Everything you need to know about wisdom tooth extractions

Your wisdom teeth, medically known as the “third molars,” are the last to develop within the smile–often in the late teens or early adult years. But they are also the most commonly problematic teeth due to their late arrival. Because they come in last, there may not be enough room for them, and patients may experience impaction, where the wisdom tooth gets stuck below the gum line and cannot come through.

Drs. Scott A. Babin and Anne Mazure-Schmidt in Edmonds and Renton, Washington, can evaluate you to determine if you might need to have your wisdom teeth removed. Read on to learn why we may recommend this to you or your family member.

Why might I need a wisdom tooth removed?

Wisdom teeth can become “stuck” under the gums and in the jaw, which may result in severe pain and discomfort. This requires a dentist to perform surgical extraction to remove them. Alternatively, these teeth can be extremely challenging to keep clean because of how far back in the mouth they develop. This leaves the teeth at risk of cavities or periodontal disease. Removal is often recommended in many situations to ensure patients maintain healthy smiles.

What are the types of removal for wisdom teeth?

There are two methods of removal, including simple extraction and surgical extraction. A simple extraction is performed in minutes and is best used on the teeth that have come through the gum line and are accessible without needing to cut into the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth are often removed with a surgical extraction, in which the gum tissues are cut, and the tooth is retrieved from the jawbone.

What aftercare instructions should I follow after having wisdom teeth removed?

There are a few recommendations our team will make after you have had your wisdom teeth removed:

• Maintain a healthy and beautiful smile by brushing and flossing even after your procedure while being mindful of the areas where teeth were removed
• Avoid sucking through a straw as this can cause dry sockets, a condition that can impact the healing and recovery following tooth extraction
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations on soft foods to eat for the next week or two as the mouth heals
• Maintain pain medications as needed to reduce discomfort and swelling that often accompany dental extractions
• Call your doctor if you have any complications or concerns regarding aftercare and healing after your procedure has been performed

How do I find out more about wisdom tooth extractions?

If you have been advised by your dentist that you might benefit from the removal of one or more wisdom teeth, it is strongly encouraged that you connect with a dental team that can perform your procedure safely and effectively.

Drs. Scott A. Babin and Anne Mazure-Schmidt can perform both surgical and nonsurgical extractions of the third molars. Call the Edmonds office at (425) 629-8228 and the Renton office at (425) 793-2440 to request a visit.

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