Emergency Dental Services in Albuquerque, NM

Wisdom teeth extraction removes the third set of molars in the back of your mouth.It canhelp relieve pain caused by the wisdom teeth crowding out the other teeth or growing incorrectly. There are many other reasons you may need to extract your wisdom teeth. 

Wisdom teeth extraction is available at Osuna Dental Care: Chris Y. Kim DDS in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Call us today at (505) 884-1989 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth Extraction

"Wisdom teeth" is the colloquial term for the third set of molars that sit in the back of the mouth. They are called such because they come between the more "mature" ages of 17 and 21. This is why most patients who need wisdom teeth extraction are in the stages of young adulthood. 

The emergence of wisdom teeth can be uncomfortable, even if they are emerging correctly. That said, wisdom teeth do not always need to be extracted. On the contrary, properly aligned wisdom teeth may assist in chewing. However, if there is no adequate space for the wisdom teeth to emerge or if the teeth are coming through in the wrong position, they may become impacted (or trapped in the jaw or under the gums). This may cause cysts, damage to neighboring teeth, gum disease, infection, pain, tooth, decay, and tumors. A dentist needs to monitor the patient’s wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action.

“”Wisdom teeth” is the colloquial term for the third set of molars that sit in the back of the mouth.”

What to Know Before Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth extraction is commonly performed and generally safe when carried out by qualified doctors. However, like any other surgery, it does carry a small risk of complications. These include bleeding, dry socket, and infection. Our team will do everything we can to minimize these risks even further. 

Patients should contact our office immediately if they find themselves experiencing any of the following symptoms after their extraction:

• Absent or dislodged blood clot at the extraction site after surgery
• High body temperature
• Yellow or white discharge from the extraction site
• Persistent pain and swelling
• Persistent, heavy bleeding that does not subside over time
• Throbbing pain in the gum or jaw
• Unpleasant smell or taste in the mouth

Most potential complications following wisdom teeth extraction are easily treatable when reported to the doctor.

“Wisdom teeth extraction is commonly performed and generally safe when carried out by qualified doctors.”

Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

The first step to wisdom teeth extraction begins with an initial consultation. During this time, patients should be open and honest with their doctor about their entire medical history. This includes, but is not limited to, sharing any health problems they may have, any medications and supplements they may take regularly, and any lifestyle choices that may influence the success of the surgery. The consultation is also a good time for patients to assuage their anxieties by asking any questions about the procedure.

“The first step to wisdom teeth extraction begins with an initial consultation.”

What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Generally, wisdom teeth extraction begins with the doctor injecting the patient with a local anesthetic to numb them to the pain of the procedure. The doctor will then cut into the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, making sure to remove any bone blocking access to the tooth. Depending on how severely impacted the tooth is, the tooth may be divided into sections to be removed little by little.

After extracting the tooth, the doctor will clean the extraction site of any debris. Afterward, the wound may or may not need stitches, and the doctor will pack gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and to aid in the formation of a blood clot.

“After extracting the tooth, the doctor will clean the extraction site of any debris.”

Aftercare for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Patients should expect to rest for the remainder of the day following their wisdom teeth extraction. Though regular activities can be resumed as soon as the day after, patients should refrain from any strenuous activity for at least a week following their procedure. Otherwise, they run the risk of overexertion and dislodging the blood clot. Our team will provide patients with a customized recovery plan for their specific procedures.

Complications following wisdom teeth extraction are rare as long as patients follow this plan. However, patients should contact us immediately if they are experiencing any of the following:

• Blood or pus in nasal discharge
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Excessive bleeding
• Fever
• Foul taste in the mouth
• Persistent numbness or loss of feeling
• Pus in or oozing from the socket
• Severe pain that does not subside
• Swelling that does not subside after two or three days

“Though regular activities can be resumed as soon as the day after, patients should refrain from any strenuous activity for at least a week following their procedure.”