Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Queen Creek, AZ
How We Make Wisdom Teeth Disappear
While most of the permanent teeth tend to come in between the ages of six and 13, there is one set of stragglers that usually erupts during the late teens or early twenties: the wisdom teeth. Since having them removed is often viewed as a rite of passage these days, you’ve probably heard of them. But what are they? Why do they need to be extracted? What does the procedure look like? Don’t worry – our team at Queen Creek Complete Dental is here to answer all of these questions and more! So, don’t hesitate to read on or schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Queen Creek Complete Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- State-of-the-Art Dental Office
- Happy to Treat Adults & Teens Alike
- Dentist with 16 Years of Experience
What are Wisdom Teeth?
In short, wisdom teeth are the third set of molars. It’s believed that they earned the nickname because they don’t make an appearance until much later (and with age comes wisdom). While they were important for our ancestors who had vastly different diets, they usually cause nothing but problems for people today. Fortunately for our patients in the East Valley, they can get the specialty care they need in a comfortable atmosphere with wisdom tooth extractions in Queen Creek!
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Due to their large size and late arrival, there often isn’t enough room for your wisdom teeth, leading to overcrowding, higher risks of infection, and more. Not only that, but they can grow in sideways and get impacted underneath your gums, leading to chronic jaw pain and sensitivity. Oftentimes, the only solution is to simply remove them.
If you or your child is experiencing issues that you think are due to the wisdom teeth, we recommend scheduling an appointment with Dr. Jafari. He’ll perform a brief exam and, if he determines that the teeth need to come out, he’ll schedule the procedure in the near future.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Because the wisdom teeth usually have to be removed before they are fully erupted, they often call for a surgical extraction. If that’s the case for you, a small amount of gum and bone tissue needs to be removed before the tooth itself can be safely extracted. Of course, if the teeth in question have broken through the gumline, then we will complete a simple extraction, which involves us gently rocking the tooth loose until it’s ready to be removed. The good news is that both procedures can be completed in a single appointment, and they always start the same way: by numbing your mouth thoroughly.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
With the following aftercare instructions, most patients are back to feeling normal in less than a week:
- Change the gauze pads as needed
- Keep your head elevated (even while you sleep)
- Take prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
- Use a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time
- Eat plain yogurt, applesauce, and other extremely soft foods
- Don’t use a straw, smoke, or spit
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
In prehistoric times, early humans who did not know how to cook their food needed their wisdom teeth to grind the raw plant and animal matter they ate into pulps that could be easily digested. However, modern jawbones are often too small to accommodate the large wisdom teeth, and allowing them to remain in the mouth in these cases can lead to oral health issues like chronic pain, trouble chewing, dental misalignments, and oral infections. This usually makes removing a patient’s wisdom teeth necessary to preserve their oral health. Interestingly, some experts believe that enjoying a tougher diet during childhood will provide the jawbone with the exercise it needs to grow larger so the wisdom teeth can fit properly.
How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about your wisdom tooth extraction before your procedure, so feel free to ask whatever you like. The team at Queen Creek Complete Dental will also provide you with guidelines for preparing for your surgery. These will probably include:
- Arrange for a trusted individual to give you a ride to and from the office since you will not be able to operate a car while recovering from the anesthesia.
- Be honest about the prescribed and over-the-counter medications you take as well as any alcohol or recreational drug use so we can formulate your anesthetic treatment appropriately.
- Refrain from smoking for at least twelve hours before the extraction.
- If you are receiving general anesthesia, don’t eat or drink after 12 a.m. before your procedure.
- Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable, and it’s best to wear short sleeves if you are receiving IV sedation.
- Stock your pantry with soft foods for while you are recovering.
- Wear glasses instead of contacts since your eyes will probably be closed throughout the procedure.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
Wisdom tooth extractions always begin with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to ensure their comfort, so the procedure should be completely painless. However, you may experience a sense of pressure as your teeth are gently loosened from their connective tissue. You can expect soreness while recovering from the procedure, but we will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that will help you minimize your discomfort and keep your healing process complication-free. You should start feeling normal again after about a week.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Surgery Take?
The anesthetics used during wisdom tooth removal usually make it seem like only a small amount of time passes during the procedure, but it typically takes about fifteen to twenty minutes per tooth. Removing all four can take up to ninety minutes, and the time required varies depending on where the tooth is located, the angle at which it is positioned, and whether it is impacted. We’ll be happy to provide you with an estimate of how long your procedure will take during your consultation.