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Extractions
Before removing a tooth, Dr. Mohlman will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area. To remove the tooth, we place pressure on the tooth to help loosen the ligaments that hold the root to the bone, and then we simply remove the tooth. In the case of an impacted wisdom tooth, we would need to open the gum tissue over the tooth and, if necessary, remove any bone that is covering the tooth. We then use pressure to loosen the ligaments and remove the tooth. Sometimes we need to section the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove. The price for an extraction varies based on difficulty.
In some instances you may need stitches. Most of the time we place stitches that dissolve on their own within 7-10 days. We'll let you know if we place another kind that have to be removed here. The most important step after any extraction is to keep firm pressure on the area by biting on gauze for at least 2 hours, switching it out for a new one every 20 minutes. Don't bite so hard that it makes your jaw ache, just firm, consistent pressure.
What To Expect After Surgery
In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. Take painkillers as prescribed. In very few instances will antibiotics also be needed. The following tips will help speed your recovery.
- Bite on the gauze with firm, constant pressure for 2 hours after surgery - switching out the gauze every 20 minutes or as it becomes saturated. Call us if you still have bleeding 24 hours after your surgery. Biting on a cold, wet tea bag will also help stop any bleeding.
- While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite your tongue, your lip, or the inside of your cheek.
- Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
- Try using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours - 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
- Relax after surgery. Vigorous physical activity may increase bleeding.
- Eat soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, or soup (if not too hot). Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
- Do not use a straw for the first few days. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and delay healing.
- After the first day, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day.
- Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after an extraction. Smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgery area.
- Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers.
- Continue to brush your teeth and tongue carefully.
Why take out wisdom teeth?
A wisdom tooth is extracted to correct an actual problem or to prevent problems that may come up in the future. When wisdom teeth come in, a number of problems can occur:
Your jaw may not be large enough to accommodate them, and they may become impacted and unable to break through your gums.
Your wisdom teeth may break partway through your gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to remain over them. Food and bacteria can become trapped under the flap and cause your gums to become red, swollen, and painful. These are signs of infection. More serious problems can develop from impacted teeth, such as infection, damage to other teeth and bone, or the development of a cyst. Additionally, wisdom teeth may come in at an awkward angle, with the top of the tooth facing forward, backward, or to either side.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No, each case needs to be evaluated. Some people have enough space in their jaws to accomodate them, but most people need them removed as they are usually very difficult to reach to clean. If we see on a x-ray that the wisdom teeth are having problems or are likely to cause problems in the future, we'll recommend removal.
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