Wisdom Tooth Extractions

The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars positioned in the back of the mouth and the final teeth to emerge over the course of a person’s lifetime. Unfortunately, the emergence of these teeth often leads to chronic pain, and it can also cause dental misalignments, infections, and serious oral damage. Fortunately, the skilled team at Capehart Dental can help a patient enjoy a smooth wisdom tooth extraction process that sets them up to enjoy a comfortable smile for life. Here’s a quick look at how wisdom tooth extraction works, but please contact our office if you’d like to know more or if you’d like to learn about how your dental insurance can help pay for the procedure.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that emerge as a person’s smile develops, and they typically begin to erupt in the late teens or early twenties. While these large teeth were important for our ancestors’ survival, the jawbones of modern humans are often too small to accommodate them, leading to much oral discomfort when they emerge. Some people are born with fewer than four wisdom teeth or even none at all, and it is not always necessary to remove them. If Dr. Capehart recommends extracting your wisdom teeth, you can rest assured that it is the best thing for your oral health.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

It is often necessary to remove a person’s wisdom teeth to prevent issues like chronic oral pain, dental misalignments, oral infections, hygiene difficulties, and teeth grinding. The emerging wisdom teeth can often force the rest of the smile out of alignment, which can ruin the results of a previous orthodontic treatment. If they fail to emerge from the gums properly, the wisdom teeth can create pockets in which harmful oral bacteria can multiply and thrive. Extracting the wisdom teeth can end these issues and set a person up for many years without persistent dental pain.

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

We partner with a trusted local oral surgical specialist to ensure that our patients receive the best care possible when having their wisdom teeth extracted. The procedure always begins with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to ensure their comfort. When the surgical area is ready, our specialist will lift the teeth being extracted from the gum tissue using a device called an elevator, grasp them with forceps, and carefully work them loose from their connective tissue. If the teeth are impacted, the process may also involve making surgical incisions. We’ll also make sure you have detailed aftercare instructions that set you up to enjoy a smooth and complication-free recovery process.

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

You can expect temporary side-effects like swelling and discomfort when recovering after wisdom tooth extraction. To minimize these, please follow your aftercare instructions which may include:

• Practicing excellent oral hygiene habits while taking care to be gentle around the surgical sites.
• Refraining from spitting or drinking through a straw. This will help you avoid a painful condition called dry socket.
• Getting plenty of rest.
• Sticking to a soft diet.
• Taking prescribed medications as instructed.

Please contact our office in Lewisville if you’d like to know more about the recovery process.