Wisdom Tooth Extraction – San Antonio, TX
Ensuring a Healthier Smile For the Future
Early human civilizations once relied on their wisdom teeth to eat dense game caught in the wild. Since then, much has changed regarding diets and facial shape. Although people had wider jaws to accommodate these third molars, that is no longer true today. At Potranco Family Dental, we can perform wisdom tooth extraction in San Antonio to create a more spacious, healthier smile in the future. Call to schedule an appointment if you or your teenager no longer wants to be in pain.
Why Choose Potranco Family Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
- Dentist with More Than a Decade of Experience
- Flexible Dental Financing with CareCredit, Lending Club, & Cherry
- Comfort-Focused Amenities for Dental Patients
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth along the upper and lower arches and are considered the third molars. They generally develop between the ages of 17 and 25, making wisdom tooth extraction a “rite of passage” for many teenagers and young adults.
There are usually four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant, and they can fully or partially erupt, or they can remain impacted below the gumline.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Some patients never need to have their wisdom teeth removed; however, most require extraction for one of the following reasons:
- Impaction
- Persistent pain in the back of the mouth
- A cyst forming near the affected tooth
- An infection that impacts the tooth and the surrounding tissue
- Dental decay forms because of a partially erupted wisdom tooth
- Wisdom tooth eruption causes nearby teeth to shift out of alignment
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
There are two ways to remove wisdom teeth: simply or surgically. If the molar has partially erupted and is slightly visible above the gumline, your dentist in San Antonio can use a dental elevator and dental forceps to lift the tooth from its socket and gently move it back and forth until it detaches.
If the molar remains below the gumline, it is deemed impacted. This requires opening the gum tissue and exposing the underlying tooth and bone. Removing it slowly and with careful precision ensures minimal damage to the bone.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After your wisdom tooth extraction, you will need to take proper care of your mouth in the days and weeks following your procedure. We will provide aftercare instructions for you to follow, but in the meantime, some of the typical recommendations include:
- Using clean gauze to minimize bleeding
- Taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication
- Avoiding the use of straws to sip beverages
- Not spitting or swishing vigorously
- Elevating your head while you sleep
- Avoiding physical or strenuous activity for several days
- Eating a soft food diet initially (i.e., yogurt, smoothies, pudding, etc.)