Wisdom Tooth Extractions—Glenpool, OK

What Are the Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth are also known as the third molars, and they usually erupt between the ages of 17-22. The reason for their name is that the person should be “wiser” at this point in their life compared to when their other teeth came in.

For our ancient ancestors, whose diet mostly consisted of very tough and uncooked foods, an extra set of molars was vital. This was because the others would often become worn down or broken by the late teens or early twenties. But, thanks to advancements in both dental care and cooking, these teeth are largely unnecessary, which is why they tend to cause nothing but problems when they come in.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

By the time your wisdom teeth are ready to emerge from your gums, there often isn’t enough space left in your mouth for them to erupt properly. As a result, you could suffer from a painful impaction (where the teeth are stuck), or your other teeth could become overcrowded or infected. For this reason, our dentists will often recommend having wisdom teeth removed as early as possible, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure the procedure is painless and stress-free.

What to Expect from a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

A wisdom tooth extraction is a minor surgical procedure, so a patient will receive plenty of local anesthetic to ensure they remain comfortable in the chair. We also have sedation options available for particularly nervous patients!

Typically, a small incision will be made in the gum tissue near the wisdom teeth, and this will allow the dentist to access them. Some bone tissue might have to be removed as well, and the teeth may be broken up into smaller pieces to make the extraction easier and less invasive.

Recovering from a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Following a wisdom tooth extraction, a little soreness and swelling around the treatment site(s) are common, as is some bleeding. Make sure to change out your dressings every few hours and take any pain medication as recommended by your dentist.

In the first 24 hours after the procedure, a patient should avoid physical activity, spitting, rinsing, smoking, or drinking through a straw, as these can interfere with the formation of a clot over the treatment area(s).

For the first week or so, a patient should stick to a soft food diet consisting of items that don’t require a lot of chewing (soup, pudding, hardboiled eggs, etc.). We recommend stocking up on these foods before your procedure so you don’t have to go to the store afterward!

Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs

While the page above has a lot of great information about wisdom teeth extractions, it’s reasonable to think that you still might have questions. We’ve responded to some of the most popular ones we receive about the procedure below. Want to know more about something we haven’t covered here? If so, just give us a call, and we’ll provide all the information you need!

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