Wisdom Tooth Extractions in Sterling Heights, MI
Safe Tooth Extractions at Sterling Heights Dentistry
Unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth can be a burden and a hassle. In many cases, a patient’s mouth doesn’t have enough room to accommodate wisdom teeth, leading to impaction and the need for removal. At Sterling Heights Dentistry, Dr. Hindi provides safe and gentle wisdom tooth extractions to support your oral health and prevent further dental issues.
Learn about the importance of having your wisdom teeth removed and discover how it benefits the health of your smile below.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars that typically erupt in your late teens or early twenties. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or have broken through the gum line, they can cause teeth crowding and painful alignment shifts. That’s why it’s important to have your wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible to avoid conditions like tooth decay or gum disease.
Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
These are the most common signs of an impacted wisdom tooth:
- Pain or tenderness in the gums or jaw
- Headaches or jaw aches
- Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
- Cysts in the area
- Limited jaw function
- Sinus problems
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to call our Sterling Heights, MI office at (586) 939-5151 and make an appointment with Dr. Hindi.
Types of Wisdom Tooth Impactions
When your wisdom tooth doesn’t fully erupt, it can place pressure on adjacent bones and teeth. There are different types of impaction, and the angle relative to your gums will determine the level of risk from avoiding treatment. Some impactions won’t require extraction, while others will cause issues if the tooth is not removed.
Dr. Hindi will examine your teeth and gums to determine the level of risk involved in your impaction. Many patients choose to have their wisdom teeth removed regardless of the risk to avoid potential complications.
Vertical Impaction
Vertical impaction describes when the wisdom tooth is coming in straight and rarely requires extraction. Extraction is only necessary if the tooth is putting pressure on the adjacent molar or posterior bones.
Mesial Impaction
Mesial impaction is the most common type of wisdom tooth impaction. This happens when the tooth is angled forward towards the front of the mouth. The new tooth tends to push the adjacent molar and may cause pain and alignment issues. The precise angle of the tooth will determine whether it needs to be extracted.
Distal Impaction
Distal impaction occurs when the tooth is angled towards the back of the mouth. The increase in angle will heighten the chances that your tooth won’t fully erupt and will press against the bone instead, requiring an extraction.
Horizontal Impaction
Horizontal impaction is typically the most painful and always requires extraction. It occurs when the tooth is parallel to your jawbone, pushing against your molar and causing extreme pain. This type of impaction may warrant the removal of some bone.
The Extraction Process
At Sterling Heights Dentistry, Dr. Hindi can typically perform a wisdom tooth extraction in just one appointment. We’ll start by administering a local anesthetic to numb the surgical areas and ensure that you experience a pain-free procedure. Then, Dr. Hindi will remove your wisdom teeth from the gum tissue. Once all of your wisdom teeth have been extracted, we’ll carefully stitch up the surgical sites.
Aftercare Instructions
After the removal of your wisdom teeth, you’ll want to follow a few guidelines to promote healing and prevent infection. Pay close attention to your recovery on the day of your surgery, as this is when the surgical sites are at their most sensitive and vulnerable.
Follow these instructions after your wisdom teeth removal:
- Apply gauze over the surgical sites to control any bleeding
- Rest and avoid any strenuous activity
- Avoid touching the extraction sites
- Take any prescribed medications from Dr. Hindi or over-the-counter pain relievers
- Use ice packs to reduce any swelling or bruising
- Avoid using a straw or smoking for at least 72 hours
- Follow a soft food and liquid diet for at least 48 hours
- Don’t perform your oral hygiene routine for the first 24 hours after surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s important to follow a liquid and soft food diet for at least the first 48 hours after your surgery. Some foods that we recommend include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Soups or broths (make sure it’s not too hot)
- Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Protein drinks
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
- Jell-O
Wisdom tooth extractions typically take about 90 minutes to complete. However, this will vary depending on how many teeth need to be removed and the severity of their impaction. On average, each tooth takes around 20 minutes to remove.
At your initial consultation, Dr. Hindi will discuss the procedure and give you an estimate of how long your treatment will take.
If your surgical site develops an infection, you may notice excessive swelling, increased bleeding, and severe pain. If you notice any of these signs, please call our Sterling Heights office at (586) 939-5151 and we’ll get you in as soon as possible. Dr. Hindi will evaluate the area, remove the infection, and provide you with any necessary antibiotics.
Following a wisdom teeth extraction, you’ll need to sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights. Avoid sleeping on your side. We recommend sleeping in an upright position to keep any bleeding under control. Make sure to keep your head elevated to reduce swelling and bleeding.
Schedule Your Appointment With Dr. Hindi Today!
Most patients will need a wisdom tooth extraction at some point in their life. To have your wisdom teeth evaluated, schedule your appointment with Dr. Hindi today. Simply call our Sterling Heights office at (586) 939-5151, or fill out our online contact form. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.