WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTIONS
Wisdom teeth often become a source of discomfort and concern. Even if you are not yet suffering from wisdom tooth pain, many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth before they cause more widespread issues. Dr. Caesar Hearne performs wisdom teeth removal and socket preservation at this Layton, UT, office. He is well respected for his approach to wisdom tooth surgery, and he strives to ensure each patient achieves a swift recovery.
The wisdom teeth are the molars farthest back in the jaw and typically erupt from the gums between the ages 17 and 25. Though these teeth can emerge properly, they more often than not cause complications. In many cases, the best solution is to simply remove them. Some of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth removal include:
Crowding
Often, patients do not have enough room in their jaw to support an extra set of molars.
Overcrowding cannot only affect the appearance of your smile but the alignment of your bite. In addition, overcrowded teeth are more difficult to clean and can harbor bacteria.
Impacted teeth
An impacted tooth cannot erupt through the gum line due to blockage by other teeth. This can result in pain and infection if bacteria become trapped beneath the gums.
Eruption at the wrong angle
If a wisdom tooth does not come straight up out of the gums, it can push neighboring teeth out of alignment and damage their structural integrity.
Infection
If a wisdom tooth or the surrounding gum tissue is infected, it can cause long-term damage to nearby teeth or even bone tissue. Infection can easily spread from one area of your smile to another and require extensive restorative treatment.
Your doctor can thoroughly examine your smile to determine whether you would benefit from wisdom teeth removal.
Impacted wisdom tooth
An impacted wisdom tooth can damage adjacent healthy teeth.
Removing wisdom teeth can protect the health and longevity of your smile. If you or your child is suffering from wisdom tooth pain, reach out to our office to schedule an appointment with our team at Woodland Park Dental. We welcome patients from Layton and surrounding locations.
While some patients choose to wait to address wisdom teeth until later in life, it is often much safer to extract them early on. As you age, the dental roots supporting your teeth grow longer.
Extraction carries a greater risk of nerve damage when the roots are at their fullest, which
typically happens after the age of 24. In addition, adult patients can experience a longer postsurgical recovery period.
“One of the best dentists I have been to, the staff is always pleasant upon arrival and they are very efficient in their processes!!” ~ Gabe D.
The wisdom tooth removal process will ultimately depend on the number of teeth being removed and the position of each tooth. Teeth that are not impacted can be easily extracted. This process involves slowly rocking the tooth back and forth and carefully removing it from the socket.
We offer sedation dentistry to put help you relax. Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and intravenous (IV) medication are all suitable options.
An impacted tooth requires a more complex procedure. The dentist must make an incision in your gums and remove any soft or hard tissue that rests above the tooth. They can then remove the tooth as a whole or in smaller pieces to avoid impacting the surrounding area. Dr. Hearne also performs socket preservation after wisdom tooth removal, which involves packing the socket with grafting material. This helps protect your jawbone from degeneration, which occurs naturally after wisdom tooth removal.
For your comfort, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb your gums prior to your procedure. We also offer sedation dentistry to help you relax. The dentist can help you choose which form of sedation is right for you. Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and intravenous (IV) medication are all suitable options.
Recovery
Most people fully recover from wisdom teeth surgery in three to four days. If your teeth were impacted or came in at an awkward angle, it could take a full week to recover.
The wound left behind after surgery won’t be completely healed for months, so you can still develop an infection weeks after surgery. Take care of yourself and pay attention to any signs of trouble.
