Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgeries in the world, providing an important way to avoid long-term dental health complications. By having your wisdom teeth removed early, you can potentially sidestep more complex procedures down the road. At Keystone OMS, we are proud to provide this option to patients in Cranberry Township, PA, always making patient comfort and safety our top priorities.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth are the final ones to emerge in an adult smile. Wisdom teeth develop in a mouth that is already quite crowded, and in most cases, there is insufficient room for them to fit. Because of this, about 98 percent of patients are advised to have their wisdom teeth removed proactively.
Why Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
When left untreated, your wisdom teeth can contribute to several serious health problems. Some common examples include:
- The wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning partially or completely trapped under bone or gum tissue. This, in turn, increases the risk of your gums or surrounding jawbone becoming infected.
- When your wisdom teeth become infected, they can spread damage and decay to neighboring teeth, resulting in widespread dental failure.
- Even when wisdom teeth are not impacted, they tend to erupt at odd angles that place you at a higher risk for crowding, misalignment, and damage to other teeth.
Finally, note that having your wisdom teeth removed earlier in life leads to a smoother, easier procedure. Waiting until you are out of your twenties can make wisdom teeth removal quite a bit more complicated, and the recovery less pleasant.
Why Choose Keystone OMS for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Patients in Cranberry Township, PA, choose Keystone OMS due to Dr. John Clemenza’s excellent reputation. A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Clemenza is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He previously served as president of the Pennsylvania Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (PSOMS), and he takes pride in staying on top of the latest trends and technologies in the oral surgery field.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect
The wisdom teeth removal process is routine and encompasses just a few basic steps.
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Clemenza will affirm your eligibility for surgery, explain the procedure and aftercare instructions, and answer any questions you might have about wisdom teeth removal.
Preparation
In some cases, Dr. Clemenza might advise taking certain steps to prepare for a safe, successful procedure. For example, if you are taking supplements that could increase your risk of bleeding, Dr. Clemenza will advise you to pause them.
Surgery
On the day of your procedure, you will be welcomed back to a private treatment room where we will begin anesthesia. This promotes your comfort throughout surgery and ensures you do not remember anything about the procedure. Most wisdom teeth removals take an hour or so.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
Following your surgery, you will need to spend two or three days resting and healing at home. Some general guidelines for wisdom teeth removal recovery include:
- You should expect some soreness, swelling, and bleeding, but these symptoms can be managed with ice packs and medications.
- To begin with, we recommend a liquid diet. Switch to softer foods and then go back to your normal diet as you feel comfortable.
- To avoid dislodging your blood clot, do not drink from a straw. Also avoid carbonated drinks for the first few days of your recovery.
- For adult patients, it is important to abstain from smoking, both before and after your surgery.
Schedule Wisdom Teeth Removal Near Cranberry Township, PA
Wisdom teeth removal can help you avoid more serious complications to your smile, making it a wise early investment. To find out more about having your wisdom teeth out near Cranberry Township, PA, schedule a consultation with Keystone OMS today. Call us at (724) 981-8884 or use our online form.
