What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last of your permanent teeth to emerge. They’re located at the very back of your mouth and typically break through the gum line sometime between the ages of 17-24.
Because they come in last, wisdom teeth are more likely to become impacted, or stuck beneath your gums. If one (or several) wisdom teeth are unable to break through your gums, it increases your risk of more serious oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and infection.
Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?
Some people’s wisdom teeth come in without any problems, but that’s relatively rare. Make an appointment at Advanced Dental Care of East Texas if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or swelling that affects your jaw
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
You should also schedule an appointment with Dr. Koch if you’re unable to reach your wisdom teeth to properly brush and floss them.
Will I benefit from wisdom teeth removal?
To determine if you’re a good candidate for wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Koch conducts an oral exam and reviews your dental health history. Then, he orders a series of digital oral X-rays to assess the condition and location of your wisdom teeth. If your teeth are impacted or they don’t have enough room to grow in, you’ll likely benefit from a removal procedure.
What does wisdom teeth removal involve?
Wisdom teeth removal is a quick outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. If you experience dental anxiety or have a strong gag reflex, Dr. Koch also offers IV sedation, which puts you to sleep.
Once the anesthesia sets in and you're comfortable, Dr. Koch uses a tool called an elevator to loosen each tooth. He then removes each tooth with forceps. Dr. Koch packs each empty socket with gauze and moves you to a recovery room for observation.
Following treatment, Dr. Koch writes you a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics and sends you home with recovery instructions.
What is recovery like following wisdom teeth removal?
Following wisdom teeth removal, it’s normal to experience some swelling and increased sensitivity. For the first few days, only eat soft foods like scrambled eggs, soup, or mashed potatoes. Take your medication as prescribed and avoid rinsing out your mouth or smoking. Your mouth should completely heal within two weeks.
To see if you’re a candidate for wisdom teeth removal, schedule an appointment at Advanced Dental Care of East Texas. Call to speak with an administrative staff member or click the online booking tool.
