Wisdom Teeth Removal in Hickory, NC
While our goal is always to save your natural teeth, sometimes extraction becomes necessary. This can be due to several reasons, the most common being:
- Extensive Tooth Decay: In case of extreme decay, where a root canal is not possible and extraction may be required. Extraction removes the infected tooth and prevents further problems.
- Severe Tooth Damage: If a tooth is badly cracked, broken, or loose due to trauma or other reasons, extraction might be the best option to avoid pain and potential infection.
Dr. J.D. Robinette provides expert tooth extractions at his office in Hickory, NC. Call 828-267-0651 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Robinette today!
Who Needs Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Why Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed
Wisdom teeth, the third molars at the back of your mouth, can sometimes cause problems. Here’s why removal might be recommended by your dentist:
- Impaction: Often, wisdom teeth lack enough space to push through the gums properly and become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth.
- Gum Disease: Impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, increasing the risk of gum disease and inflammation.
- Tooth Decay: Crowded wisdom teeth are more susceptible to decay due to their awkward position.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Wisdom teeth can interfere with orthodontic treatment plans, requiring removal for optimal results.
- Radiation Therapy: If you require radiation therapy to the head and neck, wisdom teeth in the treatment area might need removal to minimize complications.
Signs of Potential Wisdom Teeth Trouble
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s wise to see your dentist to check on your wisdom teeth:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth
- Tenderness, redness, or bleeding gums around the wisdom teeth
- Swelling around the jaw
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Bad breath
Early evaluation by your dentist allows for a smooth and timely removal of wisdom teeth, if necessary, minimizing any potential discomfort and complications.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery
Wisdom tooth removal is an outpatient procedure, allowing you to go home the same day. During the surgery, you’ll receive either local anesthesia (numbing the area) or general anesthesia (putting you to sleep). Whichever option you choose, your dentist will ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Following surgery, your body will naturally begin the healing process. It’s normal to experience some pain and swelling. To minimize discomfort, your dentist will prescribe medication, either prescription pain relievers or over-the-counter options. They’ll also recommend applying an ice pack to your cheek for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
When you’re ready to eat again, stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and broth. These are gentle on your healing extraction sites and promote a comfortable recovery. Your dentist will provide specific instructions on medications, dietary recommendations, and activity level to optimize your healing journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any questions or concerns you may have along the way.
Scheduling Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Appointment
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt. Wisdom teeth generally cause problems when they erupt partially through the gum. The most common reasons for removing them are decay, gum infection (Pericoronitis), pressure pain, orthodontic reasons and cyst formation. With today’s modern procedures and follow up care as recommended by the dentist, extractions are simple and relatively pain-free. If you are in need of a wisdom teeth extraction, please call our office in Hickory, NC, at 828-267-0651 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robinette today.