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Your wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last teeth to erupt, usually in your late teens or early twenties. While some patients have no complaints, most simply don’t have the room to accommodate their new wisdom teeth, which can lead to complications. At Kearny Dental Associates, we may recommend the extraction of problematic wisdom teeth to safeguard your smile. We are committed to ensuring your comfort and well-being every step of the way. We invite you to visit our Kearny practice to get started today!
Why Would You Need to Have Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Your wisdom teeth may not need extraction if they are healthy and come in the correct position. However, we may recommend their removal if they are impacted or trapped in the jawbone, which can lead to complications, including pain, inflammation, infection, tooth root damage, and even bone loss. Your wisdom teeth may also come in at an angle, pushing the neighboring teeth out of alignment, which can lead to crowding.
Because your wisdom teeth are located far at the back of your mouth, they can be difficult to reach and clean effectively, leaving them prone to developing cavities, gum inflammation, and chronic infection, often requiring extraction. Even if your wisdom teeth are asymptomatic, we may recommend their removal as a preventive measure if they pose a risk of future complications.
What Are Other Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction?
In addition to wisdom teeth removal, we offer simple and surgical extractions for problematic teeth. Our team always strives to preserve your natural teeth and recommends extraction only as a last resort to prevent complications and safeguard your oral health.
The following are some reasons we may recommend tooth extraction:
- Severe Tooth Damage: Severe damage resulting from deep decay or trauma that’s beyond repair may leave us with no choice but to remove the affected tooth.
- Advanced Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Left untreated, periodontal disease can advance and damage the structures supporting your teeth, leading to bone loss and loose teeth that may need extraction.
- Tooth Fracture: Biting down on hard candy or grinding and clenching your teeth in your sleep (bruxism) can lead to extensive fractures, necessitating extraction, especially if a crack extends vertically below your gum line.
- Teeth Crowding: You may require selective tooth extractions to create space for the remaining teeth to move into their ideal positions, improving the alignment of your teeth and bite.
What Can You Expect?
Before treatment, we will use CBCT 3D imaging to capture detailed images of your affected tooth, jawbone, soft tissues, and nerve pathways. CBCT scans help guide treatment planning, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your smile.
We will start your tooth extraction procedure by numbing your affected tooth and the surrounding area with local anesthesia for your comfort. We are also happy to administer dental sedation, if needed, to help you feel relaxed during treatment. During your tooth extraction, you may feel mild pressure, but you should not feel pain. Our team never spares any effort to ensure you have the best possible experience.
What Is Ridge Preservation?
Depending on the location of the extracted tooth, we may recommend ridge preservation. This proactive process involves placing bone grafting material in the affected tooth’s socket immediately after extraction to help prevent the bone loss that naturally occurs after tooth loss and preserve your ridge. Ridge preservation maintains your facial structure and helps ensure the success of future dental implant placement.
How Can You Promote Healing After Your Tooth Extraction?
We will provide your post-operative instructions to promote healing and ensure a smooth recovery. Make sure to refrain from smoking, drinking from a straw, spitting, or rinsing vigorously in the 48 hours after extraction to avoid accidentally dislodging the blood clot forming in your extracted tooth’s socket. Otherwise, you may experience a painful complication known as dry socket.
If you have pain, warm compresses or salt-water rinses can help. You can also take your prescribed pain medication, as needed, for your comfort. Make sure to consume soft foods for the first few days and avoid hard, hot, or spicy foods that can irritate your extraction site. If you have any questions or concerns in the days following extraction, contact our practice for guidance.
Disclaimer: The above tips are for general information and do not substitute the post-operative care instructions provided by our team.
Tooth Extractions Near Me in Kearny, NJ
If you have a painful or problematic tooth, contact Kearny Dental Associates to schedule a consultation. If saving a tooth is not a viable option, our patient-centered team may recommend tooth extraction to safeguard your smile. You can always count on us for exceptional, compassionate care.
Call (201) 998-2429 or follow this link to request an appointment today!
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Ready to experience a new level of care? Our team is dedicated to providing honest guidance, transparent treatment options, and a comfortable experience you can trust. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!