What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Nobody wants to have teeth removed at the dentist, but sometimes doing so can help preserve your smile’s comfort, appearance, and health. This is particularly true in the case of wisdom teeth. Whether your wisdom teeth have emerged and are causing problems, or you’re interested in preventing dental concerns from developing, you may be a good candidate for wisdom teeth extraction. You should know about wisdom teeth before scheduling your appointment with Dr. Pappas at Walnut Creek Dental East. 

Wisdom Teeth Overview

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in our mouth and are typically pulled when there is not enough room for them to emerge. In some cases, wisdom teeth can even come in sideways, which can cause them to push against their surrounding teeth and lead to negative side effects, including pain.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?

Because most people’s mouths don’t have enough space for wisdom teeth, they can cause pain and other dental problems, such as pushing against other teeth, when they come in. For this reason, extracting them is often recommended to alleviate pain or prevent problems from developing. Wisdom teeth usually come sometime between the ages of 17 and 25, so it’s a good idea to have them removed around this time when they’re fully formed. 

What is the Process of Extracting Wisdom Teeth? 

If Dr. Pappas recommends that you have your wisdom teeth extracted, here’s what you can expect during the process:

• The dentist will administer anesthesia (local, sedation, or general) to ensure that your mouth is completely numb and you’re comfortable during the procedure.
• Next, he will make an incision through your gums to access the wisdom tooth and surrounding bone. He will carefully cut out the wisdom tooth and anything else around it.
• Finally, the dentist will close the incision with stitches and apply gauze to the affected area to stop the bleeding.

When your wisdom teeth extraction is complete, it’s very important to follow Dr. Pappas’ instructions to ensure your recovery process goes as smoothly as possible. This includes resting in the first 24 hours, not using a straw or smoking, eating soft foods, and being careful when brushing your teeth. Failing to follow the dentist’s guidelines could result in you developing a dry socket or infection.

What Other Oral Surgery Options Does Walnut Creek Dental East Offer?

We are proud to provide many oral surgery options to meet your unique oral health needs, including:

• Dental Implant Placement: Placing titanium rods in your jaw bone that will support dental implants that replace missing teeth
• Dental Implant Restoration: Replacing dental implants that have experienced damage
• Dental Implant-Supported Dentures: Placing dental implants that will support a full set of dentures for missing teeth
• Wisdom Teeth Removal: Extracting wisdom teeth
• IV Sedation: Medication that is given through an IV to keep you relaxed during your dental procedures

Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation at Walnut Creek Dental East

If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or if you’re interested in having them removed before they potentially cause oral health issues, Dr. Pappas and the trusted team at Walnut Creek Dental East in Groveport, OH, are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how having your wisdom teeth removed can benefit you. We look forward to showing you how convenient maintaining a healthy smile for life can be!