Safe Extractions at Dixon Family Dental
Tooth extractions can feel like the most intimidating dental procedure, but at Dixon Family Dental there’s no need to worry. Dr. Daniels-Dixon and our experienced Southfield dental team provide safe, effective, and gentle tooth extractions. While we only recommend extraction as a last resort, sometimes it’s the best option to get your oral health back on track.
In most cases, patients will need to have their wisdom teeth extracted to preserve their oral health and protect their beautiful smiles. Learn all about wisdom teeth and how Dr. Daniels-Dixon will safely remove them.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically erupt during your late teens or early twenties. Many patients’ mouths don’t have enough space to accommodate these molars, leading to the need for extraction. When your wisdom teeth grow in without enough room, this causes impaction.
Impacted wisdom teeth typically become stuck below the surface of your gums due to a lack of space in the mouth. They can cause severe pain, damage to other teeth, and potential dental issues further down the line. If your wisdom teeth become impacted, we recommend having them removed as soon as possible.
Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
There are a few signs and symptoms to look out for when determining whether or not your wisdom teeth are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth cause:
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
- Pain or tenderness in the gums and/or jaws
- Headaches
- Persistent bad breath
- Cysts in the area
- Sinus problems
- Limited jaw function
If you have impacted wisdom teeth, it’s vital for your oral health to have them removed as soon as possible before they lead to other health complications. Common issues we see with impacted wisdom teeth include severe pain, a misaligned bite, and possible oral infection.
The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
At Dixon Family Dental, Dr. Daniels-Dixon safely and gently removes wisdom teeth that may be impacted. You’ll visit our Southfield office and we’ll extract your wisdom teeth in one easy appointment. Here’s how the procedure will go:
- We’ll start by administering a local anesthetic to ease any uncomfortable sensations and ensure your treatment is pain-free. This will also help keep you calm and relaxed during the procedure.
- Dr. Daniels-Dixon will gently and efficiently remove your wisdom teeth from the gum tissue.
- Once all wisdom teeth are extracted, we’ll carefully seal up the surgical areas and you’ll begin the healing process.
Extraction Aftercare
The recovery period for a wisdom teeth extraction should only last a few days, but it’s important to follow any instructions given by Dr. Daniels-Dixon to avoid the risk of complications. Pay close attention to your recovery on the day of your surgery, as this is when the surgical area is at its most sensitive and vulnerable.
After your wisdom teeth have been removed, please do the following to ensure you heal properly:
- Apply gauze over the surgical sites to control any bleeding
- Take your prescribed medications from Dr. Daniels-Dixon or over-the-counter pain relievers
- Place ice packs on the outside of your cheeks to ease swelling or any bruising
- Rest for the remainder of your surgery day and the next day as well
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least one week
- Drink plenty of water, but avoid alcohol, hot beverages, and caffeine
- Follow a soft food and liquid diet for at least 48 hours
- Don’t perform oral care for the first 24 hours after surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of your procedure depends on how many wisdom teeth are being extracted. If you’re getting all four of your wisdom teeth removed, you can expect to spend at least one hour in the dental chair. The extraction procedure typically takes about 20 minutes per tooth.
Each case is unique, so times will vary. At your initial consultation, Dr. Daniels-Dixon will give you a detailed overview of your procedure, including the estimated time, and answer any questions you may have.
We highly recommend following a soft food and liquid diet for at least the first 48 hours after your procedure. Some foods that are safe to eat include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Soups or broths (make sure it’s not too hot)
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
- Soft fruits
- Jell-O
Recovering from a wisdom teeth extraction procedure will typically take between three and seven days. This varies depending on each individual. Certain factors that can affect how long your recovery lasts include whether your wisdom teeth were impacted, what position they’re in, and whether or not the teeth have fully erupted.