Wisdom Tooth Extractions Cottonwood Heights
Painlessly Removing Problematic Molars
Wisdom tooth extractions are so common these days that they are basically viewed as a rite-of-passage. That said, you might not know much about this emergency dentistry procedure, including what to expect during your time in the treatment chair or how to prevent a dry socket during the recovery period. Don’t worry – we’re covering all of that information and more right here. Plus, you can schedule a consultation if you’d prefer to speak directly with our dental team near Cottonwood Heights.
Why Choose White Peak Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- High-Quality Family-Friendly Dentistry
- Highly Experienced Dentist & Team
- We Accept & Maximize Dental Insurance
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth have their name because they typically begin growing in in the late teens or early twenties. Since wisdom comes with age, they earned the nickname “wisdom teeth” (that’s the prevailing theory, at least). Although they were vital for our ancestors who had vastly different diets and oral hygiene, they are often more harmful than helpful for patients today.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Oftentimes, dentists recommend wisdom teeth be removed to prevent future oral health concerns from arising, like cysts that can burst and damage the jawbone, pain, and an increased risk of orthodontic issues like crowding. During your biannual dental checkups, we will monitor the development of your third set of molars. If they start to cause problems or have the potential to negatively impact your oral health, we will recommend having them removed.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
If the wisdom teeth aren’t impacted below the gumline, Dr. Hansen can easily remove them by lifting them out of their sockets and wiggling them free of any connective tissues. To ensure your comfort throughout the extraction, our team can administer local anesthesia or dental sedation before your treatment. Afterward, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to preserve the blood clot and help you make a speedy recovery.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
To ensure the healing period is smooth and comfortable, we will provide you with aftercare instructions, like:
- Change the gauze pads as needed
- Waiting to eat until you’ve regained full sensation in your mouth
- Sticking to a soft foods diet consisting of yogurt, applesauce, and the like
- Brushing carefully around the extraction site
- Taking OTC pain medication as directed
- Keeping your head elevated, even while you sleep
- Using a cold compress or towel-wrapped ice pack for 10 minutes at a time