to avoid infections and damaging other teeth
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Your wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last of your teeth to erupt. They are also the most common teeth to become impacted, a condition in which they cannot erupt fully, or at all, through your gums. When your wisdom teeth are impacted, you can be left with serious issues such as infections, cysts, overcrowding, and damage to your adjacent teeth. When your wisdom teeth are impacted, they should be removed right away. Rockwall Oral Surgery can help.
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Wisdom Teeth Removal
Know the facts about wisdom teeth and wisdom teeth extractions.
Why are the Third Molars Called Wisdom Teeth?
The third molars are more commonly called wisdom teeth. However, have you ever wondered why? These last 4 teeth received the nickname because of the timeframe in which they erupt. While all of your other adult teeth erupt by around the age of 13, the wisdom teeth do not erupt until your late teens the to early 20s. This is a transitional period when you go from adolescence to adulthood. At this time, you are thought to be wiser, hence the name.
Why Should I Use an OMS for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
When you need your wisdom teeth extracted, the procedure should be done by an OMS. As OMS experts, we have the training, the experience, and the expertise to extract your wisdom teeth safely and reduce the risk of complications such as infections and other issues. We can also deal with more complex situations to provide you with the best possible results, restoring your oral health and improving your quality of life.
Extracting your wisdom teeth can help to alleviate pain while restoring your oral health and your quality of life.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
It can take about two weeks to heal from wisdom teeth surgery. Following surgery, pain and swelling are common. You may also experience some bruising. It is important for you to rest and take it easy for at least the first few days after surgery. Maintain a diet of soft foods and follow postsurgical care instructions. Swelling should begin to dissipate after the first few days and jaws stiffness and soreness should go away about a week after surgery. Recovery is different from everyone, but it is important that you follow your post-surgical instructions to avoid complications.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?
Wisdom teeth can become impacted for many reasons.
- One of the most common reasons is due to insufficient space. Thousands of years ago, the human jaw was larger and able to accommodate the wisdom teeth. Over the years, however, once the wisdom teeth were no longer important, the size of the human jaws began to shrink, even though the teeth still develop. As a result, many people do not have enough space in their mouth to accommodate all 32 adult teeth.
- The wisdom teeth may also become impacted because the teeth are blocked by bone or tissue.
- The wisdom teeth may also be growing at an angle or completely sideways.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth were once very important. The diet of our ancestors consisted of a substantial amount of rough, coarse foods, all of which took a significant amount of chewing. The wisdom teeth aided in breaking down these foods to digest them. Following the invention of cooking, however, food was made softer and easier to chew. The wisdom teeth have essentially become obsolete, but they continue to develop.
Your Guide to a Smooth Wisdom Tooth Recovery
Knowing what to expect before and after wisdom tooth removal is essential for a safe, comfortable experience. The experienced team at Rockwall Oral Surgery provide comprehensive guidance to help you navigate every step of your surgical journey.
Preparing for Your Appointment
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Pre-Surgery Consultation: Prior to your procedure, your surgeon will discuss the surgery in detail so you know exactly what to expect.
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Day-of Prep: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that can easily be rolled up. Be sure to verify with our office regarding strict rules for eating or drinking in the hours leading up to your surgery.
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Arrange an Escort: Because we utilize specialized IV sedation and outpatient general anesthesia, you must arrange for someone to accompany you to our office and drive you home safely.
Essential Post-Surgical Care
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Protect the Healing Site: To prevent critical complications, do not use a straw for at least 24 hours, do not smoke, and avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously, as the suction and pressure can dislodge necessary blood clots. Take extra care to avoid disturbing the area when brushing your teeth.
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Manage Swelling & Diet: Apply an ice pack during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling, and transition to moist heat after 48 to 72 hours if your jaw feels sore. Stick strictly to soft foods and liquids for the first two days.
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Medication & Rest: Take it easy after surgery, and carefully follow all instructions for any prescribed medications designed to help manage your discomfort.
Your safety is our absolute priority. Our certified surgical assistants and a trained registered nurse (RN) will continuously monitor you during and after surgery. Once you return home, if you experience excessive bleeding or any other concerning symptoms, contact our team immediately for instructions.
Excellent Results and Strong Relationships
We walk with patients through every step of their wisdom teeth removal experience.
Ready to Schedule?
Rockwall Oral Surgery can help you to find the perfect solution and get you back on your feet after wisdom teeth removal! Visiting an Oral Surgeon to have your wisdom teeth removed can be intimidating, but we have enough experience to assure you that you are in perfectly safe and capable hands, and no one is more dedicated to their patients than we are.
Questions About Wisdom Teeth
For more information on wisdom teeth extraction, and to schedule your consultation, call Rockwall Oral Surgery at (972) 771-0400 today. We are here to serve you.