Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Goodlettsville, TN
Safe & Convenient Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The wisdom teeth are actually a third set of molars that usually try to come in around the late teens or early twenties. The keyword there is “try,” as most people simply don’t have enough room for them in their gum line. This leads the wisdom teeth to become stuck, or impacted, which can cause pain in the jaw and even crowding in the other teeth. For patients dealing with these kinds of problems, we can take care of them right here with pain-free wisdom tooth extractions in Goodlettsville, TN.
Why Choose Goodlettsville Smiles for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Sedation available to ensure a comfortable experience
- More affordable then visiting an oral surgeon
- Checkups help us know when to remove the teeth before they cause problems
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Our caveman ancestors had a very rough diet, mostly consisting of raw fruits, vegetables, and tough meats. As a result, most would wear down or break their first set of molars by the time they reached adulthood. Many researchers believe that the wisdom teeth were intended to serve as replacements. Over time, however, advances in cooking techniques have made the human diet much easier on the teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth are pretty useless for most people in this day and age.
Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted
Wisdom teeth most commonly erupt between the ages of 18 to 25. While not all wisdom teeth must be removed, extraction is a common procedure to reduce dental pain, avoid overcrowding, and prevent bite problems.
If you experience dental pain towards the back of the mouth, that is likely a sign that your wisdom teeth should be removed. Other signs you may need to contact a dentist in Goodlettsville regarding wisdom teeth extraction include:
- Inflammation around the gums
- Development of oral cysts
- Stiffness in the jaw
- Sinus congestion, pressure or pain
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process
Dr. McClain will first numb the area around your wisdom teeth to ensure you do not feel any discomfort during the extraction procedure. He will then make a small incision in the gums to expose the wisdom teeth below. Using forceps, he will gently rock each wisdom tooth back and forth until it detaches. If your wisdom teeth are large in size, they may need to be divided first into smaller pieces before being removed.
Once your wisdom teeth have been successfully extracted, Dr. McClain will clean the area and stitch up your gums. Then the healing process officially begins!
Aftercare Advice for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Since anesthesia is often utilized during wisdom tooth extractions in Goodlettsville, you should arrange for a family member or friend to safely drive you home afterward. Plan on resting over the next couple of days to allow your body to begin the healing process.
During the first 24 hours following extraction, avoid drinking through straws or eating hard or chewy foods. Doing so could dislodge or dissolve the blood clot that will form over and protect the extraction site. Stick to eating soft, mushy foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups or smoothies.
While you should continue your normal oral hygiene routine, do not brush or floss too close to the extraction site during the first couple days.
Finally, be sure to take any pain medication prescribed by Dr. McClain and rinse with warm salt water as directed.