Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth removal is quite a common procedure, especially for teens and young adults. In fact, each year, approximately 5 million Americans have these third molars removed. And although the thought of an extraction may be intimidating, wisdom teeth removal can prevent a lifetime of dental problems and discomfort.
At New Street Dental, Dr. Tunney can evaluate whether you or your teen might benefit from wisdom teeth extraction. In select cases, he can even perform extractions in-house for more convenient care. Dr. Tunney is conservative and honest in his evaluations and will never recommend unnecessary oral surgery.
When is extraction needed?
Many people simply do not have enough room in their mouths to accommodate the third set of molars. For these individuals, as the teeth come in, they can cause serious problems. They could crowd nearby teeth, leading to widespread misalignment. If they come in too close to other teeth, they could also be difficult to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
But one of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth removal is that they can be impacted. When teeth don’t have enough room, they may be trapped beneath the gums. This can cause painful inflammation, cysts, and even jaw and nerve damage.
If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, Dr. Tunney can evaluate your molars and the size of your jaw. Our digital x-rays allow him to obtain very clear images that can be magnified many times for greater accuracy.
Standard vs. Surgical Extraction
If your teeth are not impacted but are crowding your other teeth, you will need a standard extraction. After administering local anesthesia, your doctor will simply loosen and remove the teeth from your mouth.
But if you have an impacted tooth or your wisdom teeth have not come in yet, surgical extraction is necessary. Typically, early extraction is recommended, since this can prevent problems from arising. Therefore, surgical extraction is the most common way of removing wisdom teeth. Your doctor will need to create an incision in your gums to access the teeth. He will often remove them in several pieces to minimize the impact to your gum tissue.
Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?
Whether you have a standard or a surgical extraction, the treatment will involve minimal discomfort. Thanks to highly effective local anesthesia, you will feel almost nothing during your treatment.
Recovery from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Most people experience some mild inflammation following wisdom teeth extraction. Typically, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and cold compresses can control your discomfort. Be sure to keep the extraction sites clean. Although you can usually return to work or school the next day, avoid strenuous exercise until you get clearance from your dentist.
You will also need to eat a soft diet for a few days. Avoid drinking from a straw, as well as very hot foods and beverages, as these can irritate the incision sites.
Contact New Street Dental Today
If you have never had your wisdom teeth evaluated, or if you are experiencing problems with these molars, contact our Bethlehem, PA, office.
You can reach Dr. Tunney and his team online or call us at 610-867-7112.