Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Astoria, NY
Ridding Your Grin of Wisdom Teeth
While we typically strive to save natural teeth, "third molars" are often an exception to the rule. These parts of your smile can cause major issues sometimes, putting your whole mouth at risk. That’s why ED Family Dental offers wisdom tooth extractions here in Astoria. Through this unique procedure, our team can remove the “extra” teeth that threaten your grin. Simply keep reading to learn more about it, or book a consultation to see us soon.
Why Choose ED Family Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Outstanding Dentist with 15+ Years of Experience
- An Attentive & Warm Dental Team
- CareCredit Financing Available
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth – also known as third molars – are the last ones to emerge. More specifically, they erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 and sit in the back of your mouth.
Unlike other kinds, wisdom teeth are largely unnecessary today. They once helped our distant human ancestors, but they don’t assist with modern, 21st century diets. Wisdom teeth still tend to appear, though; people can have anywhere from none to all four of them. These third molars can also prove harmless in many cases.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
It’s only when wisdom teeth harm you that they become a concern. At that time, we’ll suggest their removal to ensure your smile’s safety.
Some wisdom teeth must be removed due to a lack of space. People now have smaller mouths than their ancestors, so their smiles aren’t “roomy” enough for third molars. This reduced space can trap wisdom teeth in your gums, leading to infections, pain, cysts, etc. It can also cause dental crowding as a third molar emerges, resulting in a misaligned smile.
Given the facts above, signs you need wisdom tooth removal include:
- Bad breath
- Jaw stiffness
- Pain while eating
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty opening the mouth
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Removal of wisdom teeth can vary, but it normally follows set steps. How the process goes largely depends on whether an eruption has occurred.
If the wisdom teeth have erupted, treatment is fairly simple. We’ll just numb your mouth (using an anesthetic) and use an elevator to lift the relevant tooth. Afterward, we’ll rely on forceps to grip and wiggle this object free of its socket.
You’ll need complex surgery if or when the tooth is impacted. In that case, our team will refer you to an outside specialist.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth aren’t “meant” to come out, so your mouth will feel sore post-removal. Use the following after-care tips to aid your recovery:
- As necessary, take over-the-counter pain medications.
- Use a cold compress or ice pack to decrease swelling.
- Refrain from using a straw for a few days.
- About 24 hours after surgery, rinse your mouth with salt water to clean the area.
- Don’t use tobacco, as it interferes with the treatment site’s healing.
- Avoid foods that are crunchy, hard, and sticky.
- Try to keep your head elevated during sleep.
- Get ample rest for a short recovery time.
Should something happen after treatment, don’t hesitate to call our office. We’ll always assist you with any smile-related problems!
Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
Does everyone have wisdom teeth?
Most people have all four wisdom teeth, but some people only have one, two, or three of them, while others have none at all. In fact, it’s estimated that between five and 37% of people are missing one or more of their wisdom teeth! The best way to learn if you have all of yours is to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. During these visits, they will take X-rays of your mouth that will show them whether there are wisdom teeth hiding beneath the gumline!
Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed. In fact, if there’s enough room in your mouth to accommodate them and they’re not causing you any pain, there’s usually no problem leaving them in your mouth! On the other hand, wisdom teeth that are impacted below the gumline, at risk of becoming infected, or causing severe discomfort are usually better to remove than risk further harm down the road.
How should I prepare for my wisdom tooth extraction in Astoria?
Before your procedure, your dentist, Dr. Shkurti, will be able to answer any questions you may have. Typically, we recommend preparing for the procedure in the following ways:
- Plan for a trusted friend or family member to drop you off and pick you up from the office.
- Avoid smoking for at least 12 hours before and after the procedure.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your treatment.
- Stock up on safe-to-eat foods for the next few days, like yogurt, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, soup, etc.
- If you typically wear contacts, wear glasses on the day of your procedure if you have some, because you may fall asleep while under dental sedation.
What’s the best age to get wisdom teeth removed?
There’s no specific age that’s best to have your wisdom teeth extracted, but a good rule of thumb is the sooner, the better! This is because as you get older, the roots of your wisdom teeth will become further embedded into your jawbone, which can make them more complicated to remove. Additionally, recovery tends to be easier the younger a patient is! These are just a couple of the reasons why we recommend having them extracted as soon as you find out that’s what you need!