Extractions
Before removing a tooth, Dr. Northcutt will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area. A general anesthetic may be used, especially if multiple teeth will be extracted at the same time. A general anesthetic prevents pain in the whole body and will make you groggy or even sleep through the procedure. Dr. Northcutt will probably recommend that you do not eat or drink after midnight on the night before surgery to ensure you are prepared for the anesthesia.
To extract an impacted wisdom tooth which is below the gum line or only partially erupted, Dr. Northcutt will make a small incision in the gum tissue covering the tooth and remove any bone that is covering the tooth. Dr. Northcutt may cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
After the wisdom tooth is removed, you may need a few stitches if it was impacted. Some stitches dissolve naturally and some have to be removed by Dr. Northcutt a few days later. He will tell you whether your stitches will need to be removed.
What to Expect After Surgery
In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. You may take painkillers as prescribed by Dr. Northcutt. The following tips will help speed your recovery:
Why Some Wisdom Teeth Should Be Extracted
Dr. Northcutt may recommend that a wisdom tooth be extracted to correct a problem or to prevent problems that may occur in the future. When wisdom teeth grow, a number of problems may develop.
If your jaw is not large enough to accommodate one or more of your wisdom teeth, the teeth remain impacted and are unable to break through your gums. Or a wisdom tooth may erupt partially through your gum tissue, leaving a flap of gum tissue covering part of the tooth. Food and bacteria become trapped under the flap and cause decay and your gums to become red, swollen and painful. More serious problems can develop from impacted teeth, such as infection, damage to other teeth and bone or the development of a cyst. Often wisdom teeth erupt at an awkward angle, with the top of the tooth facing forward, backward or sideways making it difficult to clean with a tooth brush and nonfunctional for chewing.
To extract an impacted wisdom tooth which is below the gum line or only partially erupted, Dr. Northcutt will make a small incision in the gum tissue covering the tooth and remove any bone that is covering the tooth. Dr. Northcutt may cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
After the wisdom tooth is removed, you may need a few stitches if it was impacted. Some stitches dissolve naturally and some have to be removed by Dr. Northcutt a few days later. He will tell you whether your stitches will need to be removed.
What to Expect After Surgery
In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. You may take painkillers as prescribed by Dr. Northcutt. The following tips will help speed your recovery:
- Bite gently on a cotton gauze pad periodically following the extraction. Call our office if you still have bleeding 24 hours after your surgery.
- Do not lie flat which may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
- You may use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. You can use moist heat, such as a wash cloth soaked in warm water for the following 2 to 3 days.
- Relax after surgery as physical activity may increase bleeding.
- Eat soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding or soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
- Do not use a straw for the first few days. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and delay healing.
- After the first day, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after your surgery. The sucking motion can loosen the blood clot and delay healing. In addition, smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgical area.
- Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers.
- Continue to brush your teeth and tongue carefully.
- Dr. Northcutt will remove your stiches after a few days if necessary.
Why Some Wisdom Teeth Should Be Extracted
Dr. Northcutt may recommend that a wisdom tooth be extracted to correct a problem or to prevent problems that may occur in the future. When wisdom teeth grow, a number of problems may develop.
If your jaw is not large enough to accommodate one or more of your wisdom teeth, the teeth remain impacted and are unable to break through your gums. Or a wisdom tooth may erupt partially through your gum tissue, leaving a flap of gum tissue covering part of the tooth. Food and bacteria become trapped under the flap and cause decay and your gums to become red, swollen and painful. More serious problems can develop from impacted teeth, such as infection, damage to other teeth and bone or the development of a cyst. Often wisdom teeth erupt at an awkward angle, with the top of the tooth facing forward, backward or sideways making it difficult to clean with a tooth brush and nonfunctional for chewing.
