Protect Your Smile Today
Wisdom teeth, the final molars to emerge, often present challenges to oral health. At Shawn B. Davis, DMD, Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Davis, and our team of dental specialists offer compassionate care and advanced techniques for wisdom teeth removal. We understand the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and preventing long-term complications, and we are committed to providing a comfortable and safe experience. Our clean facility and friendly staff ensure every patient receives great results with a personal touch.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a host of oral health problems, including gum infection, damage to neighboring teeth, and even severe tooth decay. The removal of wisdom teeth prevents such issues, preserving the integrity of your natural teeth and preventing the development of oral disease. Our goal is to ensure your oral health and well-being through expert wisdom teeth removal services.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
Knowing when to seek wisdom teeth removal is crucial for avoiding painful conditions and long-term damage. Pay close attention to these signs:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth
- Swelling or redness in the gums behind the last molars
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Headaches or jaw pain
- Sinus problems or congestion
- Damage to adjacent teeth or shifting of teeth
These symptoms indicate potential problems that require attention from an oral surgeon. Ignoring them may lead to severe complications and recurrent pain.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
Wisdom teeth removal is an outpatient surgery performed with optimum safety and comfort in mind. The procedure begins with a consultation appointment, where Dr. Davis assesses your oral health and discusses your treatment options. We offer various anesthesia options, including sedation anesthesia and nitrous oxide, to ensure a relaxing atmosphere and adequate pain relief. The type of anesthesia used will depend on your individual needs and medical conditions.
On the day of the dental surgery, anesthesia for patients will be administered. Small incisions are made in the gum tissue to expose the wisdom teeth. If necessary, the tooth is divided into sections for easier removal. After the tooth extraction, the extraction sites are cleaned, and the gum tissue is sutured. Gauze pads are placed to control slight bleeding, and ice packs are applied to minimize swelling.
Postoperative instructions, including care instructions for a soft food diet and prescribed medications, will be provided. We emphasize the importance of avoiding crunchy food, chewy foods, and spicy foods during the initial healing process. Vigorous rinsing should be avoided immediately after surgery to prevent dry socket, which is when the blood clot forms improperly. A responsible adult should accompany you home after the procedure.
For pain control, prescription pain medication may be prescribed. You'll be advised to sip water and avoid hot liquids for the initial hours after surgery. Warm salt water rinses are recommended after 24 hours to aid wound healing. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing gums and ensure a fantastic outcome.
Types of Anesthesia
Depending on your procedure, you will receive one of the following forms of anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the risks of complications after wisdom teeth extractions, and how can I prevent dry socket?
While wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, there are potential risks, including infection and dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot forms improperly or is dislodged from the tooth socket. To minimize these risks, follow all aftercare instructions provided by our care team, avoid vigorous rinsing for the first few days, and adhere to a soft food diet. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon will provide detailed instructions to ensure proper wound healing.
2. What sedation dentistry options are available, and how are they chosen?
We offer various types of anesthesia, including sedation anesthesia, to ensure your comfort during the oral surgery procedure. The choice of anesthesia techniques depends on several factors, including your level of anxiety, the complexity of your case, and your medical conditions. Our knowledgeable staff will discuss your options during your consultation appointment, ensuring you receive great care and a relaxing experience.
3. How long is the wisdom teeth removal recovery, and when can I return to normal activities?
The actual recovery time varies depending on individual healing and the complexity of the surgical procedure. Typically, you can expect some swelling and discomfort for a few days after wisdom teeth surgery. We recommend resting and avoiding strenuous physical activity for the initial days after surgery. You can gradually return to normal activities as your healing gums allow. Our professional staff will provide specific aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery.
Providing Excellent Oral Surgery in St. George
Outstanding outcomes and excellent care. That's our goal at Oral & Facial Surgery. At our office in St. George, we're able to craft beautiful smiles and serve our community. If you're looking for an Shawn B. Davis, DMD, Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, Dental Implant Specialists that exceeds expectations, contact our office to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal oral health.