Wisdom Teeth Removal
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The third molars, better known as the wisdom teeth, develop during early adulthood. They are called “wisdom teeth” as they come in at a more mature age. Sometimes wisdom teeth come incorrectly, in the right position with enough room to grow, and do not need to be removed, but that is not often the case. Limited space in the mouth means most people cannot support these additional molars, making an extraction procedure necessary.

Side Effects After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom tooth extraction is generally a safe procedure that is extremely beneficial for patients. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions to reduce your risk for any of the following:
- Prolonged pain & swelling
- Numbness in the area
- Dry socket resulting in pain
- Pain when opening the jaw
- Damage to existing dental work
If you experience any of these side effects, please contact our office as they can be serious and may require additional treatment.
How Long Will The Procedure Take?
Wisdom teeth removal takes about 45 minutes in most cases, even if teeth are impacted. Patients are comfortable throughout the procedure thanks to our gentle care, anesthetic, and superior sedation techniques. Depending on the type of sedation a patient receives, they may spend a short period in a comfortable recovery area while their anesthesia wears off. A loved one will then drive the patient home.

Recovery
You will be prescribed painkillers after surgery to alleviate any pain from the procedure and aid in the recovery process. Be sure to eat only soft foods for the first few days and drink plenty of liquids. If you experience any swelling, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Stitches will be removed within a few days.
How Long Does The Recovery Process Take?
The removal of wisdom teeth is a procedure that is done pretty much the same at every dental practice. The big difference is how you’re treated during your procedure and how comfortable you are made to feel while you are having the procedure done. At Clear Lake Dental Care, we stand apart from the rest in any way we can, and when it comes to removing your wisdom teeth, we do this with superior patient care, sedation options, and a superbly comfortable office.
As wisdom teeth grow in and increase crowding in the mouth, teeth may become crooked resulting in the reversal of existing dental treatment from braces or Invisalign. If not removed, the wisdom teeth may cause pain, infection, and swelling. They may also cause the development of cysts or tumors.
Patients begin their recovery process at home shortly after their procedure is complete. On that first day, they may feel groggy due to anesthesia and prescription pain medication. The mouth and cheeks may look and feel swollen for a few days. A cold compress can be used to reduce this side effect and may also soothe discomfort. During the first week or so after wisdom teeth removal, patients should avoid the following to prevent disruption to the stitches at the site of extraction:
- Smoking
- Drinking through a straw
- Spitting
- Strenuous exercise
Within 3 to 4 days after extractions, pain and swelling may be improved enough to resume many normal activities. Some patients return to work or school at this time. However, food restrictions may still apply and patients may continue to eat softer foods for several days. Depending on the position of the wisdom teeth at the time of extraction, it could take up to two weeks for the swelling and mild discomfort to fully resolve. Additionally, it takes months for the socket to fully heal. Patients must remain vigilant about oral care to reduce the risk of infection
Patients who undergo wisdom tooth removal may be instructed to sleep on their back as much as possible for up to seven days. Some do this instinctively due to the discomfort that can occur from pressure on the sides of the face. Back-sleeping may be made easier by placing an extra pillow or two at the sides.
There may be several benefits to having wisdom teeth removed before they grow in naturally. Wisdom teeth often try to grow into very small spaces where other teeth are situated. As a result, there is a very real risk of impaction. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that is trying to grow in but is pressing on the root and other structures of another tooth. The impacted tooth may grow in partially or may remain trapped beneath the gums. In either scenario, the tooth is susceptible to infection and abscess, cysts, or tumors. An impacted wisdom tooth may also incur unnecessary pain. Timely removal can avoid these experiences.

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Our staff does an amazing job at working with our patients because they will treat you the way that you want to be treated. Not only is our staff kind, but they are also extremely experienced and know what they are doing when they are on the job! Our job is to make you feel comfortable and feel right at home in our office!
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