The eruption of the third molars (or the wisdom teeth, as they’re more commonly known) can be a surprise — and unfortunately, it’s usually not a good one. There is rarely enough room in the gum line for the wisdom teeth to erupt without issue, leading to impaction, infection, and a significant amount of discomfort for you. General dentists are qualified to perform wisdom teeth extraction in Cambridge, but is that really the best choice? Let’s look at why you should trust your oral surgeon to remove those wisdom teeth.
Yes, You Need an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
General dentists are qualified to perform tooth extractions, and that includes the wisdom teeth. Many times, the removal of these third molars isn’t anything unusual — but for seriously infected or more complex cases, it is best to trust an oral surgeon. In fact, many general dentists actually prefer to refer wisdom tooth extractions out of the office.
There are two types of extractions: simple and surgical.
- Simple: When the tooth is visible in the gum, it can be removed in a single piece using a forcep-like instrument. The healing time for a simple extraction is typically short.
- Surgical: Teeth that have not erupted through the gum, or those that are only partially visible, require a surgical removal. The gum is opened, and the tooth is usually removed in multiple pieces. Surgical removal is performed under local anesthesia.
Because wisdom teeth require surgical extraction, it just makes sense to trust an oral surgeon for the molar tooth extraction in Cambridge.
What to Expect From Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extractions are performed from the comfort of the state-of-the-art Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery office. Infections in the wisdom teeth require healing first — take any prescribed antibiotics as directed leading up to the procedure.
To begin the procedure, you will receive a local anesthesia to numb the area. General anesthesia is also available for people undergoing longer procedures, or for patients who are especially nervous about the extraction. With general anesthesia, your whole body will be relaxed and you may doze throughout the procedure.
Once we are sure you’re completely comfortable, Dr. Lee opens up the gum and removes any bone or tissue covering the wisdom tooth. The molar is then extracted, either in one piece or in multiple parts.
Recovery Following Your Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Plan to take it easy in the days following the extraction of your third molars. With plenty of rest and relaxation, you should be back to normal in a couple of days. Maintain a soft foods diet, take pain medication as directed, and follow all of your doctor’s instructions to speed healing and reduce discomfort.
Are you in need of a wisdom tooth extraction? If you’re experiencing pain in the back of your jaw, if you’ve noticed your teeth starting to crowd each other, or if you’ve been told you have wisdom teeth beneath your gum line, let’s talk about extraction. Contact Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery to schedule an appointment today!