Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Why Do My Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?

There are several reasons why wisdom teeth often require extraction. First, your wisdom teeth are probably too large for your jaws. Our prehistoric ancestors needed these large teeth in order to chew their rough diets. Now, however, the human jaw is smaller, and we eat foods that are easier to digest. Therefore, wisdom teeth are now obsolete, making them more troublesome than worthwhile.

Secondly, wisdom teeth can hurt if they are putting pressure on adjacent teeth. And if you have recently worn orthodontic braces, then this pressure can lead to alignment issues.

Other reasons for wisdom teeth removal include:

• Tooth infection and periodontal disease
• Trapped food particles that can lead to decay
• Damage to the bone

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

Most of the time, wisdom tooth removal is a routine procedure that usually takes about an hour to complete. A local anesthetic is given to numb the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. When possible, the dentist uses forceps to extract the whole tooth. If the tooth is especially large or impacted, then it may need to be sectioned before removal. In this case, a small incision is made in the gum tissue and the wisdom tooth is surgically extracted. At the conclusion, sutures are placed over the surgery site, and you’re given time to relax and recover.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery

After having any tooth extracted, you can expect some bleeding and swelling. For the first few hours after your procedure, apply a cold compress to your cheek. This will help reduce swelling. Discomfort can usually be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Proper healing requires nutrition. Eat a menu of soft foods for the first few days. When drinking, don’t use a straw; the suction can pull on tender gum tissue and your stitches if there are any.

In most cases, if the extraction site is kept clean and you follow our recovery instructions, your gums should heal in a couple of weeks. If you experience any trouble after tooth extraction in Wethersfield, don’t hesitate to the office.