Wisdom Tooth Extractions – McMinnville, OR

What are Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth, or third molars as they are also known, were extremely useful for our caveman ancestors whose diet mostly consisted of tough roots and uncooked meats. Today, however, most modern people simply don’t have enough room for them in their mouth. When they start to come in, they can become stuck, put pressure on the nearby teeth, create pain, and even develop an infection if ignored.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed? 

During routine checkups, we always keep an eye on the development of wisdom teeth so we can recommend they be removed before they actually cause any problems. However, if you or your child develop any of the following symptoms, be sure to reach out to our emergency dentist right away:

• A dull, persistent ache towards the back of the mouth
• New crowding among the back teeth
• A gum flap develops towards the back of the mouth that is trapping food
• The bite feels different and doesn’t come together like it should
• There is a fever in addition to oral pain

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

At your initial appointment, we will take X-rays, take a look at your teeth, and create a custom treatment plan. If your wisdom teeth have already broken through the gumline, then we may be able to simply rock them loose with a special tool. If they are below the gumline, then we will need to take a surgical approach, which requires an incision to be made. In both cases, however, the first step is thoroughly numbing your mouth. As a result, you won’t feel anything!

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Before you leave our office, we will place gauze over the extraction site and provide you with detailed post-op instructions. Here are a few:

• Take your medications as instructed.
• Use a cold compress for 20 minutes at a time.
• Don’t use a straw or spit.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity.
• Don’t smoke or use any tobacco products.

If you want to schedule an appointment or you simply have questions about the process of removing a wisdom tooth, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.