Wisdom Teeth Removal – Evicting Those Tricky Third Molars

Although they don’t actually make you any wiser, your wisdom teeth wait until you’re past puberty to erupt. Also called third molars, these teeth are positioned at the back of your mouth in the top and bottom corners. If wisdom teeth are trapped inside the jawbone and cannot erupt normally, they’re considered impacted. Your dentist in Owings Mills may recommend surgically extracting impacted wisdom teeth to prevent them from causing infections, cysts, or damage to surrounding teeth and bone.

What to Expect During a Wisdom Tooth Extraction. A wisdom tooth extraction is typically an outpatient procedure. Before your appointment, your dental care professionals will explain any necessary preparations, including what to eat and drink, instructions for prescription medications, and dental care instructions for after the tooth extraction. You may receive local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or full general anesthesia during the procedure. After the tooth extraction, your mouth will likely feel numb for a few hours, and you’ll be given medication to manage any post-operative pain. Contact your dentist in Owings Mills if you experience severe pain, swelling, or excessive bleeding.

Possible Complications of a Wisdom Tooth Extraction. Complications from a wisdom tooth extraction are rare in teens and young adults, but for those over 30, surgery can be more challenging, resulting in the possibility of dry socket, infection, and a weakening of the jawbone. In rare cases, nerve damage can cause a permanently altered sensation or numbness in the lower lip, tongue, and chin.

Do You Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth? If you have pain, unexplained swelling, or feel pressure in your jaw, schedule a consultation with a qualified, affordable dentist in Owings Mills to have your wisdom teeth evaluated. If you have impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist will likely refer you to an oral surgeon. An experienced, affordable dentist can explain the procedure and determine your risk for complications, so you’ll be prepared for the tooth extraction and the dental care regimen required after the surgery.

To learn more about tooth extractions from an affordable dentist in Owings Mills, call Valley Dental Associates today at (443) 898-1240 or make an appointment.