Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Raleigh, NC
Safely Removing Problematic Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth erupt (usually between the ages of 17 and 25), they can become stuck under the gums, exert pressure on other teeth, cause pain, and even lead to infection. The good news is our team at Barker, Rohner and Hunt DMD can perform safe, comfortable wisdom tooth extractions at our Raleigh dental office. If you’re ready to have a healthy, pain-free smile again, give us a call to schedule an appointment. You can also read on to learn more about this procedure!
Why Choose Barker, Rohner and Hunt DMD for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Several Dental Sedation Options Available
- We Offer Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Compassionate Dentists with Advanced Training
What are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, were quite beneficial for our caveman ancestors who primarily ate crunchy vegetables and uncooked meats. These days, however, most people don’t have enough room in their mouths for these extra teeth, so they end up causing more harm than good. That’s why we monitor their development with a combination of yearly X-rays and biannual dental exams! If they begin to cause problems or pose a risk to your oral health, we will recommend having them removed.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
As we mentioned above, we will carefully monitor your wisdom teeth throughout the years. However, we urge you to call us if you or a family member develops any of the following symptoms:
- A crowded feeling among the molars
- A dull, near-constant ache toward the back of the mouth
- Your bite feels different (your upper and lower teeth don’t come together as they should)
- You’re experiencing a fever in addition to dental pain
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Whether we’re removing one of your molars or all four wisdom teeth, the first step of the treatment process is always the same: numbing your mouth. Once you can’t feel anything and you’re ready to begin, your dentist will get to work. Throughout the procedure, they will check in with you to make sure you’re calm and comfortable. Then, when they are done, they will tend to the extraction site, answer any questions you have, and send you home with aftercare instructions.
Important reminder: If you struggle with dental-related anxiety, a fear of needles, or something else that makes getting the dental care you need stressful, let us know! We want your experience at our office to be positive from start to finish.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Our dentists will give you personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery following your wisdom tooth extraction. In general, these guidelines may include tips like:
- Avoid drinking through a straw, smoking, blowing your nose, or forcefully spitting for the first three days after your procedure.
- Maintain a soft food diet for about a week.
- Brush and floss carefully around the extraction site.
- Use a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time.
- Take any medications that we prescribe for you as directed.
- Avoid strenuous physical exercise, as that could delay healing.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
Do you have an upcoming appointment to have your wisdom teeth removed in Raleigh, but have questions and concerns that you’d like addressed to feel a little more at-ease the day of? Our team at Barker, Rohner & Hunt DMD want to give you the answers you need, which is why we’ve compiled some of the frequently asked questions we get from patients below. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please feel free to contact our office directly.
Can I keep my wisdom teeth?
Not everyone needs to remove their wisdom teeth. Typically, we only recommend this preventive intervention if they pose a risk to your oral health. Some of these risks include:
- Causing crowding due to lack of room in your mouth.
- Increased risk of infection if they’re impacted below the gumline.
- Pain as a result of them growing in.
- Risk of damage to the bone and soft tissue due to cysts forming in the sacs.
If these risks don’t apply to you, or undergoing treatment poses more downsides than upsides, your dentist may recommend just letting them grow in.
How should I prepare for my wisdom tooth extraction?
Before your procedure, our team will provide you with pre-operative instructions to follow, and if you have any questions or concerns, regardless of how minor they may seem, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. Typically, these pre-op instructions include:
- Arrange for someone to drive you to and from our office, as you’ll likely receive sedation.
- Come with a complete list of the medications you take, including any daily vitamins, allergy medications, etc.
- Don’t smoke before or directly after your procedure.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
- Stock up on soft foods to eat.
What’s the best age to get wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth typically grow in between the ages of 16 and 23, but it’s best to have them removed as early as possible, before they’ve grown more deeply connected with the jawbone and surrounding tissues.
Should wisdom teeth be removed before getting braces?
If you’re looking to undergo Invisalign treatment, your dentist may recommend having your wisdom teeth removed beforehand to make sure your teeth have enough room in your mouth to remain aligned. If you don’t, you may notice that as your wisdom teeth grow in, your teeth may become crowded, erasing the progress you’ve made with orthodontic treatment.
