As a person approach adulthood, there is a chance that up to four additional molars could erupt in the rear of the mouth. While for some these erupt without complication, or don’t erupt at all, others could risk serious problems for their oral health. In today’s blog, your Omaha, NE, dentist explains when wisdom teeth need extraction!
The Eruption of Wisdom Teeth and Long-Term Risks
These teeth tend to erupt when we reach our late teens or early 20s. When they do, there may not be enough room to accommodate them, leading to a painful partial eruption known as an impaction. Other complications could include infection, damaged teeth, misalignment, or serious discomfort. To avoid these issues, our team may recommend removing them completely prior to eruption. But what does this process involve, and what happens next?
Extraction and Aftercare
First, we will carefully walk you through the process and address any questions or concerns you may have. We administer local anesthesia and may also offer dental sedation to ensure you feel calm and comfortable through the entire process. Next, we open the gums above the teeth and gently extract the wisdom teeth with forceps. After we suture the area closed, a friend or family member will take you home, as the sedation may take time to wear off.
We’ll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions. You should take any prescribed medication as recommended, and also avoid strenuous activity for the first day or two. Don’t prod the extraction site with your tongue, and avoid using straws initially. You may need to consume only soft foods for the first day, and while you still need to brush and floss, you should do so carefully. During a follow-up visit, our team will remove the sutures and make sure everything is healing as it should.
What About the Missing Teeth?
Now, what if you undergo an extraction due to a damaged tooth, or possibly as a result of decay, infection, or gum disease? In these scenarios, you will now have an exposed gap in your smile, and with tooth loss comes a number of complications, including misalignment, difficult eating or speaking, or a heightened risk of further tooth loss. Fortunately, we have treatments to restore missing teeth, such as a dental bridge, partial denture, or single tooth dental implant.
Do You Have Questions About Our Dental Extractions?
Our team is ready to help address serious concerns, and offer extraction with precision. To learn more about how we safely and comfortably remove teeth, then schedule a consultation by calling Pacific Hills Dental in Omaha, NE, today at (402) 330-2243. We also serve the residents of Papillion, Elkhorn, La Vista, Millard, and all surrounding communities.
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