What Is Wisdom Tooth Removal?
A person's final two molars, which usually erupt in the high school or college years, are known as wisdom teeth. Found in the farthest regions of both arches, wisdom teeth, which are also called third molars, often don't have the necessary space to completely grow in, are hard to keep free of debris, and can call for removal to preserve overall oral wellness. These teeth might be impacted (trapped within the gum tissues or bone), misaligned, or not able to erupt as they should, resulting in a host of oral conditions. Removing them is often necessary to avoid these issues and maintain long-term oral health. At Koslin & Kahn Oral & Facial Surgery, serving Hoover, Jasper, and Clanton, AL, our experienced team will assess your situation and recommend the best course of action for your wisdom tooth removal.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is typically performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and patient comfort. Our oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth and, if necessary, remove any surrounding bone to fully expose the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. After the tooth is extracted, the incision is sutured, and a gauze pad is placed to help control bleeding. The procedure is usually straightforward and completed in a single visit, with recovery typically taking a few days to a week.
What Are the Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Removing wisdom teeth provides several benefits for oral health and overall comfort, including:
- Prevents overcrowding and misalignment of teeth
- Reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease in hard-to-reach areas
- Avoids painful infections from impacted teeth
- Protects adjacent teeth from damage or decay
- Promotes better oral hygiene and easier cleaning of surrounding teeth
Wisdom Tooth Extractions Reviews
Mind you I’m terrified of the dentist, I was nervous about getting all four of my wisdom teeth extracted, but Dr. Bannon and his team made sure I was comfortable and they took good care of me. Procedure didn’t take long at all, and I wasn’t in no pain afterwards.
Got all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled 5/21. Currently a little over 24 hours and not in as much pain as I imagined it would be. Dr. Kahn was very informative, calming, and made me very comfortable about the surgery even though I was nervous. Great office, great people.
My 14 year old had all 4 wisdom teeth removed. Staff was very nice when we arrived and made sure every question we had was answered. Within 20 minutes of arriving he was being rolled out to the car. Staff made sure to explain all home care instructions and even sent a print out home to look back on. The doctor even called the evening of surgery to check and make sure everything was going well. Being this was my first experience it was a very good one and I definitely recommend. Dr Bannon is the best
I was referred to Koslin & Kahn to get all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled and of course, I was scared. I had Dr. Bannon and the experience was out of this world. I didn't hurt after my appointment even days later I still wasn’t in any pain. All the nurses were very kind and made sure I was in and out. My appointment was at 10:00am I left at 10:40. The procedure was very fast. I was fully sedated and even after my appointment, I was able to walk normally and go to stores just fine. The swelling went down in like a couple of hours. My experience was so great and I believe the doctors played a tremendous role in my recovery!
Dr. Bannon is an excellent doctor and would highly recommend. He is attentive and caring and takes time to answer all your questions. He did an excellent job on my wisdom tooth extraction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
Wisdom tooth extractions at Koslin & Kahn Oral & Facial Surgery are not painful, as anesthesia or sedation is used to ensure your comfort. You may experience some swelling, discomfort, and mild pain during recovery, which can be managed with pain medications. Following post-op care instructions will also help minimize discomfort and speed up healing.
What can I eat after getting my wisdom teeth removed?
Stick to soft, lukewarm foods like soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies (without a straw) for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that could irritate the surgical site or dislodge the blood clot. Gradually reintroduce other foods as healing progresses.
Will I need someone to drive me home after the procedure?
If sedation or general anesthesia is used during your surgery in Hoover, Jasper, or Clanton, AL, you will need someone to drive you home safely. The effects of sedation can linger, impairing your ability to drive or make decisions. Having a trusted adult accompany you ensures a safe and comfortable recovery.
Recovery Following Oral Surgery
Teens and adults who receive further forms of sedation to stay comfortable throughout their session will have to be accompanied by a trustworthy adult to drive them home safely. For the initial few days following the extraction, it's critical to avoid spitting, sipping with a straw, consuming high or low temperature foods and liquids, and completely stop using tobacco and e-cigs. These behaviors will likely dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site and cause a condition called "dry socket." It is not abnormal to experience cheek swelling and pain after wisdom teeth removals, which could be alleviated with prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers and cool packs applied to the face. Our staff will give you tips to help you take care of your dental health at home and schedule a check-in appointment to assess your surgical sites as they heal.
Avoid Wisdom Tooth Complications
Take charge of your oral health with wisdom tooth removal at Koslin & Kahn Oral & Facial Surgery. Our skilled team is dedicated to ensuring your comfort and providing expert care to prevent complications associated with impacted or overcrowded wisdom teeth. Contact one of our offices in Hoover, Jasper, or Clanton, AL, to schedule a consultation.