Wisdom Teeth Removal Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Most adults develop four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom. These teeth are located at the very back of the mouth. Many people no longer have enough room in their mouths to accommodate wisdom teeth, which can lead to complications.Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. If the teeth come in properly aligned, are fully erupted, and don't interfere with surrounding teeth or oral health, they can be left in place. However, this is not always the case. Often, wisdom teeth come in crooked, remain trapped beneath the gum line (impacted), or create overcrowding in the mouth. In such cases, extraction is typically recommended to prevent pain, infection, tooth damage, and other oral health issues. Routine dental exams and X-rays help determine whether your wisdom teeth are developing normally or need to be removed. Our Cooley Smiles team can monitor their progress and guide you through your options based on your unique situation. Wisdom Teeth ProcedureThe process of removing wisdom teeth depends on whether the teeth have erupted or are impacted. If the wisdom teeth are fully erupted, the procedure is straightforward and similar to a regular tooth extraction. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, the tooth is gently loosened and removed. For patients who are anxious or undergoing multiple extractions, sedation options are also available for a more comfortable experience. If the wisdom teeth are impacted, a minor surgical procedure is required. This involves making a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, and in some cases, removing a small portion of bone. The tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. Sutures are typically used to close the surgical site, and recovery instructions are provided to promote healing. Wisdom Teeth FAQ'sDo I need my wisdom teeth removed?The only way to determine if your jaw can accommodate your wisdom teeth is a thorough examination by our staff. We use dental imaging and clinical evaluation to assess whether removal is necessary and to develop a personalized treatment plan. How painful is the procedure?Local anesthetic or sedation ensure a pain-free procedure, and medications aid with discomfort during recovery. Most patients experience only mild soreness afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief. How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth removal?Recovery times vary from patient to patient, and procedure to procedure. Having all four wisdom teeth removed will take longer to heal than a single tooth extraction. But generally, with proper aftercare, most of the swelling and discomfort will subside in about seven days, and all swelling and bruising should be gone within two weeks. If you experience any problems after this timeframe, please give us a call. Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?If you're experiencing pain, swelling, or have questions about your wisdom teeth, don't wait. Contact Cooley Smiles today by calling (425) 650-3560 to schedule an evaluation. Our experienced dental team is here to provide personalized, gentle care to keep your smile healthy and pain-free. |
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(425) 650-3560 kirkland@cooleysmiles.com LOCATION 12911 120th Ave NE E10 Kirkland, WA 98034-3022 |
