Wisdom Tooth Removal
Oak Leaf Family Dental provides comfortable, seamless wisdom tooth extractions.
Schedule with UsWhen is Wisdom Tooth Removal Needed?
Most people need their wisdom teeth removed because there isn't enough space for them to come in properly. This is because they tend to grow in at an angle or they don't fully emerge. Third molars (the wisdom teeth) routinely damage the teeth right next door, called second molars. When wisdom teeth come in sideways like this, it throws off your bite, creates an area where food gets caught, decays both of the teeth, and can even cause a painful infection.
If you are experiencing oral discomfort or pain and think you may need wisdom tooth removal in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, please call our office at (414) 304-5425 to schedule a consultation. Our gentle, dedicated team is ready to alleviate any pain you are experiencing and help you improve and protect your oral health.
Potential Complications of Not Having Wisdom Teeth Removed
- Painful, swollen gums
- Infection
- Crowded or damaged surrounding teeth
- Possible damaged nerves and jawbone
How Wisdom Teeth Removal is Done
- Local anesthesia is administered
- An incision is made in the gum tissue
- The bone that blocks access to the tooth root is removed
- The wisdom tooth is removed
- The site of the removed tooth is cleaned
- The wound is stitched close to promote healing, though this isn't always necessary
- Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help a blood clot form
After surgery, your provider can evaluate the state of your teeth and advise you on the most convenient and effective schedule for successful treatment.
Wisdom Tooth Removal FAQs
Wisdom teeth don't always have to be removed. However, if they are causing pain or damaging nearby teeth, your dental provider will recommend removing them.
If wisdom teeth aren't removed and are causing pain or other dental problems, such as crowding or damage to surrounding teeth, this could lead to more severe oral health issues, such as gum disease, missing, broken or infected teeth, and severe gum, tooth, jaw, and facial pain, among other problems.
During wisdom tooth removal, you shouldn't experience any pain. Before your surgery, you'll be administered anesthesia, which will keep you relaxed, comfortable, and pain-free. After your procedure, your provider will give you detailed instructions on how to manage any discomfort or pain at home once the anesthesia wears off. This could include using prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, hot and cold therapy, and other pain-relieving methods.
On average, the removal of wisdom teeth takes 45 minutes to one hour. However, in some cases involving impacted teeth or other complications, the procedure could take longer.
Recovery time after wisdom tooth removal can vary from person to person. Everyone heals at different rates. However, on average, it takes 1-2 weeks to heal completely. If there were complications during your procedure, though, such as impacted wisdom teeth, healing may take longer.