Wisdom tooth extraction in Kips Bay: Answering common questions

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually appear in adulthood, often between ages 17 and 25. Many patients don’t have wisdom teeth at all, while others may have all four. If a wisdom tooth is surfacing, you may experience a wide range of symptoms, such as facial and jaw pain, tenderness, swelling of the gums at the back of your mouth, and white spots behind the existing last molars. You have to see a family dentist in Kips Bay, New York, as soon as possible to know whether a surfacing wisdom tooth should be removed. This post answers some of the common questions about wisdom tooth extractions. 

Why do dentists remove a wisdom tooth?

Wisdom teeth are known to cause complications, including pain and infection. Also, because there is little space for the third set of molars, the neighboring teeth are often affected. Your dentist may recommend removing a wisdom tooth because it is impacted and trapped in the jawbone and gums. In other cases, there isn’t enough space for more teeth, and the wisdom tooth may come out at the wrong angle, causing extreme pain. It is hard to reach the wisdom teeth using a regular toothbrush or through flossing, which may lead to gum disease and decay. Your dentist may not be able to treat an existing cavity inside a wisdom tooth and recommend removing it. 

Does removing a wisdom tooth hurt?

No, you will not feel pain during the extraction procedure because your dentist will use local anesthesia. The surgery takes about an hour or less, and the anesthesia effects will remain for at least a couple of hours. If you have dental anxiety, you can discuss IV sedation, where the dentist will give you medications that will keep you drowsy during the procedure. There is also general anesthesia recommended in some cases, and if you decide on that, you will need someone to drive you home after the extraction. 

What is the procedure like?

Your dentist will first administer local anesthesia (or other sedation as agreed), after which they will cut through the gums to access the tooth. They will then loosen and lift the wisdom tooth from the socket. In some cases, the tooth may be divided into different sections for easier removal. They will then clean the socket and close the opening with gauze to prevent further bleeding. As mentioned earlier, this shouldn’t take more than an hour. If you just had local anesthesia, you should be able to go home immediately.

Will there be pain after the procedure? 

As the anesthesia effects wear off, you may have some pain, and the symptoms may last for three to four days. You can use an ice pack on the cheeks for comfort. Your dentist may also recommend pain relievers to ease the symptoms. However, if you are experiencing complications or the pain continues to get worse, check with your dentist soon. 

What are the usual aftercare instructions?

You must eat soft foods for at least four days after having a wisdom tooth removed. Foods like soups, pudding, rice, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and boiled potatoes are great, but avoid anything that is too soft or hot. Do not brush your teeth for 24 hours, and avoid using mouthwash. Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 7 days, as both can slow down the healing process. Adhere to your dentist’s instructions, and if you have been given antibiotics, complete the course. 

Select a family dentist in Kips Bay who is known and experienced for your wisdom tooth extraction. They should explain the procedure after an initial exam and answer all your relevant queries.