Wisdom Teeth Extraction
New York, NY
Wisdom teeth, also known as your third molars, are the last teeth to erupt. They typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Because they are the last to erupt, they often cause complications with your other teeth. At Manhattan Maxillofacial Surgery Group, we may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction if x-rays show that complications are likely.
Problems With Wisdom Teeth
Some people never develop wisdom teeth. For others, wisdom teeth can erupt normally and cause no problems. Many people, however, do not have enough room for the wisdom teeth to properly erupt into the mouth. This can lead to impacted wisdom teeth that stay trapped within the jawbone. Impacted teeth can be very painful and usually require surgery. They can also cause infection, damage to an adjacent tooth, damage to the supportive bone, and complications with orthodontic treatment.
Wisdom teeth can also come in at the wrong angle because your jaw is not big enough for an extra set of molars. This can lead to crowding issues and misalignments with your bite. Crowding teeth can be difficult to clean, especially if they are so far back. You may develop cavities or gum disease if you are unable to properly brush and floss your wisdom teeth.
Extraction Procedure
Before your extraction procedure, you will meet with Dr. Del Valle to discuss the process. At your consultation, be sure to ask any questions you may have about the surgery. It is also important to review any health problems you have, any medications you are taking, and the type of anesthesia you want.
There are three types of anesthesia that eliminate pain and discomfort. In each case, we will numb your mouth using a local anesthetic, such as Novocaine. Then, we will sedate you using nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. The type of sedation you receive depends on your circumstance.
Once you are properly sedated, we will make an incision in your gums to expose your wisdom tooth. Next, we will remove any bone that blocks access to the tooth. The tooth is then divided into sections to make it easier to remove. This process will be repeated for each wisdom tooth. Once the teeth are out, we will clean the surgical sites and suture the incisions. Each surgical site will be packed with gauze to help a blood clot form and reduce bleeding.
After Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Once your surgery is complete, we will give you detailed instructions for postoperative care. If you receive IV sedation or general anesthesia, you will need to arrange a ride to and from our office the day of your surgery.
Be prepared to rest for the remainder of the day. You can resume normal activities the next day, but you should avoid any strenuous movement that can cause complications with your surgical sites. Do not drink any hot, caffeinated, alcoholic, or carbonated drinks for the first 24 hours. You should also stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours. Some swelling, bleeding, and bruising is normal and should improve within a few days. If these symptoms worsen, please contact us immediately. Do not hesitate to call if you have any questions!
Schedule Your Consultation
If you would like to schedule your consultation at our office, call (212) 245-5801 today!
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