Extractions
Wisdom teeth and other tooth extractions are very common procedures. Wisdom teeth often cause problems as they are trying to protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially. Other teeth may be badly broken down or may have lost bone support due to gum disease and need to taken out.
When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially, a flap of gum tissue, called an operculum, may form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under the skin. This makes it easy for an infection, called pericoronitis, to develop. It may go away on its own, but it will likely recur until the tooth is extracted.
Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth that can potentially cause problems, like infections, need to be removed. Extractions can range from a single tooth, to removing all four wisdom teeth at once. Based on your preference, a local anesthetic could be all that is needed to numb the areas where the teeth will be extracted. We can also offer nitrous oxide sedation - the effects of which disappear almost immediately after turning off the gas. If you prefer to go under a general anesthetic, we will refer you to a local oral surgeon.
If needed, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is reflected back to reveal the tooth. The tooth is loosened by gripping it tightly and wiggling it back and forth until it can be lifted out of the gums. Sometimes a tooth may be impacted so tightly that it cannot be simply lifted out of the gums. In cases like this the tooth will be broken up into pieces first before being removed. Depending on the incision and extraction site, sutures may be needed to close the area. Soluble sutures that dissolve on their own are often used in this situation.
After the surgery you will need to rest. You may want to schedule to be driven home by a friend or family member. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call us. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat as this could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. We will prescribe you pain medication and you should take as directed. You can also use an ice pack 20 min. on and 20 min. off to help keep swelling to a minimum.
You should limit yourself to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Ice Cream
- Thin Soups
- …and other food you can eat without chewing.
When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. Additionally, smoking during the first 48 hours can contribute to the formation of a dry socket. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly call us for a follow up visit.
