Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Fort Smith, AR
Safe Extractions That Ensure Long-Term Oral Health
Are you struggling with chronic jaw pain, gum inflammation, and other abnormal dental symptoms? If you’re between the ages of 16 and 25, then your wisdom teeth may be the culprit. So, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team at New Smile Dental! We’ll make sure that you feel comfortable and informed on your oral health needs before moving forward with wisdom tooth extractions in Fort Smith.
Why Choose New Smile Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Experienced, Caring Dentist & Team
- Family-Friendly and Patient-Focused
- Sedation Dentistry Available for Anxious Patients
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Usually, children start to lose their baby teeth between the ages of five and seven. This is just the beginning of the process of growing into their new smile. In fact, the second set of molars usually don’t erupt until 10-12 years of age, and the third set of molars don’t make an appearance until the late teens or early 20s. In other words, wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars!
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth may have served a purpose in the past, but now they simply hurt your oral health more than help. While not everyone needs to have them removed, it’s unlikely that your mouth will be able to accommodate them once they erupt. Plus, the longer you have your wisdom teeth, the more difficult it will be to remove them should they ever become a problem.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
The first step is always the same: thoroughly numbing your mouth so you can relax comfortably in the treatment chair. From there, the treatment process looks a bit different depending on if the teeth in question are above or below the gumline. If they are above the gumline, then Dr. Gilberto Lopez will gently rock the tooth loose until it can be removed. If they are below the gumline, then he will need to first create a small incision in the gums. Then, he can proceed with the removal process.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
There’s a common misconception that recovering from wisdom teeth extractions involves nothing more than the couch and some ice cream. That’s not the case! To keep you comfortable and reduce the chances of anything bad happening (like an infection developing), we recommend:
- Taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
- Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated
- Keeping your mouth clean (which includes gently brushing around the extraction site)
- Eating soft foods, like plain yogurt
- Getting plenty of rest
- Using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time
- Keeping your head elevated when you sleep