Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

You may need a wisdom teeth extraction at some point in your life. It is rare for a person to have enough room for all of their wisdom teeth, and as a result, they tend to grow in impacted. This can be uncomfortable, push your other teeth forward, and create a space for food to become trapped; it can also increase your risk of infection and decay. This is why we often recommend that our patients have their wisdom teeth removed. When you schedule an appointment with Chattanooga Dental Arts, we can examine you, take X-rays, and let you know if and when you should schedule an extraction procedure.

This is a dental procedure where your wisdom teeth are removed. How they are removed will be based on their current location and whether or not they are impacted.

First, you will receive anesthesia in order to numb the area being worked on. Some dentists and oral surgeons may also offer nitrous oxide to help you relax or put you to sleep so you do not remember anything about the actual procedure.

If your wisdom teeth have grown in straight, removing them is fairly easy. In this case, you would visit a dentist to have them pulled out using dental tools. Most likely, no surgery would be required. However, if your teeth are impacted, the procedure requires oral surgery. In order to access the actual tooth, the gum tissue covering it will need to be cut open. After numbing the area, a flap will be created in the gum tissue. This allows the dentist or oral surgeon to view the tooth. If muscle or bone is covering it, that will also need to be cut away to provide clear access to the actual tooth. At this point, your dentist may be able to grab the tooth and simply lift it out of the socket. If, however, it does not budge when being wiggled, then the actual tooth will need to be broken into several pieces that can be extracted individually.

Once the tooth has been entirely removed, the area will need to be carefully cleaned. Afterward, the flap of gum tissue can lay flat and be sutured back in place. In order to stop the bleeding, the dentist will place gauze on the area.

Immediately following a wisdom teeth extraction, you will remain at the dentist office until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. During this time, you will be monitored to ensure that any bleeding has slowed and that the gauze is working sufficiently. So long as it is, you will be sent home to finish your recovery. Just make sure you have someone pick you up so you do not need to drive home on your own.

At Chattanooga Dental Arts, we tell patients who are planning for an extraction to prepare ahead of time. You will need to rest when you get home, so have your bed ready with plenty of pillows to prop up your head. Fill your nightstand with water bottles, additional gauze, ibuprofen, and some good books or movies. Plan on taking it easy for the next 48 hours. During that time, you may want to eat a lot of popsicles, ice cream, yogurt, warm soup, Jell-O, and other foods that are soft and do not require chewing. You will be too sore to try and eat anything else.

To help control the swelling, you should ice your face for 15 minutes at a time and take ibuprofen around the clock. This should be done for 24 to 48 hours. Afterward, you may still need some ibuprofen, but icing may no longer be necessary.

Gradually, you will be able to add in solid foods and begin to eat like normal. The key is to take it easy and not rush the process. Slowly add soft foods that are easy to chew and work your way up to dining at your favorite Chattanooga restaurant. It may take up to two weeks to be 100 percent back to normal, so during this time, be sure to avoid any nuts, chips, or foods that could crunch and scratch your gum tissue.

You will need to schedule a follow-up visit with the dentist who performed the procedure to ensure that you are healing properly. During this visit, you will get the sign off to return to normal eating habits.

The first 48 hours are critical since this is when you may experience bleeding, pressure, and swelling. After this, it can take a week or two to recover fully. Your actual recovery time will be based on the procedure and whether or not your wisdom teeth extraction was completed with surgery.

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What patients say about us

Here's some kind words from a few of our happy patients.

B

It was my first time here, and I was blew away by the staff, these are the nicest people ever, I had a warm welcome upon entering and the hospitality did not stop. What a great staff. If you need a dentist I highly recommend you to give this business a try. My hygienist was the best, and I felt really comfortable with her. I had went to a dentist up the road first and I wasn’t treated the same upon my entry to their establishment so I remembered talking to a ladie that worked at this dental office sometime back, I drove down the street until I saw this office and I’m so glad I did. Thanks for a great dental experience.

Brenda S.

P

I went to this office for the first time today & felt like they were glad to help me. I felt at ease & was impressed by everyone! Michelle & Brittney were great & Dr Jancy made me feel confident my needs would be met. I will go here for all my dental needs & highly recommended it!

Phyllis V.

F

My experience has been great! I get extremely nervous when I go to the dentist. They make sure I’m comfortable and always make me feel more relaxed. Everyone on the staff that I’ve encountered have been super nice!

Felicia B.

J

Front desk is always very kind and helpful. Michele is great, best and most thorough cleanings I’ve ever received. Had to get a crown today, Dr Jancy and Jessica were absolutely terrific. Most painless and comfortable experience at any dentist office I’ve ever been to. Highly recommend

Joe S.

G

I absolutely love Michelle. If you are looking for a dental hygienist, pick her! Dr Parkerson is very thorough and I am pleased with the abutment and crown she placed. She was very caring and made sure I was not in any pain during the procedure. They are the best!

Grace W.

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