WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTIONS

WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTIONS IN ASHBURN

Did you know that wisdom teeth are actually hand-me-downs from our prehistoric ancestors? Early man needed these teeth in order to chew their diet of tough meats, raw grains and seeds. Through the millennia, of course, our diet as well as the way we prepare meals has changed, making these large teeth obsolete. In addition, the size of the human jaw today is far smaller than prehistoric man’s. All of this has made wisdom teeth extraction common. If you or a family member needs wisdom teeth extraction in Ashburn, then the oral surgeon at Simply Smiles has the training and experience to make your procedure comfortable and painless.

WISDOM TEETH WOES

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the very last molars to develop. In many people, these large teeth do not erupt through the gum, but remain impacted. Others have visible wisdom teeth. In either case, wisdom teeth tend to be positioned at an angle toward nearby teeth or they may even point toward the back of the mouth. But even in cases where wisdom teeth erupt correctly, there is usually insufficient jaw space to comfortably accommodate these large teeth.

A man is holding his face in pain because of a toothache.

EXTRACTING WISDOM TEETH IN ASHBURN

In most people, wisdom teeth appear sometime between the ages of 17 and 25. It is wise to remove these teeth before they lead to dental problems. If you or your child has recently completed orthodontic treatment, then wisdom teeth extraction in Ashburn is particularly important in order to avoid complications.

Other problems that may develop as a result of not having your wisdom teeth extracted include:

Pressure on adjacent teeth that can become painful
Tooth infection and gum disease
Trapped food particles that can lead to decay or infection
Damage to the bone

WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION WITH THE ASHBURN ORAL SURGEON

We are qualified to remove wisdom teeth. After making sure you are comfortable and anesthetizing your mouth, we will make a small incision in your gum tissue to expose the tooth. Then, he may need to section the tooth for easier removal. Once removed, your gum tissue is sutured and gauze is applied.

RECOVERING FROM WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION

Although some bleeding and swelling are natural, continue using gauze to stanch the bleeding, and a cold compress will reduce any swelling. Don’t use a straw to drink, but do stay well hydrated post-surgery. Eat a diet of soft foods and avoid smoking, which can hinder the healing process.

Would you like to learn more about the surgical care we provide at our Ashburn dental office? Call us today at (703) 858-3456 to speak with one of our helpful team members. We’re happy to schedule time for you to visit.