Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Lincoln, NE

What Wisdom Teeth Are

In the late teenage years through early 20s, a third set of molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, erupts at the back of the mouth. Before dental hygiene became a priority in history, our ancestors needed these teeth to replace ones they had lost early on to decay or injury. However, today people retain most or all their teeth and often don’t require this extra set.

When Wisdom Teeth Should Be Removed 

In nearly every scenario where we would recommend extraction, there simply isn’t enough room in the mouth to fit these third molars. The wisdom teeth may be impacted or erupt at an angle, which can potentially lead to infections. They can also push against the other teeth, making them shift out of position and cause soreness. When you or your child enters this phase in life, we’ll closely monitor the wisdom teeth’s development and eruption early to make sure that you don’t have to experience these problems.

Process for Removing Wisdom Teeth

Once we have determined that extraction is the best course of action for your smile, we’ll make sure that you’re completely comfortable with a local anesthetic. This should numb any pain or discomfort throughout the entire procedure. Then, depending on whether teeth have erupted or not, we’ll carefully remove the wisdom teeth. If still under the gums, we’ll make a small incision and surgically extract the teeth. For erupted teeth, we’ll gently rock them back and forth with dental pliers until they come free.

Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions

At Williamsburg Dental, we believe in being transparent with our patients. However, because the circumstances for each person can be unique, we are not able to provide accurate estimates for this procedure until we have had the chance to examine your specific set of teeth. Only then will we know what measures we will need to take to safely and effectively perform this procedure as well as know the appropriate pricing for treatment.

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Aftercare for Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Following your wisdom teeth removal, it is imperative that you take care of yourself and follow our instructions. Failing to do so could result in complications and painful infections, like dry socket. Here are some things to do to heal properly:

• Rest for a few days from rigorous activity.
• Keep fresh gauze on the site, replacing it every few hours.
• Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the site clean.
• Eat soft foods (e.g., mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, eggs) for a couple of days, slowing working your way back to a normal diet.
• Do not use a straw for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
• Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 48 hours after the procedure.

If you have questions or concerns about the healing process after extraction, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!

Frequently Asked Questions about Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Although not as risky as other surgical procedures, wisdom tooth removal can still be intimidating for some patients. We want you and your teen to be completely comfortable throughout the entire process, which means that we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Here are our responses to some of them, but feel free to contact us if you think of others.

I Don’t Feel Any Discomfort. Do My Wisdom Teeth Still Need to Be Removed?

At Williamsburg Dental, we keep a close watch on wisdom teeth starting when a teenager turns 15 or 16. When they develop under the surface, we evaluate the current spacing of the teeth, as well as the orientation of the wisdom teeth. It’s entirely possible that we may identify potential problems before you or your teen experiences any symptoms. We may recommend removing troublesome wisdom teeth in advance so that you don’t have to endure symptoms later on.

How Can I Prepare for the Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Before the procedure, we’ll take every precaution to make sure everything goes smoothly. We’ll ask you about medications you’re taking, including vitamins, antibiotics, and prescriptions. It may be helpful for you to write down a list of your medications so that we can be aware and plan accordingly, if necessary. On the day of the procedure, be sure you follow our instructions and arrive on time. If you are undergoing the wisdom tooth extraction, arrange to have a friend or family member drive you home afterward.

When Should I Call Williamsburg Dental?

Don’t be alarmed if you continue to see blood on the gauze a few hours after you get home. Also, some pain for a few days is normal following wisdom tooth extraction, but it should subside and be controlled with pain medication. However, if you experience any of the following, you should give us a call:

• Bleeding that lasts longer than 48 hours
• Persistent or worsening swelling after a few days
• Fever
• Pus in the socket
• Numbness or loss of feeling at the site
• Increasing pain even with pain medication

Is a Blood Clot on the Surgical Site a Good Thing?

Yes! That blood clot is essential to the healing process. Basically, it protects the vulnerable, sensitive nerves and bone tissue underneath from bacteria. Sucking on a straw or eating hard, chewy foods too soon may dislodge the clot, increasing your chances of infection. Once a blood clot has formed on the site, usually between 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, make sure it stays there by continuing to be gentle with your mouth for a couple of days.

Why Do Some Wisdom Teeth Grow in Sideways?

It may seem odd that teeth would develop this way in the jawbone, but when you look at human history, it actually makes sense. Anciently, our ancestors had larger jaws and more space to accommodate more teeth because they ate tougher, raw foods. As humans have evolved, our jaws have become steadily smaller, but these extra teeth have continued to form.  Without enough space to erupt properly, these teeth can adopt abnormal ways of growth and put pressure on other teeth.

Am I Too Old to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Although the typical target age for dealing with wisdom teeth starts early in life (teens years through early 20s), some people who have wisdom teeth don’t manifest issues until they get older or didn’t have a dentist worried about them when they were younger. Even if you are over 50 years old, if your wisdom teeth suddenly give you trouble, like aggressive and persistent gum disease, abscesses, or pain from pushing against other teeth, extraction with your dentist in Lincoln here at Williamsburg Dental may ease your symptoms and bring you relief. Just be aware that older patients can have a longer recovery than younger patients, but we can guide you through the aftermath.

How Can You Make Sure I’m Comfortable During the Extraction Procedure?

At Williamsburg Dental, we want you to feel completely comfortable—both physically and mentally—while you’re with us. In addition to substantial local anesthetic that keeps you numb, we offer nitrous oxide sedation for wisdom teeth extraction. This effective gas dulls the senses, which provides even more pain relief, and creates a relaxed, light feeling. Nitrous oxide can be adjusted if you need more or less to maintain your calmness. You will remain awake throughout the entire procedure, but you won’t be bothered by what’s going on around you.

How Can I Sleep More Comfortably After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

When you’ve undergone wisdom tooth extraction in Lincoln, which is considered minor surgery, your body needs to rest to heal properly and efficiently. In other words, you’ll need to sleep quite a bit, especially during that first day after the procedure. However, If you aren’t positioned well you can have a harder time sleeping or worse pain. Take your pain reliever as directed or prescribed. When you lie down, make sure your head is elevated above your heart, which will keep blood flow steady and prevent pooling in your head. Consider preparing your body for sleep by holding a cold compress against your face for 20 minutes. After that point, your face should be numb and comfortable enough to fall asleep.