Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars located at the back of your mouth. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. While wisdom teeth served a purpose for our ancestors who needed them to grind down tough, coarse foods like roots and raw meat, they are often unnecessary in modern human anatomy.

For many people, there is not enough room in the mouth for these molars to grow properly. As a result, wisdom teeth may come in at an angle, remain partially trapped beneath the gums (impacted), or push against surrounding teeth, leading to pain, infection, and other dental issues.

Why Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?

There are several reasons why wisdom tooth extraction may be recommended by Dr. Zeller at Fives Pines Dental:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that do not have enough room to fully emerge from the gums. This can lead to a variety of complications, including pain, infection, and swelling. Impacted wisdom teeth can also damage nearby teeth or lead to cysts and other growths in the jawbone.

Overcrowding

Wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding in the mouth, leading to misalignment of the other teeth. This can undo years of orthodontic work or create new problems that affect your bite and oral health.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, making them more difficult to clean. As a result, they are more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. In some cases, these problems can spread to other teeth or cause widespread oral health issues.

Infection

When wisdom teeth are partially erupted, they create an opening in the gum tissue that can trap bacteria. This can lead to painful infections known as pericoronitis. If left untreated, these infections can spread to other areas of the mouth and even into the jaw or bloodstream.

Cysts or Tumors

In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts or tumors, which can cause serious damage to the jawbone and surrounding teeth. Extracting the teeth before these growths have a chance to develop can prevent more complex and costly treatments in the future. Call us to learn more.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

If you and Dr. Zeller decide that wisdom tooth extraction is the best course of action for your oral health, you can expect the procedure to be straightforward and efficient. The following steps outline what you can expect before, during, and after the extraction process at Fives Pines Dental.

Initial Consultation

The first step in the wisdom tooth extraction process is an initial consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Zeller will take X-rays of your mouth to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine whether extraction is necessary. He will discuss your oral health history, any symptoms you may be experiencing, and the best approach for your specific situation.

Sedation Options

For wisdom tooth extraction, various sedation options are available to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Depending on your preference and the complexity of the extraction, Dr. Zeller may recommend:

• Local Anesthesia: Numbs the area around the extraction site but keeps you fully awake.
• Conscious Sedation: You are awake but in a relaxed, drowsy state, with little to no memory of the procedure.
• General Anesthesia: Puts you to sleep entirely, which is typically recommended for more complex extractions, such as when the wisdom teeth are impacted.

Dr. Zeller will review the sedation options with you, taking into consideration your comfort level, medical history, and the number of teeth to be removed.

The Extraction Procedure

Once you are comfortable and sedated, Dr. Zeller will begin the extraction. The procedure can vary depending on whether your wisdom teeth are fully erupted or impacted.

• Erupted Teeth: If your wisdom teeth have fully emerged from the gum line, they can often be removed like any other tooth extraction. Dr. Zeller will use dental instruments to loosen the tooth and carefully remove it from the socket.
• Impacted Teeth: If the wisdom teeth are trapped beneath the gums or have not fully emerged, Dr. Zeller will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. This allows the tooth to be extracted without causing unnecessary trauma to the surrounding tissue.

The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour, depending on the number of teeth being removed and their position in the mouth.

Stitches and Gauze

After the teeth have been removed, Dr. Zeller will clean the extraction site and may place stitches to help the gums heal. In most cases, these stitches will dissolve on their own over time. A piece of gauze will be placed over the extraction site to help control bleeding and encourage the formation of a blood clot, which is essential for healing.

Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After your wisdom tooth extraction, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery and avoid complications. Dr. Zeller will provide you with detailed instructions to follow at home, but here are some general guidelines:

Manage Pain and Swelling

It is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after wisdom tooth extraction. Dr. Zeller will likely prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort. Applying an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling.

Take It Easy

You should plan to rest for the first 24 to 48 hours following your procedure. Avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise or heavy lifting, as these can increase bleeding and delay healing.

Maintain a Soft Food Diet

In the first few days after the extraction, it’s important to stick to soft foods that won’t irritate the extraction site. Some good options include:

• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Smoothies
• Yogurt
• Pudding

Avoid crunchy, chewy, or hard foods that could get lodged in the extraction site or dislodge the blood clot.

Avoid Smoking and Straws

Sucking motions, such as drinking through a straw or smoking, can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site. This can lead to a painful condition known as a dry socket, where the underlying bone and nerves are exposed. It’s best to avoid smoking and straws for at least a week following the procedure.

Keep the Area Clean

While you should avoid brushing the extraction site for the first day or two, it’s still important to maintain good oral hygiene. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. Our dentist in Portland, OR, Dr. Zeller, will provide specific instructions for when it’s safe to resume normal brushing and flossing.

Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Removing problematic wisdom teeth can offer several long-term benefits for your oral health:

Relieves Pain and Discomfort

Wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort as they emerge or become impacted. Extraction eliminates these issues and provides relief.

Prevents Future Dental Issues

Extracting wisdom teeth before they cause problems can prevent complications such as infections, overcrowding, and damage to other teeth.

Protects Oral Health

Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth are more prone to decay and infection, which can spread to other teeth or even the jawbone. Extraction helps protect your overall oral health.

Conclusion

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common and necessary procedure for many people, especially when these teeth cause pain, infection, or overcrowding. At Fives Pines Dental in Portland, OR, Dr. Richard Zeller and his team are committed to providing safe, effective, and comfortable wisdom tooth extractions. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth, or if you have concerns about their impact on your oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out to Fives Pines Dental. Dr. Zeller will conduct a thorough evaluation and guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the care you need. By choosing to have your wisdom teeth extracted when necessary, you’re taking an important step toward maintaining a healthy, pain-free smile for years to come.

Experience exceptional dental care with Dr. Richard Zeller at Fives Pines Dental! Call us today at (503) 482-2160 to schedule your appointment and discover how our personalized approach can enhance your smile. Visit us at 555 SW Oak Street, Suite A, Portland, OR 97204—where your dental health is our top priority.