Wisdom Teeth Removal in Warren, MI
Safe & Comfortable Tooth Extractions at Warren Family Dentistry
Wisdom teeth removal is a procedure most people need to go through. We understand that tooth extraction may be intimidating for some, but our Warren, MI, dentist employs safe and gentle methods when performing wisdom tooth extractions. While we’ll always try to use extractions as a last resort for saving your natural teeth, sometimes it’s necessary for your oral health.
If you’ve been experiencing pain due to incoming wisdom teeth, call our Warren dental office today at (586) 574-9500 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chirco.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are known as the third molars that don’t typically erupt until the late teens or early twenties. For most people, there isn’t enough space in their mouths to accommodate the extra set of molars, and they must be removed. If they continue to grow without enough space, it will often lead to an impacted tooth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, damage other teeth, and potential issues in the future. If wisdom teeth become impacted, they should be extracted as soon as possible. Impacted wisdom teeth may:
- Grow at an angle toward the next tooth
- Grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth
- Grow straight up or down like other teeth but stay trapped within the jawbone
- Grow at an angle as if the tooth is “lying down” within the jawbone
Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Signs that point to an impacted wisdom tooth include:
- Pain or tenderness in the gums or jaws
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Headaches or jaw aches
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- Cysts in the area
- Sinus issues
- Limited jaw function
How We Remove Wisdom Teeth
At Warren Family Dentistry, Dr. Chirco gently and safely removes wisdom teeth when necessary. Here’s how the procedure works:
- To begin, our Warren dental team will start by applying a local anesthetic to help dull your senses and ease any tension to ensure a nearly painless procedure. This also helps keep you calm and comfortable while the teeth are extracted.
- Once the anesthetic has set in, Dr. Chirco will gently remove your wisdom teeth from the gum tissue.
- After your teeth have been extracted, we’ll carefully seal up the surgical areas and you’ll begin the healing process.
After Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
The recovery period after a wisdom teeth removal should only last a few days. However, there are crucial instructions you need to follow after surgery to avoid complications. Once your teeth have been extracted, our Warren dentist advises you to do the following:
- Apply gauze over the surgical site to help control bleeding
- Take any prescribed medications from Dr. Chirco or OTC relievers
- Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheeks to diminish any swelling or bruising
- Rest for the remainder of your surgery day and the following day at the very least
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week
- Drinks lots of water and avoid alcohol, hot beverages, and caffeine
- Follow a liquid or soft food diet for the first 48 hours
- Don’t perform your oral hygiene routine for the first 24 hours after surgery
- Wait at least 72 hours to smoke tobacco
Frequently Asked Questions
After a wisdom tooth removal, many people can return to work or school after two to three days. However, if your job requires physical labor or strenuous work, you may need to take off a few more days to allow your body to fully heal.
On average, wisdom teeth removal takes around 90 minutes. Total procedure time will vary depending on how many teeth need to be extracted and the position of the wisdom teeth. At your appointment before the procedure, your dentist will break down how long the procedure will take.
After wisdom teeth removal, it’s vital to stick to a soft food and liquid diet for the first few days of recovery. Foods that are safe to eat include:
- Soups or broths (make sure it’s not too hot)
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft fruits
- Jell-O
- Ice cream or yogurt
- Oatmeal
Also, remember to avoid sipping drinks through a straw so you don’t develop dry sockets.
Yes, most insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the costs associated with wisdom teeth removal. However, many insurances won’t cover any costs of dental sedation, so you may have to plan accordingly. Contact your insurance provider ahead of time to learn more about your plan’s benefits.
Schedule Your Appointment at Warren Family Dentistry
If your wisdom teeth have been causing pain, visit our Warren dental office for a consultation. Dr. Chirco will evaluate your oral health condition, and determine if your wisdom teeth need extraction. To schedule your appointment, call Warren Family Dentistry at (586) 574-9500. You can also request more information by filling out our online contact form.