Wisdom tooth removal is one of the many signs that you’re reaching your older teens or early twenties. While this process may not be your favorite rite of passage, wisdom tooth extractions in Cocoa Beach are necessary to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Dr. Gary C. Nawrocki has decades of experience with wisdom tooth extractions to provide you with comfortable and expert care. Keep reading to learn more about why we may recommend wisdom tooth extractions in Cocoa Beach, FL.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your 3rd set of molars (the teeth closest to the back of your mouth) that erupt during your late teens or early twenties. They got their name from the Victorians who believed that this stage of your life is the age of wisdom. While these teeth used to be necessary for our ancient ancestors, our improved diets and oral health have made them essentially obsolete.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Because wisdom teeth are typically unnecessary for your oral health, they can be extracted without any negative impact to the look, feel, and function of your smile. Dr. Nawrocki may recommend getting your wisdom teeth extracted for some of the following reasons:
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Crowding: Because there typically isn’t tooth loss before your early twenties, these teeth can cause crowding. This leads to changes in your appearance, the function of your smile, and it also makes it harder to clean your teeth.
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Impaction: Wisdom teeth often cannot erupt fully because of the lack of space. This causes the teeth to come in at incorrect angles, which affects your whole smile.
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Misalignment: The crowding and impacted teeth can lead to misalignment, which will require additional orthodontic treatment.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Before the process starts, Dr. Nawrocki will make sure you’re numb, comfortable, and relaxed using anesthesia. If your teeth are fully erupted, he can easily remove them by simply pulling them. However, most wisdom tooth extractions are not this simple. Sometimes, he will have to make small incisions to reveal more of your tooth, which allows extraction. He will evaluate your wisdom teeth and provide a safe extraction no matter how your teeth are erupted.
What Happens After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
After your wisdom teeth are a removed, a trusted friend or family member will drive you home to help with your recovery. You can use gauze on the affected areas to absorb any blood during the first few days. You may also notice swelling, which can be eased by using a cold compress. We recommend using ice packs in 20-minute intervals, 20 minutes on your face and 20 minutes off during the first 48 hours after treatment. Lastly, take the medication that we give you and make sure to get a lot of rest. If pain or discomfort doesn’t subside after a week, contact our dental office.
