Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Spotsylvania, VA

If you have a wisdom tooth that has become impacted or is causing pain and discomfort, it may be necessary to remove it. At Smile Lake Anna, we provide wisdom tooth extraction services for our patients in Spotsylvania, VA.

What is Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt and usually come between the ages of 17-25. They can be impacted or partially erupted (not fully developed), and if not removed, they may cause problems such as jaw pain, headaches, and other dental issues. To prevent these problems from occurring, surgery may be necessary.

Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure that involves removing the wisdom tooth from its socket and is performed by our oral surgeon under local anesthesia. Wisdom teeth removal can help you avoid future complications and improve your overall oral health.

Health Benefits of Having Your Wisdom Tooth Removed

Your third molars can cause several problems if not taken care of properly. These include infection, crowding, and damage to nearby teeth. By having your third molar removed, you’ll be able to prevent these issues from occurring.

Reduce the Risk of Infection

If left untreated, wisdom teeth can become infected and spread bacteria throughout the mouth. This includes inside your gums, which could result in abscesses, tooth decay, and bone loss. Removing your third molar prevents this from happening.

Prevent Damage to Adjacent Teeth

When your wisdom teeth aren't removed, they can push against neighboring teeth and cause them to shift position which leads to fractured teeth or damaged teeth.

Prevent Orthodontic Problems Caused by Overcrowding

Your teeth may become crowded as your wisdom teeth begin to come through. When this happens, they can press on surrounding teeth and cause them to move into different positions. This can lead to crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and dental pain. If you remove your wisdom teeth before they become impacted, you lessen the likelihood of having orthodontic treatment for teeth misalignment.

What to Expect in Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

Before the Procedure

Our oral surgeon will first perform a thorough examination before the procedure begins. We will check for signs of infection, examine your jaw structure, and determine whether any underlying conditions need to be addressed first.

During the Procedure

Once our oral surgeon has determined that the wisdom tooth needs to be extracted, we will numb the area using local anesthesia. This numbing medication will help reduce any discomfort during the procedure. Next, our oral surgeon will remove the tooth by making an incision around the area and lifting it out from the tooth socket. Then, we will suture the gum tissue back together and will give you instructions about what to do after the procedure to speed up your healing process.

After the Dental Procedure

After your oral surgery, you can return to your normal activities. Just make sure that you follow our post-operative instructions and maintain good oral hygiene to help ensure proper healing.

Avoid eating hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and candy in the first 24 hours after surgery. Try to stick with soft foods instead like soups, smoothies, yogurt, or ice cream.
Don’t smoke or chew tobacco products as this will slow down the recovery process and increase the risk of complications.
Drink plenty of water. But avoid using a straw, as this can cause a dry socket.
Avoid any strenuous activities for a few days to avoid breaking the blood clot from the tooth socket.
Take prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
Put an ice pack over the affected area for 15 minutes every two hours until the swelling subsides.

Request an Appointment With Us Today

Contact us today to learn more about our oral healthcare services and how we can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile! We look forward to meeting you and providing you with all of the dental treatment you need.