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 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.