Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Can Protect Your Oral Health

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that typically erupt when you are in your late teens or early 20’s. Wisdom tooth extraction is a quick procedure that can reduce your risk for dental crowding and other lifelong health issues. Jacksonville Dentist Dr. Lysandro Tapnio offers all types of wisdom tooth extraction, including the removal of impacted teeth. His precise techniques and years of experience mean that your treatment will involve reduced discomfort and a faster recovery time. Although most people require wisdom tooth extraction, it is not necessary for everyone. Dr. Tapnio may recommend this procedure to prevent long-term dental issues.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

If your jaw is too small for your third molars, they can severely crowd your other teeth as they come in. As they push your adjacent teeth aside, your entire dental arch can move out of position. This process will, of course, affect your appearance. It can also upset the overall balance of your bite. In turn, you will face a much higher risk for tooth erosion, bruxism, and TMJ Disorder. It will also be harder to clean your teeth, increasing the likelihood of dental decay.

When wisdom teeth start to come in without enough room, they can become impacted and not break through the surrounding gum and bone tissue. They can remain fully or partially covered, and you could experience significant discomfort. Bacteria could also become trapped between your teeth and gums, leading to a serious infection.

Do You Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Like most people, you or your teen will probably benefit from wisdom tooth extraction. However, Dr. Tapnio is unfailingly honest, and he takes a conservative approach to dental care. Therefore, he will never recommend extraction if it is not in your best interests. He will take x-rays to determine your need for the treatment. Typically, he takes x-rays at every other visit. Therefore, when you and your family come to us on a regular basis, he can monitor the development of these teeth and recommend removal before they cause problems.

It is best to have wisdom teeth taken out as a teen. During these years, the teeth are still developing. Therefore, the roots will not be as deep. Additionally, early action will prevent impacted teeth and gum irritation. Finally, younger patients will bounce back from oral surgery more quickly than older adults.

What to Expect during Wisdom Tooth Extraction

You will be numbed with a powerful local anesthetic. During a simple extraction, Dr. Tapnio will simply move the tooth back and forth to loosen it. However, if the tooth is impacted, he will remove the overlying bone and gum tissue. Often, he can uses our dental laser to remove soft tissue with minimal discomfort. In some cases, he may need to take a tooth out in several pieces, especially if it is coming in at an odd angle. This will reduce discomfort, as well as the impact to your jaw and surrounding teeth. Following surgical extraction, Dr. Tapnio may need to place a few dissolvable stitches to close up your gum tissue.

Recovery from Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Following wisdom tooth extraction, you or your teen should set aside a few days for recovery. In most cases, you can return to work or school within two or three days. However, you should avoid strenuous physical activities for about a week. You should expect some inflammation and discomfort, particularly within the first 24 hours. Dr. Tapnio may prescribe pain medication. For many patients over-the counter pain medication is adequate. Thankfully, Dr. Tapnio’s experience and precision can greatly minimize your recovery time. To reduce discomfort, you can eat a soft diet and sleep with your head elevated for the first few days. Be vigilant about your dental hygiene. Although you should be careful when brushing around the extraction sites, thorough care can prevent infection. Dr. Tapnio will monitor your healing and provide further guidance to enhance your recovery.

Schedule an Appointment for Yourself or Your Teen

Patients are relieved to know their dentist can perform oral surgery procedures and they won’t have to go to a specialist in another office. Dr. Tapnio provides the full range of dental services in his own office. We welcome patients to discuss their concerns about wisdom teeth with us, and Dr. Tapnio will be happy to provide you with an oral health evaluation. Give us a call to schedule an oral health evaluation for you or your child today.

For a textbook definition on wisdom tooth extraction, read this article.

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