Third molars or wisdom teeth can cause potential dental health issues like overcrowding, trapped second molars and growths. At Smile Dental Riverview, we offer painless wisdom tooth removal to avoid future oral issues.

Wisdom tooth removal is minor oral surgery to remove partly grown teeth. This procedure is recommended for those aged 18-24 years. 

Our surgeons have many years of experience in oral surgery. By removing the particular wisdom tooth, you can maintain a pain-free smile and oral wellbeing.

Why choose wisdom tooth minor oral surgery?

An impacted wisdom tooth, if left untreated, can cause serious issues. These include:

  • Pain

  • Dry Socket

  • Damage to Other Teeth

Therefore, Smile Dental Riverview recommends wisdom tooth removal surgery.

Here are some reasons why wisdom tooth extraction is necessary:

  • Infection

  • Bad breath

  • Tooth decay

  • Bone loss around the underlying socket

  • Damage to surrounding teeth

  • Pain in oral cavity

  • Food particles stuck in & around the molars

  • Gum disease around wisdom tooth

Steps for wisdom tooth minor oral surgery

We offer wisdom tooth surgery to prevent bite problems, misdirected teeth and decay.

Wisdom tooth extraction involves:

Step 1: Anesthesia administration

The dental surgeon will numb the gums by giving it a numbing shot. Typically, a minor shot is given so that the patient can begin to move after 45 minutes or an hour. Sedation through an IV is used to keep patients relaxed and comfortable. Gas to help you relax is another option in wisdom tooth extraction. It relieves anxiety, pain and takes off within 10 minutes.

Step 2: Gum incision

Sometimes, the wisdom tooth can become trapped under the gums or bone. Our surgeons are then required to cut into the gum tissues. Later, they will use dissolvable stitches to the gum tissues and prevent infection.

Step 3: Bone removal

Pieces of bone can cover the wisdom tooth and fully block its roots. To access the wisdom tooth roots easily, the surgeons use high-speed dental drills. During bone removal, the gum tissues are cut open. Bone fragments around the wisdom tooth are then removed.

Step 4: Tooth extraction

Surgeons then use forceps to detach the tooth from the gum socket. Large size teeth are very difficult to remove. Therefore, it is advisable to break it into small pieces to keep the surrounding tooth safe and sound.

Step 5: Post-Op cleaning

After extraction, the impacted area is cleaned to remove any excess bits, blood, bone pieces and other leftover bits. This will protect the impacted teeth from pus formation and risk of infection.

Step 6: Gauze placement

Finally, the surgeon will close the wound with a gauze pad and stitches. It will be placed all over the affected area to stop bleeding.

Wisdom tooth recovery timeline

Wisdom tooth recovery varies from person to person. Healing usually begins within a week, but complete bone recovery takes 2-3 months. Various factors contribute to the recovery speed. These include:

  • Age

  • General health

  • Medications

  • Aftercare

Oral Hygiene also plays an important role during the recovery. After surgery, you may feel some sensitivity and pain. However, keeping good oral hygiene habits will avoid discomfort and infections from returning.

Our skilled hygienists know how important clean teeth are. From pain management to hygiene maintenance and post-op care, they will help you heal fast.

Post-Op care

At Smile Dental Riverview, we provide personalized post-operative guidelines to ensure speedy recovery.

Follow the instructions below for post-op care:

  • For swelling, light bleeding or discomfort, rest as much as possible

  • To reduce swelling, use an ice pack at least four times a day

  • Avoid eating or drinking at least two hours after surgery

  • Try maintain a soft food diet and avoid hard exercises

  • Gently rinse your oral cavity with salt and warm water daily

  • Avoid brushing near surgery area

  • Schedule a follow up visit and monitor the healing progress

Frequently Asked Questions

You can recover and return to normal activities within a few days. It can take several weeks for the site from where the tooth has been removed to heal completely.  

Eat soft foods only and avoid hot drinks and alcohol for a few days.  

This varies depending on the complexity of the procedure.