5 Steps to Safe, Pain-free Wisdom Teeth Extraction

For many people, the thought of tooth extractions can be unnerving. But extractions are actually straight-forward, routine procedures for most dentists. Wisdom teeth extraction is no different. Knowing what to expect can help put you at ease for all extraction treatments.

In this post, Dr. Aroon Pal from Brighton Park Dental in Chicago, Illinois, outlines five steps to safe, painless wisdom teeth extraction:

Step 1 – Oral Assessment

Dr. Pal will start with a visual inspection of your teeth, gums and jaw to assess your oral health. Then we’ll take x-rays to check the size, position and stage of development of your wisdom teeth so we can plan your extraction accordingly. X-rays will show if your teeth are impacted, i.e. trapped under your bone or gum, as this helps determine a strategy for extraction.

Step 2 – Pre-Operative Preparation

Dr. Pal will give you instructions on how to prepare for your extraction. If you’re having general anesthesia or IV sedation for your treatment, you’ll be asked to fast 6 to 12 hours before your procedure. You should also have a designated driver to drop you off at your appointment and take you back home afterward.

Step 3 – Use of Anesthesia

Wisdom tooth extractions require the use of anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain-free for the duration of your treatment. Dr. Pal can help you decide what type of anesthesia to use, taking into consideration your personal preferences and the complexity of your procedure. Sedation is also an option to keep you calm and relaxed during your procedure. We’ll work with you to make this treatment as easy and stress-free as possible.

Step 4 – Extraction & Cleaning

If your wisdom tooth has erupted and is accessible above the gum line, Dr. Pal can use dental tools to loosen the tooth and have it removed. Impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed surgically. We’ll make a small incision in your gum, remove bone tissue that’s blocking your tooth and pull your tooth loose. Sometimes it’s safer to break the tooth into pieces for removal. We’ll then clean the extraction site and stitch the incision closed for healing. We’ll cover the socket with sterilized gauze to curtail bleeding.

Step 5 – Aftercare

Caring for the extraction site during your initial recovery will contribute to the overall success of your extraction treatment. Dr. Pal will give you detailed instructions on how to do so, but basically, we recommend:

• Taking OTC pain medication to ease gum soreness and pain  
• Using ice packs to minimize gum swelling
• Gently rinsing with saltwater to combat infection and promote quicker healing
• Protecting the blood clot that forms at the extraction site to expedite healing
• Avoiding smoking, alcoholic drinks and using a straw during your initial recovery
• Eating soft foods like smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups, etc. for several days to avoid chewing

Where to Go for Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Chicago, IL!

For safe, painless extraction services in Chicago, IL, there’s no better place than Brighton Park Dental! Contact us at (773) 801-5171 for all your dental extraction needs.

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