Wisdom Teeth & Oral Surgery Specialist

What are wisdom teeth and why do they need to be extracted?

As we grow into our late teens and early adult years, our mouths finish maturing. During this process, the third set of molars, called wisdom teeth, will likely grow in.

While it is possible for wisdom teeth to grow in naturally without a problem, they often can grow in at odd angles or cause overcrowding in our mouth. This can cause pain and other unwanted symptoms. When this happens, they may need to be extracted professionally. 

What can I expect during my procedure?

Initially, the team at Goldstein & Freud, DDS, PLLC, will do an assessment of your mouth, which may include an X-ray. This will help them understand where your wisdom teeth are and whether they need to be extracted. They will then come up with a careful plan of care in order to address your specific needs. 

The actual procedure usually takes 45 minutes or less, during which time they will likely use local anesthesia as well as general sedation in order to ensure your comfort. They will then cut the surrounding tissue and remove the tooth.

Depending on where the tooth is located, they may need to place stitches in the wound to help stop the bleeding and ensure that it heals properly. 

What can I expect after my procedure?

As your extraction, you will likely experience some pain and soreness following the procedure, as well as some bleeding. The pain can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. Eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids to help with recovery.

Refrain from drinking through a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot that will form to stop the bleeding. In addition, do not eat hard or sticky foods or smoke, as this can impede the healing process

After your procedure, the team at Goldstein & Freud, DDS, PLLC, will provide you with detailed instructions for follow-up care and recovery. To learn more about wisdom tooth removal and whether it may be right for you, call or go online today to schedule your first appointment.