Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Elizabethtown
The average adult mouth is designed to hold only 28 teeth, and it can be painful when 32 try to fit in. These extra four teeth are your third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth”. At Durbin Dental we can evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and determine if there are present problems or if you may have issues in the future.
Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Most patients have their wisdom teeth first evaluated in their mid-teen years, and early evaluation and treatment are ideal for to achieve the best outcome. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they do not align and erupt properly. Sometimes they grow sideways, partially emerging from the gum, or even remain trapped under the gum and bone. The impacted teeth can take many different positions in the bone as they try to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt.
If wisdom teeth partially erupt, the opening around the teeth can grow bacteria that eventually lead to an infection. Swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness are all possible results. Erupting wisdom teeth can also put pressure on other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of those teeth. If tumors or cysts form around impacted wisdom teeth, it can damage healthy jawbone and teeth.
The Extraction Process
The good news is we can remove impacted wisdom teeth and usually solve any related problems. We recommend getting the teeth removed as early as possible to decrease the surgical risks involved with the procedure. Before a wisdom tooth is removed, we perform a thorough examination along with x-rays to determine the position of the tooth and its relationship to the surrounding tissue and teeth.
The removal of wisdom teeth is usually performed under local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or general anesthesia. The staff at Durbin Dental will go over all your options and risks in detail before the procedure and take every opportunity to discuss your concerns, making sure you are comfortable throughout the extraction process.
Once the tooth, or teeth are removed, the gum is sutured, and gauze is placed to help control bleeding. We will supervise you after the procedure until you are ready to be taken home, and prescribe antibiotics and pain medication as needed. We will also schedule you a follow-up appointment in one week so we can remove your sutures and evaluate the healing process.
Contact Us for Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Dr. Derek Durbin and his highly qualified staff are available to address any concerns you may have about wisdom tooth extraction. Our goal is to provide excellent dental service and comprehensive treatments for all your oral health needs.
CALL US: (270) 763-6604 REQUEST APPOINTMENT