Whether it’s for wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants or root canal therapy, oral surgery is a very useful skill for a dentist to have. However, most people aren’t aware of what oral surgery entails when they’re told they need a common procedure done. In the event that you finish a dental exam and the dentist tells you that you need wisdom teeth extracted to prevent future damage to your mouth, don’t panic!
Instead, take the time to know the answers to these three questions before your oral surgery in Las Colinas.
What is the Procedure for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
The overall procedure for wisdom tooth extractions is quite straightforward when wisdom teeth are fully erupted. In a nutshell, extractions start by numbing the area in question and providing any sedation as necessary to make the patient feel comfortable beforehand. If you’re concerned about feeling as comfortable as possible during the surgery, ask the dentist if they offer sedation dentistry.
Once prepped, the dentist will locate the tooth and use a dental elevator to rock the tooth back and forth. Eventually, the tooth will have broken from the periodontal ligament holding it in place, allowing him to remove the tooth with a pair of dental forceps. This is followed by stitching the gums closed and allowing the gum tissue to begin the healing process.
What is Dry Socket?
During aftercare, it’s very important that you take the right steps to avoid complications. One of the most common complications that appears after extractions is a condition known as dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot covering the extraction site is remove prematurely, leading to significant pain and discomfort as well as a longer recovery time.
Luckily, this condition is often avoidable by following basic instructions from the dentist.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products of any kind
- Avoid using straws that can easily dislodge the blood clot
- Abstain from foods that can interfere with the healing process, such as popcorn, nuts, pasta and hard or sticky candy.
- Avoid drinking hot foods or liquids
How Do I Know If I Have Dry Socket?
The quickest answer to knowing if you have dry socket is to check the affected tooth in a mirror. If the jawbone is visible in the socket and the surrounding tissue appears gray, this is due to the area healing poorly and the blood clot becoming dislodged.
Furthermore, those with dry socket are likely to feel a steady throbbing pain in the jaw a few days after surgery. This pain can also appear in other areas of the head, including the ears, eyes and the side of the face closest to the affected tooth. You may also experience chronic bad breath or poor taste due to the accumulation of food debris and bacteria inside the socket.
Are you experiencing jaw pain due to erupting molars? If so, schedule an appointment with a dentist today to complete your wisdom tooth extractions in Las Colinas!
About the Author
Dr. Kent Smith is fully prepared to perform wisdom tooth extractions in-house and offer the best advice available on avoiding complications after surgery. To learn more about his practice and how he works to make patients confident, comfortable and ready for surgery, you can contact him through his website.