WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
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WE OFFER EVENING AS WELL AS WEEKEND HOURS IN OUR FOX CHAPEL OFFICE
Monday: 8:00 – 4:00
Tuesday: 9:00 – 6:00
Wednesday: 9:00 – 5:00
Thursday: 8:00 – 4:00
Why do You Need Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Third molars, also called wisdom teeth, are the last set of permanent teeth to erupt in a person’s mouth and are the ones least needed. Wisdom teeth can endanger a patient’s dental health when:
- They erupt through your gum, but your jaw is too small to hold them. As a result, they force other teeth out of alignment and can damage your bite.
- They do not erupt through your gum and are not in a normal position. As a result, they crowd the roots of other teeth, force them out of alignment, and can damage your bite.
When your jaw is too small to accommodate normal wisdom teeth, it is common for gum or jaw discomfort and swelling to occur. In addition, there is a greater risk of developing a gum (periodontal) disease. Surgery to remove wisdom teeth is typically the best course of action. If a wisdom tooth has fully erupted through the gum, a standard tooth extraction is performed. If the tooth has not erupted through the gum, an impacted tooth extraction method is used.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Covered by Dental Insurance?
Most dental insurance providers cover wisdom tooth extraction. We are in network with most major dental insurance providers. Check them out here. Our office can help you check if you insurance covers wisdom tooth extraction.
Is Wisdom Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?
Wisdom tooth are harder to reach and are as a result harder to clean. Over the years, they decay sets in and the nerves get exposed. This is when most people start feeling the wisdom tooth pain. Generally this pain progressively becomes worse. While it is not a dental emergency, it is better to contact you dentist right away when you have wisdom tooth pain.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
Since you will be under anesthesia, you should not feel any pain during the wisdom tooth removal procedure. After the procedure, there will be some swelling and area will be sensitive to touch as you gums heal. The dentist prescribes you pain killers which you should take for the next days.
What is Dry Docket? Why Do I Have Severe Pain a Few Days After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Dry socket is when the blood clot at the site of the tooth extraction fails to develop, or it dislodges or dissolves before the wound has healed. The dry socket leaves underlying nerves exposed, which is very painful. If you have a dry socket contact us immediately. We will need to clean the wound and place a special dressing into the socket to heal it.
How Can I Recover From Wisdom Tooth Extraction Quickly?
You can reduce your recovery time by choosing your drinks and food carefully. Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated, carbonated or hot beverages for as long as your dentist or oral surgeon recommends. Don’t drink with a straw for at least a week because the sucking action may dislodge the blood clot in the socket. Eat only soft foods, such as yogurt or applesauce, for the first day.
