Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth to erupt. They typically come in between the ages of 17 and 21. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth often come with a host of problems. Removing them is a routine procedure we can perform at our office, with recovery taking only a few days.

Why Extract Wisdom Teeth?

You may need to have your wisdom teeth removed due to different reasons. They may have cavities or may be impacted, meaning they are trapped in your jawbone or gums, potentially causing excruciating pain. They may come in at a wrong angle, pressing against other teeth, or your jaw may not have sufficient room. Even if your wisdom teeth are not causing any pain, if they have the potential to cause problems, we will likely advise you to have them extracted.

What Should You Expect?

We will first meet with you to discuss the process. Make sure you let us know if you have any questions, and about any health conditions or current medications you are taking. We perform most wisdom teeth extractions with little or no discomfort at our office under local anesthesia, IV or oral sedation, or general anesthesia.

After your oral surgery, you will recover in our office for a short time. We will monitor you and provide you with post-operative instructions. We will prescribe pain medication for use as needed during the first few days after the procedure.

Care After Removal of Wisdom Teeth

Following the procedure, apply an ice pack to the area to reduce swelling. Make sure to avoid smoking or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours to avoid dislodging the clot forming in the tooth socket, which can result in a painful condition called dry socket. Contact us immediately if you have a fever, shortness of breath, vomiting, or uncontrolled bleeding, or if you notice swelling that is getting worse, or if the extraction site becomes very painful.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Visit us at Frankston Family Dentistry and allow us to assess your condition and help you determine if wisdom tooth removal is the best option for you. We are committed to treating our patients like family while providing the highest quality of care!