Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Procedure and Recovery at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, Michigan
In most people, the third set of molars, generally called “wisdom teeth,” start coming in around age 17-25. However, their arrival is often far from trouble-free. The extraction (removal) of one or more third molars is a common procedure, and after a thorough examination and diagnostic tests (such as X-rays or a CT scan), your dentist in Lansing, Michigan, may recommend extraction.
Common Reasons for Extraction
Wisdom teeth are typically removed to prevent future problems or alleviate a current condition. Reasons include:
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Crowding/Impaction: Your jaw may be too small, leading to excessive crowding and the chance of wisdom teeth becoming impacted (unable to emerge from the gums). Impaction can be harmful to adjacent bone or teeth.
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Crooked Eruption: Teeth may be erupting in a crooked orientation, which can damage other teeth or anatomical structures, and/or cause bite problems.
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Infection Risk: If a wisdom tooth does not fully erupt (emerge from the gums), it can increase the chance for bacterial infection.
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Cyst Development: A cyst (a closed, fluid-filled sac) may develop around the unerupted wisdom tooth, which can cause infection and injury to the adjacent bone or nerve tissue.
The Extraction Procedure
Wisdom tooth extraction is usually an in-office procedure performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon at Schaefer Dental Group.
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Anesthesia: The treatment can be done with only a local anesthetic (numbing shot). However, if multiple teeth are being extracted, a general anesthetic or conscious sedation may be administered for maximum comfort. The type of anesthesia will be determined before the procedure.
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Removal: If the tooth is impacted, the gum tissue at the extraction site may need to be opened. The tooth itself will then be gently removed.
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Sutures: When the extraction is complete, the site may be sutured (stitched) to aid healing.
After the procedure, you will rest for a short time before going home. Depending on the anesthesia, you may need another person to drive you.
After the Procedure: Recovery Tips
The recovery period generally lasts only a few days. Follow these guidelines to encourage healing:
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Rest and Medication: Rest when possible, and take any pain medication as prescribed.
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Control Bleeding: Bleeding is normal. Control it by gently biting on gauze pads (changing as needed) and resting with your head elevated on pillows.
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Manage Swelling: For the first day, hold an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for a few minutes at a time (e.g., 5 minutes on / 5 minutes off). Starting on day 2, the warm moist heat of a washcloth may make you more comfortable.
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Oral Rinse: Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water a few times a day can also help relieve discomfort.
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Diet and Hygiene: Eat soft foods for a few days, and be careful when brushing or putting anything in your mouth until healing is complete.
Be sure to follow the specific postoperative instructions provided to you for the most comfortable recovery.