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Wisdom Teeth Extractions: What You Need to Know

Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Butler, PA | Brockley Dental Center

Are you experiencing discomfort in the back of your mouth? It might be your wisdom teeth making an unwelcome appearance. If so, you’re not alone—studies estimate that 80% of dental patients under the age of 70 will need to have them removed at some point due to various issues. We prioritize gentle wisdom teeth extractions at Brockley Dental Center in Butler, PA, offering comprehensive care to alleviate your discomfort and prevent future dental problems.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Butler, PA | Brockley Dental CenterWisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to develop, typically emerging in your late teens or early twenties. Sometimes called “third molars,” they are often seen as a right of passage in the journey to adulthood. While some people have no issues with these extra molars, many experience problems such as impaction, misalignment, or partial eruption. This can cause pain, infection, bite issues, and other dental concerns. Some people have them removed preemptively to avoid issues that are likely to develop in the future.

Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems

Our ancient ancestors needed larger back teeth to help them manage their coarse diet, which consisted of more plants, nuts, and tough meats. Today’s refined diets, advanced cooking methods, and the use of dining utensils have led to humans evolving with smaller jaws. As a result, there’s frequently insufficient space for wisdom teeth to properly emerge. This lack of space can lead to some of the following difficulties:

  • Impaction: Wisdom teeth may not emerge properly, becoming trapped (impacted) within your jawbone or gums.
  • Misalignment: They can push against other teeth, causing pain and misalignment. A misaligned bite can make chewing difficult.
  • Infection and decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can be hard to clean, leading to gum disease and tooth decay.

Signs You Might Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consider extraction:

  • Jaw pain or swelling
  • Difficulty opening your mouth
  • Consistently bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Gum infection or inflammation
  • Pain or irritation from a tooth emerging at an awkward angle

The Extraction Process

At Brockley Dental Center, we ensure your wisdom teeth extraction is as comfortable and efficient as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Consultation and X-rays: We begin with a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth.
  • Anesthesia discussion: We’ll discuss anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and anxiety-free during the procedure. We understand that many people have dental anxiety, which is why we offer a variety of options, from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to conscious oral sedation.
  • Extraction: Our skilled team will gently remove your wisdom teeth, taking care to minimize discomfort and ensure a swift recovery. Drs. Brockley, Gildersleeve, and Gonzalez bring decades of experience in extractions.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery typically takes a few days. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions, which include the following guidelines:

  • Rest and avoid strenuous activity for a few days
  • Use ice packs to reduce swelling
  • Eat soft foods and avoid anything hard, crunchy, or sticky
  • Gently rinse your mouth with salt water to keep the extraction sites clean

It’s important to follow all of our provided instructions to avoid disrupting the blood clot that will form at the extraction site. Should this become dislodged, it can potentially lead to a painful condition known as a dry socket.

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Cost?

We understand that the cost of dental procedures can be a concern. At Brockley Dental, our team will help you understand your insurance benefits and financing options, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. We partner with Care Credit to offer payment plans with various term lengths and interest rates to make treatment affordable for every budget.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t let the potential discomfort of wisdom teeth disrupt your life. Our team is ready to guide you through the extraction process and help you achieve dental health and comfort.

Experience the relief you deserve and the quality care you can trust. Contact Brockley Dental Center today to schedule your consultation.

Donald B. Brockley, DMD

Dr. Brockley earned his doctorate degree in Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine in 1972. He is a second generation dentist and a legacy of the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine where his father, Dr. Charles R. Brockley earned his doctorate in general dentistry in the year 1927. While attending the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, he held the office of Class Secretary for his graduating class. Following dental school, he chose to do his residency training at Wilmington Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, with a focus on research. Upon completing his residency, Dr. Brockley enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War Era as a Naval Officer. Dr. Brockley opened his own private practice 1975 in Butler, PA a historic town just 34 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Brockley held the office of President of the Butler County Dental Society. After many years of practice, Dr. Brockley realized that fear is the #1 reason why people do not visit their dentist regularly. Therefore, he made it his mission to find an alternative way to practice (and to help his patients overcome this fear). This alternative was through Sedation Dentistry. In 1996 he became trained in Conscious Oral Sedation. This technique allowed him to treat fearful patients by gently putting them to sleep with the aid of a pill, not needle IV sedation which was the popular treatment at that time. Dr. Brockley received his dental training at the following institutions: University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry, Raleigh, NC Mini Dental Implant Training Centre, Buffalo, NY. Due to the high number of patients who are diabetic in his practice, his next goal was to understand the impact of Diabetes in Dentistry. Due to the subset of Diabetic patients in his practice who had similar recurring oral and systemic health problems, special attention became warranted. This led to a different standard of care and treatment for patients whose health was compromised by diabetes. Early detection, observation, evaluation and treatment to eradicate infection plays a major role in maintaining oral health for diabetic patients. Poorly managed treatment for diabetic patients has been shown to lead to a higher risk of uncontrolled gum disease and vice versa, making prevention of gum disease the #1 priority for this subset of patients. Dr. Brockley’s research on dentistry for diabetics led him to his next specialization: the treatment and eradication of gum disease. His aim has been to change the the treatment of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. For this reason, he designed a radically different protocol to the Soft Tissue Management (STM) program. STM treats the symptoms of gum disease, and more importantly, the underlying cause of gum disease, bacteria. Studies have shown that gum disease affects 80% of American adults. However, Dr. Brockley has observed that more than 90% of his baby boomer patients have gum disease. His unique STM protocol has shown significant success within his patient population. With patient knowledge, understanding, and cooperation, Dr. Brockley is able to arrest and manage gum disease in his practice. After perfecting his procedures for crowns, bridges, partials and dentures to replace missing teeth, the introduction of Small Diameter Implants (also known as SDI or Mini Dental Implants) into his practice has revolutionized the way Dr. Brockley practices cosmetic dentistry. Small Diameter Implants provide the possibility of full mouth restoration, multiple teeth restoration, or single tooth restoration. Small Diameter Implants can be implemented in all types of tooth and bone conditions, in all ages, and in all types of health conditions. Dr. Brockley uses Small Diameter Implants to restore chewing ability and create beautiful smiles, which ultimately changes peoples’ lives. Dr. Brockley is the proud owner and operator of the first Mini Dental Implant Center of America in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Dr. Brockley has achieved Diplomate status in the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants. He is the President Emeritus of the Butler County Dental Society. Dr. Brockley was also a Lieutenant in the US Navel Dental Core. He is a a lifetime member of the Delta Sigma Dental Fraternity, and he was the Class Secretary for the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. Dr. Brockley likes to spend time with his family at home or while traveling, has been an avid scuba diver since 1980, and describes himself as a “just okay” golfer.

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