Your Dentist Explains Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Midwest City

Wisdom teeth get their name from the Victorians, who believed that the third molars grew in during the age of wisdom (around ages 17 to 25). Research shows that our ancestors needed these teeth, but due to an improved diet and better oral healthcare, there is no longer any use for wisdom teeth. Most of the time they are removed because they crowd your jawbone, causing a series of related problems. Keep reading to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction in Midwest City and what the process is like.

How Do I Know When It’s Time for Extraction?

If your wisdom teeth are ready for extraction, you may notice symptoms like:

• Pain
• Infection
• Gum disease
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Cysts
• Tooth decay

Why are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

One of the most common causes for extraction of wisdom teeth is when they are impacted. This means that they don’t have enough room to grow in and erupt properly, which can cause crooked teeth, crowding, bite problems, and other issues.

A partially erupted wisdom tooth can also cause a condition called pericoronitis, which is an infection where bacteria become trapped in between the impacted tooth and your gums. Both infection, crooked teeth, and bite misalignment require more extensive and expensive procedures, which makes wisdom teeth extraction necessary for a lot of people.

What is the Process Like?

Before the process begins, your dentist will make sure you’re numb and comfortable using a form of sedation or anesthesia. The extraction process will depend on how your wisdom teeth have grown in. If they’re fully erupted, your dentist in Midwest City may be able to pull your teeth out. However, wisdom teeth are typically impacted, which requires a surgical component in the process. This usually means that your dentist will make small incisions in your gum tissue to expose more of your tooth, allowing for an easier extraction.

Your dentist may also remove small pieces of your bone that surround the tooth root, or even break the tooth into smaller pieces for a successful removal. This may sound painful, but your highly-trained dentist will ensure your comfort and safety.

The most pain that patients feel will tend to be after extraction for the first 48 hours. This discomfort and soreness will subside, but you should take medication as prescribed and use a cold compress for 20-minute intervals to ease pain and swelling. Also, be sure to eat only liquids for the first few days and then softer foods during the next week to help the healing process.

Do you have wisdom teeth that need extraction or any questions about a family member with wisdom teeth? Contact your dentist today to ensure the health and safety of your smile!

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Steven Kendrick is proud to provide quality care for his fellow Oklahomans. He offers numerous dental services in addition to wisdom teeth removal to meet the treatment needs of your whole family. He currently practices at Midwest Dental Center, and he can be contacted through is website or by phone at (405) 732-0431 for any questions.