Protect Your Oral Health with Stress-free Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Do you have an impacted or troublesome wisdom tooth? Norbo Dental offers wisdom teeth extractions to patients in and near Purcellville, Virginia. Drs. Justin Norbo, Peter Havelos, and Brett Siegel combine personalized care with advanced technology to administer safe and painless dental extractions. End pain and restore oral health with wisdom teeth extractions in our modern dental office.
Should I remove my wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last to erupt, usually between ages 17 to 21. Most teeth have erupted at this age, so your wisdom teeth rarely have enough room to grow healthily. Often, wisdom teeth push against other teeth, causing overcrowding.
Sometimes, your tooth can remain impacted beneath the gum line. An impacted tooth may grow at an angle toward the other tooth or back of the mouth. The tooth may also grow straight like others but barely emerges above the gum line.
Wisdom teeth can cause numerous problems, including:
- Pain
- Trapping food
- Damage to the nearby structures
- Swollen gums
- Cysts or tumors
Not all wisdom teeth cause problems. However, our doctor may recommend removal if these teeth will likely cause problems later in life.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom tooth extraction can be simple or surgical. The type of extraction depends on the condition or position of the tooth, as revealed by dental X-rays.
- Simple Extractions: They are ideal for wisdom teeth that are accessible in the mouth. The dentist gently rocks the tooth to detach it from the socket. Once loose, the tooth is pulled out in one piece with forceps.
- Surgical Extractions: The dentist will surgically extract the tooth if it’s partially or completely impacted. The dentist will make a small incision on your gums to access the trapped tooth. Often, the dentist may remove some bone around the tooth or sever it into several pieces for easier removal.
Wisdom teeth extractions aren’t as scary as they sound. Our dentist uses gentle care and effective anesthetics for a painless dental experience.
What should I do after wisdom tooth removal?
Our dental extractions are painless, but we ensure your healing is equally comfortable with practical aftercare tips. Here is what you observe for a seamless recovery.
- Pain Management: Take the prescribed pain medications. Applying ice on the outer cheeks will also help manage pain and swelling.
- Bleeding: Bite on the gauze pad for about an hour and change it as needed. Limit physical activities for 2-3 days and sleep with your head elevated.
- Diet: We recommend liquids and easy-to-chew foods for about one week. This means you should limit your diet to juices, smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and other soft foods. Avoid hard, spicy, and hot foods and beverages.
- Oral Hygiene: Only rinse your mouth with salty water after 24 hours to prevent clot dislodging. Brush and floss your teeth as usual, but avoid the extraction site.
It takes about a week for your extraction site to heal. However, this period can be protracted if you develop a dry socket, which can happen if the clot doesn’t form or dislodges too early. Your dentist will discuss such risks and how to minimize them.
Do you need wisdom tooth removal?
Wisdom teeth may not bother you now but can cause problems later in life. Save your smile from future problems with wisdom teeth removal services at Norbo Dental. Call 540-338-7325 and schedule your visit. Modern dental extractions are smoother than ever, and recovery is quicker than many expect.
