Wisdom Teeth Extractions
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are usually the last ones to develop in your mouth and are located in the very back, behind your second molars. These are technically called third molars but got the name “wisdom teeth” because they develop in the middle teenage years and early twenties when people are said to begin attaining wisdom.
Issues With Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are generally more problematic than they are functional. Some of the main issues impacted wisdom teeth can cause include:
Infections
Teeth Crowding
Cyst Formation
Damage to Adjacent teeth
Symptoms That Indicate Wisdom Teeth Are Erupting
If your wisdom teeth do erupt, they may cause complications. We recommend being aware of the signs and symptoms and seeking treatment sooner rather than later.
Some common signs of wisdom teeth erupting include:
- Bleeding and Tenderness
- Pain or Swelling of the Jaw
- An Unpleasant Taste
- Triggered Headaches
- Gum Infections
- Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
Do Wisdom Teeth Have To Be Removed?
Some people keep their wisdom teeth forever. Rarely do wisdom teeth erupt without causing problems. However, when your mouth doesn’t have enough room for four wisdom teeth to grow properly, their removal may be your only option.
The main reason why allowing your wisdom teeth to erupt is risky, is because there is always a chance for them to become problematic later in life. Even if your wisdom teeth don’t cause problems early in your life, the risks of issues increase in your adult years. Waiting this long gives the wisdom teeth time to develop stronger roots, which can make the removal procedure more difficult, and the recovery time will be more extensive. For this reason, most patients choose to remove their wisdom teeth before problems arise. Drs. Archer and Peak do not pressure their patients to undergo any procedure that they are not comfortable with – it is always up to the patient to decide what is right for them.
Our Approach to Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you have decided to have your wisdom teeth removed by Dr. Archer or Dr. Peak, rest assured that they are dedicated to making your experience best as possible. We will provide you with the right amount of anesthesia to help you get through the process without feeling any amount of pain. Drs. Archer and Peak offer Exparel, a long-lasting, non-opioid medication given during your surgery that works directly at the surgery site.
We know the primary way to reduce our patient’s anxiety is to make them feel comfortable and confident about their wisdom teeth removal surgery. For this reason, we want to be sure that all of your questions have been thoroughly answered before we schedule your wisdom teeth extraction appointment. Drs. Archer and Peak will take the time to answer all your questions during your consultation so that you can make an informed decision. Once you arrive on the day of surgery, our friendly team will make sure you are entirely at ease and relaxed before we proceed.
Wisdom teeth removal typically takes about an hour, but plan on being in our office for 90 minutes from start to finish. Drs. Archer and Peak uses only the latest technology so that patients have a quick recovery and minimal post-surgery discomfort.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
Some patients recover from their wisdom teeth removal within a day or two; for others, it may take as long as two weeks. The first day of recovery is the most important, as blood clots will form and prevent you from a common complication called dry socket. Then, within three to five days, most patients should find that the swelling in their mouth has improved considerably.
To ensure an expedient recovery, be careful not to dislodge blood clots. And try to keep your head elevated as much as possible for the first few days. Until you feel comfortable eating solid foods, we recommend protein-rich liquids and “soft” foods.
Don’t Overdo It Following Wisdom Teeth Removal
Take it easy for 3-5 days following surgery because you don’t want to risk running into any complications by overworking yourself. Take advantage of the opportunity to sit around, watch television, and eat ice cream. The more comfortable you are, the easier your recovery will be.
Exparel
Concerned about opioids after surgery? Dr. Archer and Dr. Peak offer a non-opioid, long-lasting pain relief option called Exparel. Pain relief is important to your recovery and our goal is to control your pain so you can get back to things you enjoy as soon as possible. Exparel is a long-lasting numbing agent approved for patients aged 6 years or older. The medication is given during your surgery that works directly where you had your surgery, with pain relief lasting up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extractions
There are a few different reasons that people might need the removal of one or more of their natural teeth. The extraction of wisdom teeth is just one example; other instances where extraction might be necessary are damage, decay, and infection.
Wisdom teeth are an evolutionary holdover from a time when we needed more chewing power. To eat raw meat, we needed strong jaws and more teeth, but over time, our faces have become slimmer.
In some instances, patients have enough room for their last set of molars. It’s still important to work with your oral health team during this process, however. During your biannual checkup, your provider can take imagery to keep track of their development.
Start Your Path With Archer Peak Oral Surgery
When a tooth starts to pose problems for your smile, we’re here for you. To learn more about our office or to schedule a consultation, call Archer Peak Oral Surgery in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 522-1833 today.