Most people get their wisdom teeth at some point during their teens or early twenties. These final molars can often result in long-term dental health complications, and the best way to avoid those complications is to have preemptive wisdom teeth removal. This is a very safe and commonplace procedure and an important way to invest in your health. Patients in New Castle, PA choose Keystone OMS for their wisdom teeth removal needs.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars to erupt, typically between ages 17 and 22 but in some cases as early as 11. They are the final teeth to develop, so they often enter a smile that is already crowded. Therefore, they are at a high risk of becoming impacted. As such, dentists usually recommend having the wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible.
Why Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Around 98 percent of patients require wisdom teeth removal as a way to prevent long-term dental health complications. There are a number of reasons why wisdom teeth removal might be necessary:
- The wisdom teeth often become partially or completely impacted, which means they remain trapped under gum or bone. This heightens the risk of wisdom tooth decay, which can in turn infect surrounding gum tissue.
- Impaction also means that wisdom teeth are more likely to harm healthy neighboring teeth, making those teeth more susceptible to decay and infection.
- Even when wisdom teeth do not become impacted, they can crowd the other teeth in your smile, causing spacing and alignment issues as well as chronic discomfort.
It is also important to note that the longer you wait to have your wisdom teeth removed, the more difficult the process can be. For the smoothest surgery and the most expedient recovery, we recommend having your wisdom teeth removed as soon as you are able, ideally by the time you reach your early twenties.
Why Choose Keystone OMS for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
For patients in New Castle, PA, Keystone OMS is a natural choice for wisdom teeth removal. Patients trust our practice due to the skill and experience of Dr. John Clemenza, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Clemenza is a past president of the Pennsylvania Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (PSOMS), and he remains keenly aware of the latest developments, trends, technology, and best practices in the industry.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Wisdom teeth removal is a routine procedure that can help you avoid long-term dental health complications. The process involves a few simple steps.
Initial Consultation
During your initial meeting with Dr. Clemenza, he will evaluate your teeth and gums and ensure you are a good candidate for surgery. He will also answer any questions you might have about the wisdom teeth removal process or subsequent recovery.
Preparing for Surgery
In some cases, Dr. Clemenza might recommend you take a few preparatory steps to ensure you are ready for surgery. These steps may involve pausing supplements or medications that could increase your risk of bleeding.
The Procedure
On the day of your surgery, you will be welcomed by members of our clinical care team. We will provide anesthesia and sedation to promote your comfort. For most patients, wisdom teeth removal takes under an hour. You will be discharged after you wake up from your anesthesia.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
Following your wisdom teeth removal, you will need a couple of days to rest and recover. Swelling, bruising, and soreness are all normal and can be mediated by using ice packs and taking over-the-counter medications.
As you recover, avoid drinking from straws. If you use a straw, you risk dislodging the blood clot formed at the site of wisdom teeth removal and causing a painful condition called dry socket. We also recommend avoiding carbonated drinks.
For the first few days after wisdom teeth removal, you should only eat softer foods that do not require a lot of chewing. You can gradually shift back to a normal diet as you feel able.
Tobacco products should also be avoided during your recovery. For our adult patients, we advise abstaining from tobacco for a full two weeks before surgery, and until your mouth has completely healed.
Schedule Wisdom Teeth Removal with Dr. Clemenza
Wisdom teeth removal is an important way to prevent more serious complications down the road. If you live in New Castle, PA, consider Dr. Clemenza for your wisdom teeth needs. Schedule a consultation at Keystone OMS by calling (724) 981-8884 or using our online form.
