Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Nepean, ON
The Removal of Your “Extra” Teeth
While our team typically strives to save teeth, third molars are an exception to the rule. These parts of your smile can easily cause issues when left unchecked, putting your oral health at risk. That said, we offer quality wisdom tooth extraction here at our Nepean office. This removal work keeps your grin safe from "extra" teeth and their complications. To learn more about it, please keep reading or book a consultation to see us!
Why Choose Nepean Dental Centre for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Multiple Dental Sedation Options
- Skilled Dentist with Decades of Experience
- Affordable & Flexible Financing
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth (or “third molars”) are the ones that emerge last, when all the other kinds have already arrived. They erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 and sit in the back of one’s mouth.
In the present day, wisdom teeth are largely unnecessary. They initially helped our human ancestors, but they don’t assist us with modern diets; they’re a vestige of earlier times. That’s partly why only a few people get third molars now, whether it’s just one or all four. Those who have these teeth don’t always need to remove them, either.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Often enough, wisdom teeth need removal because they threaten your smile. Leaving them would make your oral health suffer, so they get “taken out” early.
The most common reason for extraction is that the teeth lack space. Most people have smaller mouths than their ancient ancestors, meaning they don’t have room for third molars. This lack of space can trap wisdom teeth in your gums, causing pain, infections, and cysts as a result. It otherwise leads to dental crowding, which then makes your other teeth shift out of place.
The biggest signs you should have wisdom teeth removed are:
- Facial swelling
- Bad breath
- Jaw stiffness
- Pain while eating
- Difficulty opening the mouth
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Wisdom tooth extractions usually follow set steps. Still, which ones get performed will depend on whether your third molars have erupted.
If your wisdom teeth did erupt, removal is pretty simple. Dr. Bal will first numb your mouth (using a local anesthetic) before using an elevator to lift your tooth. From there, he’ll use forceps to grip your third molar and wiggle it free of its socket.
Treatment takes a surgical approach when the wisdom tooth is impacted. In that scenario, talk to us during your consultation; we’ll outline what the extraction will involve.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Since wisdom teeth aren’t “meant” to come out, it takes time to heal from their removal. Ensure that recovery goes well by using the following tips:
- As needed, take over-the-counter and prescribed pain medications.
- Don’t drink through a straw for a few days.
- Twenty-four hours after surgery, rinse your mouth with salt water.
- Avoid using tobacco, as it interferes with healing.
- Don’t eat crunchy, hard, or sticky foods.
- Make sure to get plenty of rest.
- Keep your head elevated when sleeping.
- Use a cold compress or ice pack to decrease swelling.
If something comes up post-treatment, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll gladly address anything related to third molars!