Overview
Even though our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons make every attempt to conserve and maintain your natural teeth, there are instances in which a tooth or teeth might have to be taken out. A surgical extraction takes out a tooth that hasn’t erupted over the gums. Surgical extractions are frequently performed to take out impacted teeth, like the wisdom teeth, that don’t have sufficient space to fit in your mouth. No matter the reason for having an extraction at Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery Salina, our staff will give you the best treatment possible to allow for a comfortable procedure. Our Salina, KS office provides sedation methods, which means you can stay relaxed and calm throughout your treatment. Get in touch with our staff to learn more or to schedule an assessment with one of our surgeons in order to protect your smile.
The Benefits
There are many benefits to having your wisdom teeth removed preventatively, including:
- You can avoid potential complications, such as impaction and chronic discomfort.
- Having wisdom teeth removed earlier in life typically means a less painful process and a faster recovery.
- Waiting until later in life to remove wisdom teeth can increase your risk of complications.
- Wisdom teeth removal can help you avoid crowding and alignment issues, ensuring a healthy, confident smile.
- Having your wisdom teeth removed can also prevent damage to nearby teeth.
Best Candidates
You could require an extraction to remove a tooth or teeth that don’t fit properly in your mouth. This involves your third molars, popularly called wisdom teeth, which grow around age 17 – 21. Prior to your wisdom teeth extraction procedure, a series of x-rays will be conducted to determine the number of wisdom teeth present and if they are ready to be extracted. It is important to have them removed before they cause damage to the surrounding teeth, jaw, or gums, which could cause issues with the appearance and functionality of your smile.
What To Expect
Wisdom teeth extractions are done in one of our surgical suites using IV sedation. As soon as you’re prepared and sedated properly, your doctor will begin the procedure. A surgical extraction entails making incisions into your gums to reach the tooth. If necessary, the tooth might be broken up into smaller pieces so that it can be taken out. When the tooth has been removed, your surgeon will stitch the incision in your gums. They can prescribe antibiotics that should be taken prior to and following the process — in case you have a current illness, if your immune system is compromised, if the process is prolonged, or if you have some other special health problems.
Recovery
With IV sedation, you will be required to have a responsible adult take you home following your procedure. As your gums heal, you need to avoid using straws, smoking, and spitting. Your recovery will vary based on the extent of your dental extraction; however, many patients choose to eat soft, room-temperature food for at least a couple of days following the procedure. Your doctor will speak with you regarding what is normal as you recover and the best ways to look after your gums. Your gums will probably be inflamed after the procedure; therefore, we suggest over-the-counter pain medicine and cold compresses. Sometimes, your surgeon can give you a written prescription for pain medicine and/or antibiotics. Besides some proposed follow-up visits, you should schedule regular appointments at Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery Salina for dental examinations and cleanings so we can track your dental health following an extraction.
Surgical Extraction
If you or your dentist have begun to notice the presence of one or more wisdom teeth, a tooth extraction at Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery Salina may be necessary to protect your smile and overall oral health. Make a consultation with us in Salina, KS to learn more about surgical wisdom teeth extractions. Our team can help you receive the proper care and take measures to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the treatment process.
*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.
