Extractions

Wisdom teeth extractions are a fairly common procedure. 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.

When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially a flap of skin, 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 will usually go away on its own, but it causes swelling and pain in the area.

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 the preference of the doctor and/or the patient, a local anesthetic could be used to numb the areas where the teeth will be extracted. Others will prefer to go under a general anesthetic so that they will be sedated during the procedure.

The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is cut open 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 are the best option, which will dissolve on their own.

After the surgery you will need to rest. You need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. 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 your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.

You will be limited 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. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don't feel that the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow up.

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Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Wow!! Such a wonderful dentist. It was such a refreshing experience to have you greet us at the door, then talking with us and how you and your hygenist went about taking care of my problem. Dr. Stevens and his staff are such pleasant people. It is so good to go to a doctor's office and have someone so kind and interested in you as a person and takes the time with you. There aren't too many of them left! Then, to have you take the time to call that evening to find out how I was doing... That tops! That's how the doctors and dentists were in my era of growing up and in this day and age, you can see how my visit to you was a really nice experience."
    By Loreen C.
  • "Our family recently moved to Smithville and wanted to find a dentist locally. As with finding any new doctor and services, you want to make sure you are getting the best. It was also very important that we found an office that would work well with our little one. I believe the first visit is extremely important as it sets the tone for future appointments. Dr. Stevens' office and staff well exceeded our expectations today with making our daughter's first dental cleaning an awesome experience. It's been so good in fact, she has been playing dentist for the last couple hours! I am grateful we have our new home in the Smithville community as well as finding our new dental home with Dr. Stevens."
    By Anna B.
  • "The office is nice and the staff is even nicer. They always know your name when you go in and they remember things about you (enough that they can make conversation). They are really a down-home sort of place with all the nice newer gadgets. Dr. Stevens is always very friendly and acts as if he's been your friend for years. His prices are also very reasonable. I will be going back again."
    By Michelle V.
  • "My family and I have been patients of Dr. Stevens for quite some time now. We have been completely satisfied with him and his staff. Their knowledge and ability to give each patient that personal touch is very comforting. I would recommend his services to anyone!"
    By Karen P.