Restore Your Oral Health with Wisdom Teeth Removal Services
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt, usually between ages 18 and 25. As you’d imagine, most teeth have come in at this age, so there’s not enough space for wisdom teeth to grow properly. While some people live healthy lives with wisdom teeth, many need them removed to prevent health complications.
Ballston Dental Care provides advanced wisdom teeth extractions to patients in and beyond Arlington, Virginia. So, if you have troublesome wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. David Matney for expert teeth removal services.
Should I remove my wisdom teeth?
Not all wisdom teeth must be removed. The dentist will examine your wisdom teeth with X-rays and determine if they need removal. Removal may be unnecessary if your wisdom teeth have grown in correctly, don’t cause pain, and are easy to clean. However, the dentist will recommend removing your teeth in some instances.
These include:
- Impaction: If your wisdom teeth are stuck under the gums or growing at an angle, they can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
- Overcrowding: If your jaw doesn’t have enough space, wisdom teeth can push against your other teeth, leading to crowding.
- Oral health risk: Wisdom teeth are harder to clean, making them more prone to cavities and gum infections.
- Cysts or damage to nearby teeth: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts or damage surrounding teeth and bone.
As you age, your wisdom teeth grow deeper and become more firmly embedded in the jawbone. We recommend extraction during the late teens or early twenties for a more effortless, smoother procedure. However, if you are in your 30s or 40s and experiencing issues, don’t worry—we have the expertise to remove problematic wisdom teeth at any age.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
- Simple extraction: This standard extraction is ideal if your wisdom teeth have erupted above the gum line and can be accessed. This extraction type is straightforward. The dentist will loosen your tooth from its ligaments before pulling it out in one piece.
- Surgical extraction: These extractions are ideal for partially or wholly impacted wisdom teeth. The dentist will incise your gums and possibly remove some bone for better access to the tooth. Typically, the tooth is severed into several pieces to ensure minimal trauma to the surrounding structures during removal.
What should I expect after wisdom teeth removal?
Once the anesthesia wears off, we’ll prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort. Rest, apply ice packs, and keep your head elevated while sleeping to minimize pain and swelling.
Stick to soft, non-spicy foods to prevent irritation, and stay hydrated—avoid using straws to protect the blood clot. Maintain good oral hygiene, but be extra gentle around the extraction site. Lastly, don’t skip your follow-up visits—they allow us to catch and address any concerns before they become bigger issues.
Do you need wisdom teeth removal?
Whether you need simple or surgical removal of mandibular and/or maxillary wisdom teeth, you can trust Ballston Dental Care for expert care. Call (703) 229-8565 and schedule your appointment today!
