Wisdom Tooth Extraction – Mobile, AL

Many patients assume that permanent teeth have finished erupting by the time they are adults. However, that’s not the case. In fact, wisdom teeth typically don’t arrive until the late teens or early 20s. So, if you’re in that age range and you’re starting to experience chronic jaw pain or any other abnormal symptoms, they may be the culprit. The best way to find out is by scheduling an appointment with our team at Parker Dental & Orthodontics so we can determine if removing them is the best choice for your well-being.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Over the years, wisdom tooth extractions have become a rite of passage. But what are they, and why is the procedure necessary? The short answer is that they are the third set of molars, which typically make an appearance between the ages of 17 and 21. Unfortunately, their late entry leads to serious problems regarding oral health. If you suspect that it’s time for you or a loved one to have their wisdom teeth removed, then contact us right away to schedule an appointment! We have multiple convenient office locations to choose from in the Southern Alabama and Mississippi area.  

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

In most cases, wisdom teeth simply don’t have enough room to emerge properly because of the surrounding teeth, and this leads to potentially serious problems. They may erupt at a sideways angle, only partially push through the gum line, or even become trapped altogether. These instances lead to higher risks of infection, facial swelling, and other unpleasant consequences. Fortunately, our doctors can inspect wisdom teeth with the help of digital X-rays before they’ve fully erupted. If any of these problems seem likely, we may recommend extraction as a preventive measure.

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

When performing wisdom tooth extraction, our team takes care to make the process as smooth and comfortable for the patient as possible. The first step? Numbing your mouth thoroughly so you don’t feel any pain as we work to remove the tooth. Next, we will grip the tooth, rock it loose, and extract it.

If the tooth in question is trapped underneath the gumline, then we will need to intervene with a surgical extraction. This involves a small incision being made so we can access it. Then, we can carefully remove the tooth section by section.

When we’re done, we’ll tend to the extraction site. As you heal, it’s common to experience some discomfort, oral bleeding, and swelling; these symptoms should improve over the course of a few days. Our team also provides a prescription for painkillers, if needed.

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

To ensure the recovery period goes as smoothly as possible, we will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions, like:

• Taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
• Changing the gauze pads as needed
• Sticking to a liquid diet for the first 24 hours
• Not using a straw, spitting, or smoking
• Using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time
• Keeping your head elevated, including while you sleep
• Not participating in strenuous exercise, like jogging