Wisdom Teeth Removal at Linworth Family Dental

What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure where one or more of the third molars at the back of your mouth are extracted. These teeth often emerge in your late teens or early twenties and can cause various dental issues if not properly aligned or if there isn't enough space in your mouth for them to grow in fully. At Linworth Family Dental, we specialize in safe and efficient wisdom teeth removal to alleviate discomfort and prevent future dental problems.

Your Trusted Dental Experts in Columbus, Ohio

At Linworth Family Dental, we understand the discomfort and challenges wisdom teeth can bring. Our experienced team is here to provide you with safe and efficient wisdom teeth removal services in Columbus, ensuring your comfort and well-being every step of the way.

Why You Might Need Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties. However, these teeth often lack the necessary space to develop properly, leading to a range of issues such as:

• Pain and Swelling: Crowding can cause significant discomfort.
• Infections: Trapped food and bacteria can lead to gum infections like pericoronitis.
• Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Hard-to-reach areas become breeding grounds for decay and disease.
• Cysts and Abscesses: Fluid buildup or infections around the tooth can be serious.
• Impacted Teeth: When wisdom teeth do not fully emerge, they can become trapped (impacted) within the jaw, causing pain and potential damage to adjacent teeth.

If your wisdom teeth are causing any of these problems, removal might be necessary to prevent further complications. For more on why wisdom teeth might need removal, see our detailed Our Services page.

What to Expect During the Procedure

At Linworth Family Dental, your comfort is our priority. We offer several anesthesia options to ensure a pain-free experience:

• Local Anesthesia: Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth with one or more injections. You will be awake but should feel no pain, only pressure and movement.
• Sedation Anesthesia: Administered through an IV, this option helps you relax and feel sleepy. You won’t feel pain or remember much of the procedure, and your gums will be numbed as well.
• General Anesthesia: For more complex cases, you may be put to sleep with an IV or inhaled medication. You won’t feel anything during the procedure, and an anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs.

For a complete guide on what to expect, visit our Cosmetic page.

After the Procedure

Following sedation or general anesthesia, you'll be moved to a recovery room. If you had local anesthesia, recovery typically occurs in the dental chair. As you heal, adhere to your dentist's instructions on:

• Bleeding: Minimal bleeding is normal on the first day. Avoid spitting too much to prevent dislodging the blood clot. Replace gauze as directed.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help, or you might be prescribed medication if bone removal is involved. Applying an ice pack to your jaw can also reduce pain and swelling.
• Swelling and Bruising: Use an ice pack as directed. Swelling usually decreases within two to three days, while bruising may take longer to resolve.
• Activity: Rest on the day of your surgery and return to normal activities the following day. Avoid strenuous activities for at least a week to prevent disturbing the blood clot.
• Oral Hygiene: Avoid brushing, rinsing, spitting, or using mouthwash for the first 24 hours. Afterward, resume gentle brushing and rinse with warm salt water every two hours and after meals.
• Stitches: You may have stitches that dissolve on their own. If non-dissolvable stitches were used, schedule an appointment to have them removed.

For detailed aftercare instructions, refer to our post-procedure care guide.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

A successful recovery from wisdom teeth removal involves following a few key steps:

• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keeping your mouth clean is crucial. After the first 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water to keep the surgical area clean. Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction site.
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drink plenty of fluids and stick to a soft diet initially. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as your comfort level improves. Nutritious, soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soup can aid in recovery.
• Relaxation: Give your body the time it needs to heal. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least a week. Resting can significantly speed up your recovery process.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.

Possible Complications

Though wisdom teeth removal is generally straightforward, complications can occur. These include dry sockets, infections, nerve damage, and excessive bleeding. Our team will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and guide minimizing them.

• Dry Socket: This occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges or dissolves before the wound has healed. It can cause severe pain. Following post-operative care instructions reduces the risk.
• Infections: Keeping the area clean and following your dentist’s guidelines helps prevent infections.
• Nerve Damage: While rare, removing lower wisdom teeth can sometimes affect nearby nerves, leading to temporary or permanent numbness.

For more on managing potential complications, see our Restorative.

Preventing Future Dental Problems

There is some debate among dental specialists about whether to remove asymptomatic wisdom teeth (those not causing problems). Many recommend extraction during the late teens or early twenties when complications are less likely, and patients recover more easily. Removing wisdom teeth at this age can prevent potential issues such as:

• Disease that could develop later even if the teeth are asymptomatic.
• Difficulty in cleaning due to lack of space, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.
• Reduced risk of complications and easier recovery in younger adults compared to older adults.

For insights on preventing dental issues, visit our Preventive care section.

Why Choose Linworth Family Dental?

• Experienced Team: Our dentists are skilled in performing wisdom teeth extractions with minimal discomfort.
• Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize your comfort and tailor our services to meet your individual needs.
• Advanced Technology: We use the latest dental technologies to ensure precise and efficient procedures.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial consultation to post-procedure follow-up, we are with you every step of the way.

For more reasons to choose us, explore our about page.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you're experiencing discomfort from your wisdom teeth, don't wait. Contact Linworth Family Dental at (614) 799-9500 or request an appointment online today. Our friendly team is here to help you achieve a pain-free, healthy smile. For any questions or further information, contact us.

We proudly serve patients in Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, and Worthington.