Wisdom Tooth Extractions – St. Johns, FL
A Wise Treatment for Troublesome Molars
Wisdom teeth are a common source of discomfort for teens and young adults. That alone is enough to warrant treatment, but these oft-impacted molars can also cause oral alignment and health complications. At Julington Creek Family Dentistry in St. Johns, we’ll closely examine your wisdom teeth and dental structure before resorting to removal. But if problems are imminent, then a wisdom tooth extraction is the smart move to make! Request an appointment today and let Dr. Cohen take care of your troublesome molar.
Why Choose Julington Creek Family Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Treatment Provided In-House
- Sedation Available For Anxious Patients
- Experienced And Accomplished Oral Surgeon
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The teeth at the very back of your mouth are called molars. Most people have eight molars in all when their adult teeth are done developing: two for each corner of the mouth. Until, that is, third molars try to grow in behind the original set. These “third molars” are wisdom teeth, and they start to erupt late in the dental growth cycle – around ages 17 – 21.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
There are actually several reasons our team might recommend extracting your wisdom teeth, such as:
- They’re causing discomfort
- There’s a possibility that cysts will develop
- The third molar’s position risks infection
- Bacteria is causing them to decay
- Your other teeth will shift and potential require orthodontics
Though wisdom tooth extraction is best for most people, there are cases where this treatment isn’t necessary. That’s why our team will thoroughly examine your oral situation before making a suggestion.
What to Expect From the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Our examination findings will also dictate which extraction method is best for you and your teeth. Basically, there are two types:
- Surgical extraction is the most common solution for wisdom teeth. More often than not, third molars have so little room for growth that they get trapped below the gumline. This is known as an “impaction”, and a safe removal process requires opening your gums and carrying off the tooth in sections.
- Simple extraction is used for wisdom teeth that have managed to fully erupt past the gumline. In these situations, we can simply loosen the tooth until it comes free.
No matter which method is best for your oral health, we’ll be sure to secure your comfort and emotional wellbeing with the appropriate local anesthetic or form of sedation.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After Dr. Cohen successfully removes your wisdom teeth, it’s up to you to care for your treatment site at home! Don’t worry though. Our compassionate team is always just a phone call away if you need anything, and we’ll give you detailed care instructions before you leave our office. Here’s what that might include:
- Taking pain medication as directed
- Using a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Brushing and flossing very carefully around the treatment site
- Avoiding harsh foods that could aggravate your mouth
- Halting tobacco usage while you heal
- Resting instead of exercising or straining yourself
- Drinking without a straw – the suction could disturb your protective blood clots