Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Chesapeake, VA

Safely Removing Troublesome Teeth

Animated smile with impacted wisdom tooth prior to extraction

Have you or a loved one suddenly started to experience severe pain toward the back of your jaw? This could mean that your wisdom teeth are trying to erupt but have become stuck, or impacted, underneath your gumline. Impacted wisdom teeth can post serious risks to your oral health in addition to being painful. That’s why Dr. Lucia Troisi provides safe, comfortable wisdom tooth extractions in Chesapeake, VA here at Troisi Dentistry. Call our dental office today to schedule an appointment and find out whether you could benefit from wisdom teeth removal.

 

Why Choose Troisi Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?

  • Soothing Dental Sedation Available
  • Same-Day & Walk-In Emergency Dental Appointments
  • Leading-Edge Dental Technology in a Warm, Homey Dental Office

 

When Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Really Necessary?

Man in pain before wisdom tooth extraction

Wisdom teeth helped our early human ancestors chew tough, raw foods, but now that we soften our food by cooking it, modern humans no longer need these teeth. In fact, our jaws have shrunk to the point where most people don’t have room to accommodate the wisdom teeth. As a result, these teeth often become impacted. Not only can this be painful, but it can increase the risk of infection, misalignment (due to pressure against other teeth), and even cysts or tumors that permanently damage the jawbone.

 

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Woman talking to dentist and pointing to jaw before wisdom tooth extractions

You’ll most likely experience some residual discomfort, swelling, and bleeding following your wisdom tooth extraction. These side effects should fade with time, but please call us if they seem to be worsening. We’ll provide you with aftercare guidelines that may include:

  • Don’t drink from a straw, smoke, or spit forcefully for a few days after your procedure.
  • Take any medications that we have prescribed as instructed.
  • Eat a soft food diet for several days.
  • When brushing your teeth, be careful near the extraction site.

 

Wisdom Tooth Extractions Frequently Asked Questions

example of wisdom tooth extractions in Chesapeake

Have you been told that you should get your wisdom teeth removed? While there are various benefits to extracting these final molars, it’s natural for you to want to know as much as possible about the treatment before jumping on board with the procedure. At Troisi Dentistry, we want you to feel well-informed and confident about your decision. That’s why we’ve taken the time to compile and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about wisdom tooth extractions in Chesapeake. Read along or give our team a call today if you wish to learn more or don’t see the information you’re looking for!

Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?

Our team will first begin your wisdom tooth removal procedure by completely numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic. We’ll likely administer dental sedation as well to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout your surgery. While you won’t experience much discomfort during the procedure itself, you might expect to feel mild soreness or discomfort for a few days afterward. This should usually be short-lived and can easily be managed by taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers. You should begin to feel back to normal within a week.

How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Surgery Take?

Your wisdom tooth extraction may take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete, so removing all four may take a little over an hour. The length of the procedure will also be affected by the location and position of your teeth. However, since you’ll likely be heavily sedated for your surgery, you may feel as though barely any time has passed. Your dentist will be able to provide you with a more precise estimate of the amount of time your procedure will take during your initial consultation. This way you’ll know what to expect when coming to your appointment and can plan your schedule accordingly.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Our early human ancestors benefitted a lot from wisdom teeth. In the ancient past, our diet consisted of raw foods, including meats, berries, nuts, leaves, and roots. Since they didn’t cook their meals, they used their broader jaws and stronger molars to chew effectively. However, human jawbones became smaller through evolution, especially since our diets included softer foods that were cooked and prepared with tools. For this reason, wisdom teeth today have turned obsolete and typically don’t have enough room in the mouth. This can result in complications with your oral health in the long run.

What’s the Best Age to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?

While there isn’t a set age for removing your wisdom teeth, most dentists recommend extracting the molars during early adulthood. Although they can be pulled later in your life, the procedure and healing period may be much easier when a patient is younger. The older you are, the higher the likelihood of complications and the more time you’ll need to recover. If your dentist happens to recommend getting your wisdom teeth extracted, consider undergoing the treatment sooner rather than later to avoid issues like decay, impaction, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth.