Wisdom Teeth Removal in Hot Springs
Dr. Praetzel and Dr. Baldwin have decades of experience and intensive, specialized training in performing oral surgeries like wisdom teeth removal. Because AOMS is a specialized practice dealing only in the treatment of the jaws, teeth, mouth, and face, we are able to provide superior results along with a positive and comfortable experience for our patients.
Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Between the ages of 13 and 21, people generally see–and feel–their third molars erupt. They are called “wisdom teeth” because they only appear when we are older and all of our other permanent teeth have already come in. When they grow in correctly, wisdom teeth help you chew.
However, as we’ve evolved, our jaws have become smaller, which means that most people don’t have enough room for their wisdom teeth to surface. This can cause problems like crowding your other teeth, misalignment, pain in your jaw and affected teeth, and impacted or infected wisdom teeth.
Risks Caused by Wisdom Teeth:
- Wisdom teeth that grow in incorrectly can trap food and promote cavity-causing bacteria growth
- Improperly grown in wisdom teeth make it difficult to floss
- If wisdom teeth only partially come in, bacteria can enter the gums, leading to swelling, pain, stiffness, and infection
- Without the proper room, wisdom teeth can crowd and damage surrounding teeth and cause misalignment
- Impacted wisdom teeth can form cysts that damage the roots of nearby teeth and destroy the jawbone
Some people may experience no trouble with their wisdom teeth–or may have no wisdom teeth at all! But many dentists and oral surgeons recommend that wisdom teeth are removed before they can cause too much damage. This is especially important for teens and young adults who have undergone extensive and/or expensive orthodontal work that you do not want to repeat.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, they must be removed to prevent pain, misalignment, and possible infection or abscess. The types of wisdom tooth impaction include soft tissue, partial bony tissue, and full bony impaction.
Before you decide on wisdom teeth removal in Hot Springs, contact AOMS for an oral consultation about your potential options.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
If it is decided that your wisdom teeth should be removed to solve any existing problems or to prevent future issues, our gifted and experienced surgical team will guide you through the procedure step-by-step.
First, your oral surgeon will administer anesthesia through an IV. Once you are asleep, the area around your wisdom teeth will be numbed. The tooth or teeth will be gently removed, and if necessary, the surgical site may be stitched up with a dissolving suture to help speed up the healing process and prevent dry socket.
Recovery From Wisdom Teeth Removal
Your recovery time will depend on how many wisdom teeth are being removed (you can have anywhere from 1 to 4 come in), the condition and placement of your wisdom teeth, and your general oral and physical health.
Generally, recovery will take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and prescription pain medication will help with the pain and cold packs will help reduce any swelling.
Some bleeding is normal and common for a few hours after your surgery. You will be given gauze pads to bite down on to help staunch the flow.
You will need to stick to non-carbonated liquids and soft foods during recovery to avoid injuring the surgical site or introducing bacteria and food particles to the sockets. This can cause bacteria growth and a painful infection called dry socket. Brush your teeth as usual to help prevent bacteria growth.
If you are looking for expert wisdom teeth removal in Hot Springs, contact Arkansas Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced and compassionate oral surgeons.