Wisdom Teeth
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Gentle Dental Care
General Dentistry & Dental Implants located in Midtown, Atlanta, GA
Nearly 85% of people with wisdom teeth have to get them removed during their lifetime. The experts at Gentle Dental Care in Midtown Atlanta and Dunwoody, Georgia, can help make this daunting surgery as quick and painless as possible. Call or book an appointment online today to learn more about the wisdom teeth removal process.
Wisdom Teeth Q & A
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your back molars, both top and bottom, and the last teeth to develop in your mouth. They typically emerge between ages 17-21.
Rarely do wisdom teeth grow in completely without any problems; most people don’t have enough room in their jaws to accommodate their wisdom teeth.
If your wisdom teeth emerge and begin shifting your surrounding teeth, your dentist likely will recommend that you have them removed.
Why would I need wisdom teeth removal surgery?
There are plenty of reasons why your dentist may suggest surgery to remove your wisdom teeth, such as:
- They’re growing in at the wrong angle
- They’re impacted, trapped in your gums or jawbone
- You have cavities
- You have gum disease
- Your mouth isn’t big enough to hold the extra teeth
What can I expect from wisdom teeth surgery?
Once you and your dentist decide that it’s time to remove your wisdom teeth, you’ll likely have to take one full day off from your regular activities to prepare for the surgery.
When you arrive at the office for your appointment, you undergo local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on your medical history.
The entire wisdom teeth removal process takes about 45 minutes, during which time your oral surgeon may have to cut your gums or jawbone. If that’s the case, your oral surgeon will stitch up the wounds. The stitches should dissolve within a few days.
What is the healing process like?
Everybody responds differently to anesthesia, so you may be able to return to your normal activities after the surgery, but you’ll likely need somebody to drive you home.
Most people feel little to no pain after the surgery, but expect your mouth to be swollen and sore for the first few days.
A few tips to get you through your post-surgery recovery include:
- Use an ice pack on your cheeks and jaw to reduce swelling
- Take anti-inflammatory medication as directed
- Gently exercise your jaw
- Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid using a straw
- Eat soft foods like soup or mashed potatoes
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Avoid brushing your teeth until day 2
For more information about wisdom teeth removal surgery, call Gentle Dental Care or book an appointment online today.
