdom tooth removal, bone repairs, and performing biopsies. Patients only notice mild to medium pressure as an indication.
Local anesthetics ensure you don't experience otherwise intense pain by preventing the pain signals from the anesthetized location from reaching your brain.Recovery is simpler because the patient isn't unconscious while administering the local anesthetic. Local anesthetics do not work when the pain is too great to handle during significant and invasive treatments.
Risks of Using Local Anesthetic
Local anesthetics pose the following risks:
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Feeling of pins and needles at the surgical site
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Allergic reaction
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Muscle spasms
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Blurred vision
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Cardiac symptoms (uncommon) |
Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare
Here are some recommendations to facilitate a pain-free recovery following wisdom tooth removal:
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Any difficulty in talking, eating, and swallowing is temporary and will resolve on its own.
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In the initial days, try to get maximum rest.
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Avoid physical exertion for two to three days.
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Put an ice pack or cold compress on your face to reduce swelling.
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Maintain cleanliness by gently rinsing the surgical sites with an antibacterial mouthwash.
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Swish gently; excessive swishing might damage dry sockets and release blood clots.
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Regularly brush your other teeth.
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Take all prescribed medications as directed, including painkillers and antibiotics. |
What Should I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Load your pantry with soft foods such as rice, pasta, yogurt, eggs, and pudding. Ice cream and other cold foods can also be soothing to the surgery sites. Avoid rough, crunchy, or spicy meals because they can aggravate your stitches. Lastly, refrain from using straws when drinking. The pressure from suction can dislodge the essential blood clots, delaying the healing process.
What Is the Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery Time?
The average recovery time following wisdom tooth removal is three to four days. It might take up to two weeks to fully recover for more complex procedures.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction - FAQ's
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth are often removed to prevent or address problems such as overcrowding, impaction, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. When there isn't enough space for these teeth to grow in properly, they can cause pain and other dental issues.
What are the signs that my wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
Common signs that wisdom teeth may need to be extracted include pain at the back of the mouth, swelling around the gums, difficulty opening your mouth, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with your dentist for an evaluation.
What are the potential complications of wisdom tooth extraction?
While wisdom tooth extraction is generally safe, potential complications can include dry socket, infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. Your dentist will discuss these risks with you and provide instructions on how to minimize them.
How can I prepare for wisdom tooth extraction?
To prepare for wisdom tooth extraction, follow your dentist's instructions, which may include fasting for a certain period before the procedure, arranging for transportation home, and preparing a comfortable recovery area with soft foods and necessary supplies.
What should I expect during the recovery period after wisdom tooth extraction?
During the recovery period, you can expect some swelling, pain, and minor bleeding. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions to manage these symptoms, which may include taking prescribed pain medications, applying ice packs, and following a soft food diet. Most patients recover within a week.
Can I go to work or school after wisdom tooth extraction?
It's generally recommended to take at least one to two days off from work or school to rest after wisdom tooth extraction. The exact duration may vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and your individual healing process. Your dentist will provide specific advice based on your situation.
Will I be awake during wisdom tooth extraction?
The level of sedation used during wisdom tooth extraction can vary. Some patients are awake with local anesthesia, while others may receive sedation or general anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the best option for you based on your comfort level and medical history.
Can wisdom teeth grow back after extraction?
Once wisdom teeth are removed, they do not grow back. However, in rare cases, patients may have additional teeth called supernumerary teeth, which could require extraction if they emerge. Your dentist can monitor for these during regular check-ups.
What can I do to ease the pain after wisdom tooth extraction?
To ease pain after wisdom tooth extraction, follow your dentist's aftercare instructions, which may include taking prescribed pain medications, using over-the-counter pain relievers, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, and eating soft, cool foods. Avoid smoking and using straws, as these can disrupt healing.
How can I prevent dry socket after wisdom tooth extraction?
To prevent dry socket, follow your dentist's aftercare instructions carefully. Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, and spitting forcefully, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket and is essential for healing. Keep the extraction site clean by gently rinsing with a saltwater solution as directed.
Book an Appointment With Our Dental Professional Today!
If you're experiencing pain at the site of your wisdom teeth, it is time to book an appointment with the dental professionals at Southern Family Dental Care. We will perform an initial assessment and inform you of the next steps if you require a wisdom tooth extraction procedure. Call us at
470-410-9774 to book an appointment! |
