Teeth Extractions and Wisdom Teeth Removal
Nashville Pain-free Tooth and Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Tooth extraction is one of the most commonly feared dental procedures, as well as one of the most necessary, depending on your teeth’s current condition. It may be the only appropriate treatment if you have:
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Severely decayed teeth
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Poorly positioned teeth that cannot be corrected
- Irreparably damaged teeth
Tooth extraction is not a procedure many patients look forward to, since the removal of a single tooth can lead to issues with chewing ability, create problems with your jaw joint, and cause your teeth to shift – which can lead to a negative impact on your dental health.
To avoid these unwanted complications, Dr. Jackson will discuss viable alternative treatments, so you can make the best decision for your dental health.
Third Molar Extraction
Wisdom teeth are also known as “third molars.” Wisdom teeth usually grow out around the age of 17 -25. Some of these teeth will only partially break through while others may stay completely buried under the gum tissue.
An estimated 85% of wisdom teeth will have to be eventually removed, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Approximately 35% of the population is born without wisdom teeth. There is a debate amongst researchers as to the cause of this. Nine out of Ten people will have an impacted wisdom tooth.
There are different options for dealing with wisdom teeth.
If they do not break through, you may want to leave them as they are. In this situation it is advised that you have x-rays every few years to make sure there is no change in your tooth or gum health.
If you are young and have them removed, you will heal faster.
If one or more teeth is impacted, there is no choice but to have it removed.
Instructions – After Tooth/Teeth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 615-331-2252.
