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What is wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is a dental procedure that involves extracting your third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. 

These molars are the last set of teeth to grow in your mouth. However, for many people, there isn't enough room for wisdom teeth to emerge properly. As a result, they often grow sideways or may not fully erupt. Wisdom teeth removal is often necessary to prevent potential oral health issues.

Why might I need wisdom teeth removal?

You may need wisdom teeth removal if you have:


Impacted wisdom teeth

When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to fully emerge or grow in the correct position, they become impacted. They can lead to pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth.


Overcrowing

Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on neighboring teeth, causing misalignment or crowding in your mouth.


Tooth or gum pain

Wisdom teeth can cause pain, tenderness, and discomfort, especially if they partially erupt or push against adjacent teeth.


Infection or gum disease

Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria accumulate, leading to infection and an increased risk of gum disease.


Severe tooth decay

Wisdom teeth, especially if they are hard to reach and clean, may be more prone to decay, leading to cavities and other dental issues.

What happens during wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal begins with administering anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once you’re numb and relaxed, your dentist makes incisions in your gum tissue to access the affected wisdom teeth. 

Using specialized instruments, such as lasers, they carefully extract the wisdom teeth from their sockets. In some cases, the teeth may need to section the teeth for easier removal. After extraction, your dentist sutures the incisions and places gauze to control bleeding. 

What is recovery like for wisdom teeth removal?

While recovery experiences vary, most people can resume normal activities after a few days, and any postoperative swelling or discomfort typically subsides within a week. Your dentist may provide personalized aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and minimize any potential complications.

Call Bellevue Dentists today or use the online booking tool to schedule a wisdom teeth removal consultation.