Wisdom Tooth Extraction – Newton, MA

Have a Problematic Wisdom Tooth? We Can Help

Sometimes a tooth extraction is the best choice for protecting the overall health of your smile. This is often the case when it comes to wisdom teeth; more often than not, it’s best to remove them before they can cause serious complications. If anyone in your family is in need of a wisdom tooth extraction, call Newton Corner Dental Care today. You can count on our dentist in Newton to make sure the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

Why Choose Newton Corner Dental Care for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

  • Multiple Caring Dental Experts Under One Roof
  • Convenient Saturday Appointments Offered
  • Practice That Accepts Most Dental Insurance Plans

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Illustration of wisdom tooth trying to emerge from beneath gums

The wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth that erupt in your mouth. They’re located near the back of the jaw, and they typically attempt to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. In ancient times, wisdom teeth served more of a purpose, giving our ancestors the extra chewing power they needed to handle tough, coarse foods. In modern day, however, our diets have significantly changed, and as a result, wisdom teeth are no longer necessary for our mouths to function properly.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

X-ray of mouth with impacted wisdom teeth highlighted

Because the wisdom teeth erupt later than the other teeth, there often isn’t enough room for them in the mouth. Consequently, they may become trapped beneath the gums, which can result in significant pain and swelling. Furthermore, because the wisdom teeth often come in at an angle, they may push against the other teeth, potentially damaging them or pushing them out of alignment. Finally, the location of the wisdom teeth can make them difficult to clean properly, increasing your risk for cavities and other oral health issues.

Of course, not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth taken out. We’ll have to carefully examine your third molars in order to determine whether removing them is truly necessary to protect your oral health.

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

Woman sitting in dental chair smiling

Wisdom teeth that have emerged from beneath the gums can sometimes be removed via a simple extraction. This involves using a dental elevator to loosen the teeth until they can be gently taken out of their sockets. However, if your wisdom teeth are trapped under your gums, a surgical approach may be required. An incision will need to be made in the gums so that the teeth can be accessed. Furthermore, it might be necessary to divide the teeth into sections that can be removed one at a time.

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Woman holding ice pack against jaw

A blood clot will form at the extraction site as part of the healing process. Dislodging this blood clot could slow down your recovery and cause serious discomfort. As such, you should avoid doing anything that could disturb the blood clot, such as drinking through a straw, spitting, or smoking.

You may experience some level of soreness after wisdom tooth extraction. To keep your discomfort under control, be sure to take any pain medications that you were prescribed. If there’s any swelling, you can reduce it by holding an ice pack over the area for 15-minute intervals.

In general, you should plan on resting for about three to four days after your wisdom tooth extraction. It can take up to two weeks for your mouth to fully recover. If your discomfort lasts longer than normal, call our team immediately to let us know.