WIDSOM TEETH REMOVAL IN HARRISONBURG, VA

WIDSOM TEETH REMOVAL SURGERY IN HARRISONBURG

Almost everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth taken out at some point in their life. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars, usually starting around age seventeen. While they can come in perfectly healthy, they can create serious issues. If you consider having your wisdom teeth removed, Massanutten Dental in Harrisonburg, VA, can provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Give us a call today at 540-908-4846 to schedule an appointment with our team.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Many people think that wisdom teeth are the third molars during late adolescence or early adulthood. However, this is not always the case. Instead, wisdom teeth can be any of your four secondary molars- two in the upper jaw and two in the lower. So, where do they get their name? Wisdom teeth typically start to come in when a person is around 17-25 years old, which is when people often begin to gain some life experience and knowledge. Therefore, it is believed that these additional molars got their name from their correlation with increased intelligence.

For people who do get their wisdom teeth, there is often not enough room in the mouth for the teeth to come in correctly, and they can become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, and other dental problems, so many people opt to remove them.

Wisdom teeth removal is a fairly straightforward oral surgery performed by our dentist in Harrisonburg, VA. Tooth extraction may seem scary at first, but most patients find that the procedure isn’t as painful as expected, and their overall oral health is much improved after wisdom tooth extractions.

The Consequences of Keeping Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are usually removed because they will cause pain, infection, and crowding problems if they are left intact. There can be consequences, both short-term and long-term, that may lead you to consider having them extracted:

• Bacterial infections
• Chronic tooth pain
• Gum disease and painful inflammation of the gum tissue
• Greater potential for tooth decay in the adjacent teeth

Recovery Tips for Wisdom Teeth Extractions

If your wisdom teeth need to be extracted soon, you may wonder how to make the process as smooth and painless as possible. Here are some tips for recovering from your oral surgery quickly and comfortably.

• Make sure you take it easy for the first few days after surgery. After that, rest as much as possible and avoid any strenuous activity.
• Try to eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids to prevent nausea and dehydration.
• Avoid using straws after tooth extractions not to develop dry sockets.
• Take all prescribed medications as instructed by your dentist following oral surgery.
• Use ice packs to help alleviate pain and reduce facial swelling.

With a little bit of patience and the proper attention to your post-operative care, you will be on your way to a speedy recovery!

Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs

Does everyone have wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth can vary significantly from person to person, so it is tough to say whether or not you will even develop them at all. Most people have wisdom teeth, but not everyone. Some people are born without them or may lose them due to infection or injury.

Do you always have to have them removed?

Some people have their wisdom teeth come in perfectly, but others may have pain, infection, or crowding problems. In addition, if you do not have sufficient room for them in your mouth, they can cause many problems for your surrounding teeth. That is why most dentists recommend wisdom tooth extraction if they are causing problems or there is not enough room for them in your mouth.

What is the best age to have them removed?

Different people’s situations may affect the best time for wisdom teeth extraction. Most dentists recommend having wisdom teeth extracted between 16 and 18. Younger patients may need to have wisdom teeth removed to prepare for braces. Consult with your dentist to find out the best course of action for you.

What are dry sockets?

Dry sockets, also called alveolar osteitis, occur when the blood clot in the socket of a recently pulled tooth disintegrates or is removed prematurely. This can lead to pain and inflammation at the extraction site. While the condition can be quite painful, it is typically temporary and can be treated with over-the-counter medications or antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. Be sure to follow all the post-operative care recommendations from your oral surgeon to avoid a dry socket.

Get the relief you need – Call us for wisdom teeth removal in Harrisonburg, VA

If you have pain related to your wisdom teeth and would like to schedule an appointment for tooth extraction, please do not hesitate to contact our dental office today. Our team of experienced professionals offers a range of dental services and will be happy to help you get the relief you need. 

Call Massanutten Dental today at 540-908-4846 to schedule an appointment with our oral surgeon and prepare for wisdom tooth removal.