Wisdom Teeth Removal in Warren, MI
Safe and Comfortable Extraction
We understand that a tooth extraction may feel intimidating, but with our safe, gentle methods you can put your worries to rest. Dr. Chirco and our experienced Warren team will always do everything we can to make sure you feel comfortable during any extraction procedure. While we try to use extraction as the last resort of saving your natural teeth, sometimes it’s necessary.
Most patients will need to undergo a tooth extraction to remove their wisdom teeth. Learn what wisdom teeth are and why it’s necessary to properly remove them with our patient-friendly guide below.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are known as your third set of molars that don’t typically break through the gums until the late teens or early twenties. Oftentimes, your mouth isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, leading to the need for extraction. If a patient doesn’t have enough room for their third set of molars to grow in, this can lead to impacted wisdom teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, damage to other teeth, and potential dental problems in the future. If your third set of molars are impacted, you must have them removed as soon as possible.
Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If you’re unsure whether or not your wisdom teeth are impacted, there are a few signs to look out for, including:
- Pain or tenderness in the gums and/or jaws
- Bad breath, also known as halitosis
- Headaches and/or jaw aches
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
- Cysts in the area
- Limited jaw function
- Sinus issues
It’s crucial to your oral health to have your impacted wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible before they lead to further health issues. Issues we commonly see with impacted wisdom teeth are severe pain, possible oral infection, and a misaligned bite.
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:
- We’ll begin by providing you with a local anesthetic to help dull your senses and ease any tension to ensure your treatment is nearly painless. This also helps keep you calm and comfortable while we extract your teeth.
- Once the anesthetic takes effect, Dr. Chirco will gently and efficiently remove your wisdom teeth from the gum tissue.
- After your wisdom teeth have been extracted, we’ll carefully seal up the surgical area and you’ll begin the healing process.
Aftercare
Your recovery period after a wisdom teeth procedure should only last a few days, but there are important instructions to follow to avoid complications from arising. The most important day is the day of your surgery because the surgical area is at its most sensitive and vulnerable.
Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, here’s what you need to do:
- 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
Wisdom teeth extractions will typically last around 90 minutes. Procedure time will vary from patient to patient depending on how many teeth are being extracted and the position of your wisdom teeth. After an oral examination, Dr. Chirco can give you a more detailed overview of how long the process will take, You’ll also be given a local anesthetic to ensure the procedure passes by quickly and painlessly.
It’s important to stick to a liquid and soft food diet only for at least the first 48 hours. Some foods that are safe to eat and won’t disturb your stitches 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
If your surgical site becomes infected, you may notice excessive swelling, increased bleeding, and more pain. It’s important not to panic and simply contact our Warren dental office if you notice any of these symptoms. Dr. Chirco and our team will get you in for an appointment as soon as possible so we can take a closer look. We’ll clean out the infected area and provide you with any antibiotics if necessary.
Visit Warren Family Dentistry for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
For most patients, their wisdom teeth need to be extracted to maintain pristine oral health and a beautiful smile. Dr. Chirco and our team are here to provide you with a safe, comfortable, and effective wisdom tooth extraction. To schedule an appointment, call our Warren office at (586) 574-9500. You can also reach out through our online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.