Wisdom Teeth Extraction

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Wisdom Teeth
Removal In Boston

Is It Necessary to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

No. Some people never experience any problems with their wisdom teeth, but others can encounter issues when the wisdom teeth emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.

Impacted wisdom teeth are among the most common dental issues. When a tooth is impacted, it fails to emerge correctly and pushes against neighboring molars at the rear of the mouth. This can cause inflammation and other problems.

Another common issue is tooth decay. It can be hard to clean wisdom teeth because of their location at the back of the mouth. Their position makes cleaning difficult and can lead to accelerated decay, swelling of the surrounding gum, and the formation of pockets.

Often, the best solution is to remove wisdom teeth so that they can’t cause any more problems. In our evolutionary past, they were necessary. But today, many dentists consider them to be unnecessary. You don’t need your wisdom teeth for chewing or even for the structure of your jaw or face. Removing them does not make a difference to your bite.

Why Choose Us

We are a group of award-winning dentists that covers a full range of specialties.

Our dynamic team approach guarantees you the very best care we have to offer.

We are all committed to excellence and exceeding the expectations of our patients.

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Excellent service, great convenient location, professional staff, dedicated, painless.

Andrew L.
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How Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Wisdom teeth extraction involves removing your wisdom teeth using an anesthetic. Unlike removing teeth from other parts of the mouth, extracting wisdom teeth can be more complicated due to various factors. These teeth may be partially covered by the gum, or the jawbone itself can pose challenges during extraction.

To ensure patients’ comfort during the procedure, most wisdom teeth extractions are carried out using sedation dentistry. If you have any questions or concerns about this type of dentistry, please do not hesitate to speak with our dental team when you come in for your appointment. We are happy to provide answers and address any concerns you may have before your wisdom teeth are extracted.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. In many cases, it is essential to extract these teeth as a preventative measure for good dental health. By removing wisdom teeth before they fully emerge, you can avoid numerous painful and hazardous outcomes.

Insufficient jaw space may prevent some wisdom teeth from fully emerging, resulting in impaction. This can cause swelling, pain, and infection. Alternatively, wisdom teeth may erupt at an angle, creating a gum flap that traps food particles and leads to severe gum disease, swelling, and infection.

If left untreated, infection or impaction can cause bone loss in the surrounding jaw. Therefore, it is essential to address these issues promptly.

Wisdom teeth are removed under anesthesia within 30-60 minutes. Recovery typically takes a few days to a week.

What Happens During The Extraction Procedure?

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common surgical procedure that involves removing one or more wisdom teeth located at the back of the mouth. The procedure is typically performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon and generally takes around 30-60 minutes to complete.

Here are the steps involved in the wisdom teeth extraction process:

  1. Anesthesia: The first step in the process is administering anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. The anesthesia can be local, meaning it numbs only the extraction site, or general, which puts the patient to sleep. In most cases, the patient is sedated using general anesthesia.
  2. Incision: After the anesthesia has taken effect, your dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and the surrounding bone.
  3. Tooth removal: Once the tooth is visible, your dentist uses special instruments to loosen the tooth from the jawbone and remove it from the socket. In some cases, the tooth may need to be divided into smaller pieces to remove it.
  4. Cleaning and stitching: After the tooth is removed, your dentist cleans the extraction site and removes any debris or bone fragments. They may also place stitches to help the gum tissue heal properly.
  5. Post-operative care: Your DPB dentist provides post-operative instructions to follow, including how to care for the extraction site and manage any discomfort or swelling. They may also prescribe pain medication or antibiotics, if necessary.

Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction typically takes a few days to a week, during which time the patient should avoid strenuous physical activity, smoking, and eating hard or sticky foods. It is also recommended to rest and take it easy for the first 24-48 hours, and to apply ice to the cheek to minimize swelling. Following the instructions provided by the dental professional can help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

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    How did you hear about us?

    When Should You Go To Your Dentist About Wisdom Teeth?

    Impacted wisdom teeth do not always cause symptoms. Many can hide under the gum for years without you even realizing they’re there.

    On other occasions, the tooth can become infected and cause damage to other teeth in the surrounding area. When should you go and visit your dentist?

    • You’re experiencing jaw pain
    • You have chronic bad breath with no discernible source
    • The gum at the back of your mouth is red and swollen
    • Your gums bleed or are tender to the touch
    • You have an unpleasant taste in your mouth
    • You struggle to open your mouth

    When wisdom teeth become infected, the surrounding area becomes inflamed as the body’s immune system activates in the area. The swelling is designed to protect the surrounding tissue and kill off the infection, but it often causes pain. It’s not uncommon for the infected site to exude pus, leaving a foul taste in your mouth. It may also be painful and difficult for you to open your jaw because of the extent of swelling around the gum and surrounding jaw muscles.

    If you have an infection, you need to visit the dentist. The dentist may give you antibiotics to help reduce the infection – something that is often necessary before wisdom tooth removal.

    Schedule My Appointment

    Contact us today if you think your wisdom teeth require extraction or if you would like to discuss your options. Our team can assess the condition of your wisdom teeth and recommend an appropriate plan of action. If you’re experiencing discomfort or difficulty opening your mouth, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.

    CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DOCTORS

    All our dentists have been listed as a Top Dentist in Boston Magazine seven years in a row!

    Every year a carefully curated list is published with the best dentists in Boston, including general dentists and specialists like us in periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and more. We’re honored to serve our patients together with an exceptional standard of care. Thank you!

    Top Dentists 2017 Awarded by Boston Magazine
    Top Dentists 2018 Awarded by Boston Magazine
    2019 Boston Top Dentist
    2020 Boston Top Dentists
    2021 Boston Top Dentists

    Procedure Doctors

    Dr. Sergio Guzman Periodontist Boston
    Sergio A. Guzman
    D.M.D., M.S.D.