8410 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite A, Raleigh, NC 27615

What You Should Know About Wisdom Teeth Extractions

wisdom teeth removal, wisdom teeth extraction

By Dr. Laura Kearney

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Teeth extraction services and wisdom teeth (third molars) removal is one of Dr. Laura Kearney’s most common surgical procedures performed at our dentist office. Dr. Laura Kearney has 15+ years experience performing tooth extractions.

The majority of people will need to get their wisdom teeth removed.There are some instances when a patient will not need to get their wisdom teeth extracted. This is the case for patients who have enough space in their mouth for their wisdom teeth to come in properly and where wisdom teeth will not negatively impact other functioning teeth.

Good candidates for wisdom tooth extraction include patients who are aged 17 to 24. Patients outside of this age range may also need wisdom teeth removal as well if these teeth are causing problems in their mouths.  

Not removing wisdom teeth can cause problems in the back corners of the mouth including gum inflammation and infection. Wisdom teeth can even cause dental decay. The backside of the tooth in front of the wisdom tooth can become susceptible for bacteria to collect which can cause bad breath (halitosis).

Recommended To Do’s

After a wisdom tooth extraction, make sure you follow the post-op instructions given by your dentist of do’s and don’ts.  We recommend to:

  • Keep firm pressure on the area of the extracted tooth by biting on gauze.
  • Stay on a soft diet of 48 hours.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and stay away from alcohol.
  • Do not drink through a straw.

What Not To Do

After a wisdom tooth extraction, make sure you do not do any of the following items. These activities can cause complications including a painful condition called dry socket.

  • Do not rinse or spit for at least 24 hours. Instead use a soft toothbrush, washcloth, or paper towel to clean in your mouth.
  • For at least 48 hours do not smoke, also stay away from nicotine (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, etc.).
  • Do not partake in any strenuous activities for at least 48 hours.

Possible reasons for your tooth extraction not healing include but are not limited to: a dry socket development, immunocompromised system, or poor general health.

Pain Relief

Soreness after wisdom tooth extraction will occur however it should be controllable with an over the counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you are allergic to a medicine, do not take it. Aspirin is not recommended due to its blood-thinning abilities which could cause the extraction area to bleed more than usual. If you experience pain that cannot be controlled with an over the counter pain reliever, call our office.