Tooth Extractions & Wisdom Teeth Removal
The tooth extraction process has come a long way. With modern technology and anesthetics, they are quick and pain-free. Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure designed to alleviate tooth pain, remove damaged teeth, and more. We try to save as much of your natural teeth as possible. When damaged teeth are left unaddressed, you are more susceptible to oral infections, root damage, and tooth loss.
Our number one advice is don’t wait until you need your tooth removed to visit the dentist. In many cases, we can save your tooth and it might not be as bad as you think!
At Henrich Dental we can surgically remove impacted wisdom teeth to ensure they don’t cause problems for the rest of your mouth. If wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to properly grow, it can cause a lot of pain, shift your teeth, and lead to infections or other problems. It is best to take care of them as soon as possible.
Wisdom teeth removal is often recommended when one or more of the following conditions apply:
- The teeth are overcrowded
- A dental infection is causing issues
- Experiencing tooth or jaw pain
- Concerns with impacted teeth
- Erupts crooked, partially, or sideways
Dr. Frank Henrich is a highly skilled dentist in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Henrich can work with you to determine if tooth extraction is deemed necessary. After a full evaluation of your teeth, our team will recommend the most appropriate solution for your smile. We will never recommend unnecessary dental treatments.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
The wisdom teeth (the third molars) are the last ones to come in. They will usually appear sometime between the ages of 17 and 25, and the experience is different for everyone. Your teeth might come in at an angle, pushing against the second molars. Sometimes they are at a right angle, while others might be straight up and down but stuck in the jawbone. There are even the rare cases when they fit in the mouth just fine.
Even if your wisdom teeth don’t seem to be causing any immediate problems, most dentists recommend preventative extractions. This is because it’s hard to know whether or not your wisdom teeth will cause problems later on, and complications are less likely to occur if the teeth are removed before the patient gets much older.
Wisdom teeth extractions cause a lot of anxiety for many people. If you are concerned about the procedure or want to know more about what happens when they become impacted, we will take some one-on-one time to explain the entire situation and provide all the details you need to make the best decisions.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
What if I lost a tooth in my smile zone?
Henrich Dental offers modern tooth replacement options to fill in the gaps. We can replace a single tooth with dental implants. We can bridge the gap between teeth with dental bridges. We can even replace a full row of teeth with modern removable dentures, or permanent implant-supported dentures.
How long does it take for a wisdom tooth extraction to fully heal?
On average, after a wisdom teeth surgery patients need two to three days to feel back to normal. Some patients may take up to a week to heal. Patients should stick to a soft diet for at least three days post procedure. They should also refrain from smoking, or drinking through a straw. The motion of sucking puts patients at risk for dry socket.
What activities should you not do after wisdom teeth removal?
Patients should avoid physical activity for at least 24 hours post wisdom teeth removal. Heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 3 days. Patients should stick to a soft diet and avoid chewing hard foods with the impacted areas until they feel comfortable.
How long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat normally?
Most patients begin to resume their normal diet about a week after having their wisdom teeth removed. For the first week after wisdom teeth are removed it is recommended patients stick to a soft diet (smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, etc).
What are the restrictions after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, rinsing your mouth with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon salt and 8 ounces of warm water will help promote healing. Don’t use a straw for the first few days. Patients should also refrain from smoking because it slows down the healing process. The day after getting any teeth extracted, you should eat soft foods like soup, pudding, yogurt, and applesauce.
How do you prepare for a tooth extraction?
In most cases, you won’t be able to eat or drink anything for 12 hours before your procedure. You may drink water up to three hours before your procedure, but this is the only liquid you should be drinking. This will help the sedation work better, and may help you feel less queasy before and after your extraction.
How soon can I drink water after tooth extraction?
After surgery, you shouldn’t consume anything for the first hour (with the exception of liquids needed as an aid with taking medication). Be sure to stay well hydrated over the next 24 hours by consuming lots of fluids and only consumer foods that are soft and do not require much chewing.
How long should my blood clot last after a tooth extraction?
Different patients will experience different times during which a blood clot dissolves. After seven to ten days, the area of your tooth extraction should be healing. Your healing process, and the time it takes to recover is very dependent on the individual, as all of our bodies heal at different rates.
Schedule a Tooth Extraction Appointment Today
The dental team at Henrich Dental is committed to improving your long-term dental health. It starts with an initial dental exam. Request an appointment online, or give us a call at (918) 262-4731 today.