Wisdom Tooth Removal: What You Need to Know
Millions of Americans undergo wisdom tooth removal each year. Many of those surgeries are performed when the third molars fail to fully erupt. Dr. Andy Maples can remove wisdom teeth that are impacted, infected, or causing teeth crowding. His Loveland, CO, dental practice team is dedicated to providing an experience that is comfortable, personalized, and exceptional in quality. In addition to being a graduate of Seattle's Clay Center in the areas of periodontics and prosthodontics, Dr. Maples goes above and beyond Colorado's required amount of annual continuing education requirements.
Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal
While wisdom tooth removal may sound painful, the majority of patients who undergo the procedure report minimal discomfort associated with the removal of their molars. There are many oral health benefits following the outpatient oral surgery. A few of these include:
- A virtually pain-free procedure: Wisdom tooth removal will be performed using local anesthesia. Our practice also offers oral sedation if you are anxious about the procedure.
- Restored oral health: Wisdom teeth are generally problematic and can cause teeth crowding, decay, and gum disease. Removing your wisdom teeth can lead to improved oral health outcomes in the long term while lowering your dental bills.
- Relief from discomfort: Many patients have their wisdom teeth removed to find relief from pain. Cavities, impacted teeth, and infections can cause severe pain if left untreated.
- Candidacy for orthodontics: One barrier to candidacy for Invisalign or traditional braces is teeth crowding. By removing your wisdom teeth, you can improve your candidacy for teeth-straightening treatments.
Are You a Good Candidate?
At West Lake Dental, we offer advanced imaging technology, including CBCT scanners and digital x-rays, to diagnose the cause of your wisdom tooth discomfort. One possible cause may be impaction. The warning signs of this condition include:
- Tender or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Swelling near wisdom teeth
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty or pain when opening your mouth
These symptoms should be taken seriously. An infection can spread quickly, compromising the health of surrounding teeth and gum tissue.
Beyond having impacted wisdom teeth, candidates for this procedure often have:
- An abscess (advanced infection)
- Advanced dental decay
- Recently experienced an injury
- Pain radiating from one or more teeth
The Tooth Removal Process
Dr. Maples will closely examine your teeth before recommending wisdom tooth removal. During your procedure, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the areas around your wisdom teeth so you feel little to no discomfort. Patients who are nervous about the procedure can benefit from our oral conscious sedation options. An incision may be made around the tooth before the molar is broken into smaller pieces and carefully removed.
We are dedicated to providing an experience that is comfortable, personalized, and exceptional in quality.
After your wisdom teeth have been removed, any incisions will be sutured closed and gauze will be used to control bleeding. Light swelling, bruising, and intermittent bleeding is to be expected on the first day or two after surgery. Soreness should completely subside by the first week. Full recovery usually takes around two weeks.
Contact Our Office Today
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth, we recommend contacting us immediately. Even if your wisdom teeth are not causing problems, they can lead to undesirable complications later. Dr. Maples will help you determine if wisdom tooth removal is right for you. If you undergo this outpatient surgery, you will be working with a highly skilled team of oral health professionals. Dr. Maples completes about 150 hours of continuing education each year, far above the 15 hours mandated by the state of Colorado. To schedule an appointment to discuss wisdom tooth removal, contact our office online or call (970) 669-1444.
