Wisdom Teeth Extraction Federal Way, WA
Wisdom teeth extraction can help to relieve pain in a patient's teeth that results from the wisdom teeth causing crowding issues or growing incorrectly. There are many different reasons you may need to extract your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth extraction removes the third set of molars in the back of your mouth.
Wisdom teeth extraction is available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. Most patients who need wisdom teeth extraction are in the stages of young adulthood. Call us today at (253) 336-0023 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth Extraction
"Wisdom teeth" is the colloquial term for the third set of molars that sit in the back of the mouth. They are called such because they come between the more "mature" ages of 17 and 21. The emergence of wisdom teeth can be uncomfortable, even if they are emerging correctly. Wisdom teeth do not always necessitate extraction. On the contrary, properly aligned wisdom teeth may assist in chewing.
However, if there is no adequate space for the wisdom teeth to emerge or if the teeth are coming through in the wrong position, they may become impacted (or trapped in the jaw or under the gums). This may cause cysts, damage to neighboring teeth, gum disease, infection, pain, tooth, decay, and tumors. A dentist needs to monitor the patient's wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action.
“”Wisdom teeth” is the colloquial term for the third set of molars that sit in the back of the mouth.”
What to Know Before Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is commonly performed and generally safe when carried out by qualified doctors. However, like any other surgery, it does carry a small risk of complications. These include bleeding, dry socket, and infection. Our team will do everything we can to minimize these risks even further. However, patients should contact our office immediately if they find themselves experiencing any of the following symptoms after their extraction:
- Absent or dislodged blood clot at the extraction site after surgery
- High temperature
- Yellow or white discharge from the extraction site
- Persistent pain and swelling
- Persistent, heavy bleeding that does not subside over time
- Throbbing pain in the gum or jaw
- Unpleasant smell or taste in the mouth
Most potential complications following wisdom teeth extraction are easily treatable when reported to the doctor.
“Wisdom teeth extraction is commonly performed and generally safe when carried out by qualified doctors.”
Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
The first step to wisdom teeth extraction begins with an initial consultation. During this time, patients should be open and honest with their doctor about their entire medical history. This includes but is not limited to sharing any health problems they may have, any medications and supplements they may take regularly, and any lifestyle choices that may influence the success of the surgery. The consultation is also a good time for patients to assuage their anxieties by asking any questions about the procedure.
“The first step to wisdom teeth extraction begins with an initial consultation.”
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What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Generally, wisdom teeth extraction begins with the doctor injecting the patient with a local anesthetic to numb them to the pain of the procedure. The doctor will then cut into the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, making sure to remove any bone blocking access to the tooth root. Depending on how severely impacted the tooth is, the tooth may be divided into sections to be removed little by little.
After extracting the tooth, the doctor will clean the extraction site of any debris. Afterward, the wound may or may not need stitches, and the doctor will pack gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and to aid in the formation of a blood clot.
“After extracting the tooth, the doctor will clean the extraction site of any debris.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the potential risks of wisdom teeth extraction?
Q. How do I begin preparing for wisdom teeth extraction?
Q. What should I do after a wisdom tooth extraction?
People Also Ask
Q. What happens during a tooth extraction?
Post-Treatment Care
In most cases, patients recover from extractions within four days. However, it may take up to a week. Additionally, the empty socket will likely remain for a month or two before it completely heals and closes up. It is crucial to follow post-treatment instructions for faster healing and to maintain good oral health. We recommend resting the first day after the procedure, and avoiding strenuous activity, the use of straws, smoking, and spitting for the first few days. Patients can use an ice pack to reduce swelling and should replace the gauze every few hours to keep the extraction site clean.
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or inflammation that lasts more than a week, call us immediately to schedule a follow-up appointment. There is a risk of infection if the site is not properly maintained or healing incorrectly. We can take a look at the area and take any necessary X-rays to determine why you are experiencing these symptoms.
“We recommend resting the first day after the procedure, and avoiding strenuous activity, the use of straws, smoking, and spitting for the first few days.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the average age of patients who remove their wisdom teeth?
A. Wisdom teeth generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 21 but can also come out later in life. We like to examine all patients from the age of 17 onwards to monitor their tooth development and detect wisdom teeth eruption as soon as it occurs.
Q. How do I know if my extraction site is healing correctly?
A. Recovery time after an extraction is between three to five days, wherein the socket should begin to close in. It could take about a month or two for the entire site to close. However, if the gums look and feel normal (no swelling or redness), the site should be healing correctly. We like to schedule follow-ups after an extraction to make sure the site is healing properly.
Q. How can I detect dry socket if I do not have pain?
A. In most cases, patients will experience pain from a dry socket. They may also experience a foul smell or notice exposed bone. A dry socket occurs when a blood clot was dislodged earlier than necessary or did not form at all, exposing the bone underneath. Therefore, if a blood clot is not present, a dry socket is very likely.
Q. Can I drive myself back home after wisdom teeth extraction?
A. Patients undergoing a simple extraction with local anesthesia can drive back home as they will only feel numb in the mouth. However, surgical extractions with general or IV anesthesia will need to be driven back after the procedure as they will not be fully alert. We will discuss this during the consultation appointment prior to the procedure.
Q. Can I remove all four wisdom teeth in the same visit?
A. Patients that need all of their wisdom teeth removed can have them all removed in one visit. We may also recommend extracting two on the same side during each visit as the entire area will be numbed anyway. This will reduce the cost, recovery time, and discomfort associated with each extraction.
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Dental Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Smile Center Dental Care was established in 2005.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: King County and Pierce County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Des Moines, Tacoma, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, SeaTac, and Algona
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