Tooth Extractions & Wisdom Teeth Removal
The Red Bud Dental team has the experience and credentials you should look for when considering a dentist for your tooth extractions, bone-grafting and wisdom tooth removals.
“Great staff, pleasant and clean office. In just one day, totally gentle and painless tooth extraction, bridge, crown work– sure, I’d probably rather be goofing off at the river, but if you need some dental work– excellent job.”
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Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Video 01:51 | With age comes wisdom – and wisdom teeth! Learn more about what to expect when this third set of molars come through in your late teens.
The extraction of wisdom teeth is not always necessary. However, at Red Bud Dental, we offer painless wisdom teeth extractions for those who need them.
Patients who are particularly concerned about the procedure can be referred to a specialist. It is our goal to ensure that these patients have the best possible experience. We have access to excellent oral surgeons.
As a dental practice, we strive to keep our patients’ smiles bright and healthy at all stages of life.
Video 01:01 | While healthy wisdom teeth are an asset to your mouth, wisdom teeth that don’t fully erupt or that grow in sideways can lead to tooth decay, infection or pain. Discover what your dentist can do to help you decide whether your wisdom teeth should be removed.
Does every patient have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth (also called third molars) typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 21 years. The number of third molars in a patient’s mouth can range from zero to four. It is rare for patients to have more than four, though it is possible. There are four wisdom teeth in most people. However, even if the teeth don’t show up in your mouth, they are still there, trapped in your jawbone.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth may erupt in some patients without causing significant discomfort or needing to be removed. However, these molars frequently fail to properly emerge because the jaw does not have enough room to accommodate them. As a result of this, they often become impacted (stuck in the jaw and unable to emerge) or positioned at an angle that makes it difficult to clean and maintain the area. To avoid more serious issues like cavities, gum disease, and crooked teeth, dentists often recommend molar extraction.
How is the extraction procedure of wisdom teeth?
Third molar extractions typically take one to two hours, and patients are free to leave the office as soon as the procedure is finished. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, impacted molars take longer to remove than well-positioned teeth, which are easier to remove.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area prior to extraction, regardless of the procedural complexity. In simple procedures, the dentist will immediately remove the tooth after administering anesthesia. For complex (surgical) extractions, the dentist will need to make a small incision in the gum tissue in order to access the tooth. The tooth may even be cut into smaller pieces in order to speed up the procedure.
In order for healing to begin, the surgical site must be closed following an extraction. It is normal for the patient to experience swollen cheeks in the first few days. It gets better with time. Painkiller prescriptions are given to the patient before they leave the dentist’s office.
What happens when patients don’t have their wisdom teeth removed?
Not all patients require wisdom teeth extraction. Nevertheless, it may be necessary if the dentist recommends it after a thorough clinical and radiographic examination.
Third molars after orthodontic treatment can be a major inconvenience for patients. The teeth next to them are put under too much strain as molars try to erupt. As a result, the teeth may become crowded.
Gum disease is another common danger associated with wisdom teeth. When these molars are positioned incorrectly, it can be difficult to keep the area clean. An infection may spread to the gums around the molar, leading to swelling and pain, which is why wisdom teeth are so unwelcome.
Red Bud Dental always recommends a proactive approach to wisdom teeth extractions for all of these reasons. If any of the following symptoms begin to occur, patients should contact our office immediately:
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Tooth Extractions
Other teeth besides the third molars may also require extraction in some cases. Here are some of the most common reasons dentists choose to remove other teeth from their patients:
Dentists will always do their best to save the patient’s natural teeth. Only wisdom teeth are exempt from this rule, as their removal is a preventative measure. Having those teeth removed allows the patient to eat normally again and keeps their smile as bright as ever.
Video 01:00 | Video demonstrating a simple tooth extraction. If your tooth is badly decayed and can’t be saved, your dentist may recommend a common surgical procedure called a tooth extraction.
Why should patients get an infected tooth removed?
If left in the mouth, severely decayed or traumatized teeth can negatively impact your overall health. One tooth’s decay may spread to nearby ones, for example. The jawbone can be affected by periodontal disease as it progresses. Broken or cracked teeth are more susceptible to the growth of bacteria, which can lead to more serious issues in the future.
It’s always best to use either a dental bridge or an implant to bridge the gap left by removing the problematic teeth. Red Bud Dental will go over the various options with you during your dental appointment to help you choose the best one for your oral health and well-being.
OR CALL (512) 494-4947 OR TEXT US TO GET STARTED.