
WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. For many, these teeth can cause overcrowding, pain, or even infection if left untreated. At Carson & Acasio Dentistry, we specialize in gentle and effective wisdom teeth removal, providing safe solutions to maintain optimal oral health and prevent future complications.
Why Wisdom Teeth Removal is Often Necessary
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, but it’s often recommended if:
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Overcrowding: Wisdom teeth can push against surrounding teeth, leading to alignment issues and discomfort.
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Impacted Teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t fully erupt, they may become trapped under the gum, potentially leading to pain, cysts, or infection.
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Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them harder to clean and more prone to decay or infection.
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Jaw Pain: The pressure caused by wisdom teeth can lead to jaw pain, making everyday activities like chewing uncomfortable.
Removing problematic wisdom teeth can prevent these issues and promote a healthier smile.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
At Carson & Acasio Dentistry, we aim to make wisdom teeth removal a comfortable and stress-free experience. Here’s what to expect:
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Initial Consultation and Evaluation
During the first visit, we’ll assess your wisdom teeth with X-rays and a thorough exam to determine their position and any potential issues. We’ll discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. -
Preparation and Sedation Options
To ensure maximum comfort, we offer IV sedation and sleep sedation options. Many patients feel at ease knowing they’ll experience minimal discomfort and may not remember the procedure afterward. We’ll review your sedation preferences and make sure you understand each option. -
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
On the day of the procedure, we carefully numb the area before gently removing the wisdom teeth. Whether they’re fully erupted or impacted, our experienced team uses advanced techniques to minimize trauma to surrounding tissues and ensure a smooth extraction process. -
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
After surgery, we provide detailed aftercare instructions, including tips for managing pain, swelling, and any dietary restrictions. Recovery typically takes about a week, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal is generally straightforward. You may experience slight swelling and discomfort for a few days, which can be managed with:
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Cold Compresses: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
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Soft Diet: Eat soft, non-irritating foods such as yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies.
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Oral Hygiene Instructions: Avoid vigorous rinsing and follow your dentist’s instructions for keeping the area clean.
Removing problematic wisdom teeth can prevent these issues and promote a healthier smile.
Recovery Timeline
Most patients are back to normal again in 5-7 days. Here’s a rough timeline of what to expect in the 7 days following the extraction:
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Day 0 – Bleeding subsides. Get as much rest as possible, bite on gauze, and use ice packs if swelling is present (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).
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Days 1-2 – Peak swelling typically occurs during these days and can be paired with mild discomfort. Continue icing as needed (if swelling is still present) and stick to soft foods for the time being.
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Days 3-4 – On average, swelling will mostly subside or almost completely fade away during these days. Without spitting, rinse the mouth out multiple times per day with warm salt water.
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Days 5-7 – Most, if not all, of the soreness should subside in these days. Gradually reintroduce solid food into your diet as soreness disappears.
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Day 7 – A week after the procedure, a follow up appointment is scheduled to check on the healing progress. Normal activities are often able to be resumed after the healing has been checked on, but it is often recommended to continue avoiding contact sports for two weeks.
Sedation Options Available for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
At Carson & Acasio, we offer various forms of sedation to help patients receiving wisdom tooth removal treatment. Here is a quick list of the sedation options offered at our offices:
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Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas): This form of sedation offers a quick onset paired with mild relaxation. It is ideal for those with mild anxiety and for short procedures.
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Oral Sedation (Pill): Taking around 60 minutes to kick in, this form of sedation offers a high level of drowsiness that is ideal for patients with moderate levels of anxiety and simple procedures.
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IV Sedation: This option offers the deepest levels of sedation, causing “twilight” sleep where none of the procedure is remembered. This form of sedation is ideal for complex or impacted extractions and for patients with a high amount of anxiety for dental work.
IV Sedation is administered under continuous monitoring by our licensed staff, ensuring that you’ll wake up comfortable and safe after the procedure.
Why Choose Carson & Acasio Dentistry for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
With years of experience and a commitment to patient-centered care, Carson & Acasio Dentistry offers a comfortable, safe environment for wisdom teeth removal. Our skilled team uses advanced techniques and a gentle approach, ensuring you feel at ease every step of the way.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort related to wisdom teeth, contact Carson & Acasio Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, discuss your treatment options, and help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.