Wisdom Teeth Removal in Birmingham, MI
Gentle Extraction With Dr. Stone
Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that usually erupt during your late teens or early adulthood. When a wisdom tooth is blocked from erupting correctly, it becomes impacted. This can happen for several reasons, like not having enough space to accommodate the eruption of wisdom teeth– which can eventually lead to infection and overcrowding.
Learn about impacted wisdom teeth, the extraction process, and how Dr. Stone can help.
Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Common signs and symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include:
- Bad breath, also known as halitosis
- Pain or tenderness in the gums and jaw
- Headaches or jaw aches
- Inflamed and bleeding gums
- Limited jaw function
It’s crucial to remove impacted wisdom teeth to prevent a number of problems, like severe pain, possible infection, and a misaligned bite. Without treatment, impacted wisdom teeth can cause additional health complications later on.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
The wisdom tooth removal process is completely safe, effective, and completed right here at Premier Birmingham Dentistry. Dr. Stone can extract your tooth in just a few simple steps:
- We’ll begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb the extraction area. This will ensure that you feel comfortable and worry-free throughout the procedure.
- Once the anesthetic sets in, Dr. Stone will gently separate your wisdom tooth from the gum tissue. This allows us to remove your tooth in a quick and painless way.
- After your impacted wisdom tooth is removed, Dr. Stone will carefully stitch up your gums and you’ll begin the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
In very few cases, some peoples’ wisdom teeth erupt without issues and they don’t need to be removed. However, this is rare and most people don’t have enough space in their jaw for proper eruption. You may need your wisdom teeth removed if they’re impacted or if you’re having difficulty cleaning those that have emerged.
We recommend that all young adults be evaluated by an oral or maxillofacial surgeon to determine if their wisdom teeth require extraction. During your consultation, an exam and X-ray can reveal impaction, damage to neighboring teeth, signs of decay, gum disease, or perceived complications with future wisdom tooth eruption.
You may be able to drive yourself home depending on the type of anesthetic used during your procedure. If you’re given dental sedation, you’ll need a responsible driver to take you home following the extraction. We ask this because it won’t be safe for you to drive after being heavily sedated.
If you’re given a local anesthetic, you should be able to drive without a problem. However, we strongly suggest that you arrange a ride home regardless of the type of anesthetic provided.
Yes! You’ll need to keep the extraction site clean and free of debris for the first couple of weeks after the procedure. You’ll also need to take all medications exactly as prescribed by your surgeon. Avoid sucking through a straw for the first several days after surgery, and notify your surgeon if you experience a fever or discomfort that worsens after a few days.
Getting your wisdom teeth removed can sound intimidating. However, not removing impacted wisdom teeth can cause greater discomfort and pain than what you’ll experience during the procedure. Rest assured, we’ll numb the extraction area before the procedure to make sure your extraction is comfortable and pain-free.
We’ll also provide you with patient-friendly aftercare instructions to promote a speedy and successful recovery.
Visit Premier Birmingham Dentistry Today
If you need a wisdom tooth removed, Dr. Stone and our highly skilled team can gently extract your tooth and alleviate your pain. Contact our Birmingham office at (248) 644-8520 or fill out a contact form to schedule an appointment.