Painless and Gentle Wisdom Tooth Surgery
At Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery and Implant Center, Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry and his team offer painless wisdom tooth removal in Lehigh Valley, PA, and beyond. If you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain or wondering about the extraction process, you’ve come to the right place. Explore everything you need to know about wisdom tooth removal, from the procedure to recovery.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are molars at the back of your mouth. They typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood between 17 and 25.
Unlike your other teeth, which usually come in earlier and serve essential functions for chewing, wisdom teeth are considered vestigial. They’ve lost their original purpose through evolution, primarily because our ancestors needed extra molars for tough, coarse food.
Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
While wisdom teeth were once vital for our ancestors, they can often cause problems for modern humans due to changes in our diet and dental care. Here are some signs that indicate you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed:
- Pain or Discomfort: If you experience persistent pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are causing issues.
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning they don’t have enough space to emerge. This can lead to pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth.
- Infection: Infection around a wisdom tooth, known as pericoronitis, can cause swelling, pain, and even difficulty opening your mouth.
- Cysts or Tumors: In some cases, cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth, potentially causing health issues.
- Tooth Damage: Wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth, leading to misalignment and potential damage.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process
Preparing for Surgery
Preparing for SurgeryBefore undergoing wisdom tooth removal, patients can expect a thorough examination by Dr. Chaudhry. X-rays and CBCT scans will be taken to assess the position of the wisdom teeth and plan the extraction accordingly. The surgical team will discuss local anesthesia and dental sedation options to ensure a comfortable experience. Discover what to expect during IV sedation for wisdom teeth.
The Surgical Process
During the procedure, Dr. Chaudhry will make small incisions to access the wisdom teeth. If a tooth is impacted, he may need to divide it into smaller pieces for easier removal. Regardless, our oral surgeons will ensure your procedure is as painless as possible. A member of our team will monitor you during the oral surgery, as well.
Post-Operative Care
After wisdom teeth removal surgery, patients will receive detailed instructions for a smooth recovery. It’s common to experience some swelling and discomfort, but following the prescribed aftercare measures will aid in a speedy recovery. Wisdom tooth extraction aftercare is essential to a successful procedure.
Aftercare for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
After having your wisdom teeth removed, it’s crucial to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process. Here are some essential tips:
- Rest: Give your body ample time to recover. Rest for at least 24 hours after surgery. Exercise may cause excessive bleeding or the dislodging of blood clots.
- Pain Management: You may experience some pain or discomfort. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for pain management after wisdom teeth extraction, which may include prescribed medications.
- Swelling: Swelling is common after wisdom tooth extraction. Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce swelling in the gum tissue.
- Soft Diet: Stick to only soft foods for the first few days, including yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, as these may irritate the gum tissue.
- Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush your teeth, but avoid the surgical site. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after meals, be careful not to damage the blood clot.
- Follow-up Appointments: Attend follow-up appointments with your oral surgeon to monitor your healing progress and blood clot formation.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can hinder the healing process, so it’s best to avoid them during recovery. This also helps protect your permanent teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover the cost of removing wisdom teeth?
Insurance coverage for wisdom teeth removal varies depending on your specific plan. Some insurance plans may cover part or all of the procedure, while others may not. Check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage. The office of your dentist or oral surgeon may also offer financing options.
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
During the actual procedure, you should not feel any pain as it’s typically performed with a local anesthetic. It’s common to experience some discomfort during recovery, which can be managed with prescription pain medication. Extractions help stop severe pain from impacted wisdom tooth complications and the like.
What’s the best age to have wisdom teeth extracted?
The ideal age for wisdom teeth extraction varies from person to person. It’s often recommended to have them removed in late adolescence or early adulthood before they cause problems. Your dentist or oral surgeon can assess your specific situation and provide guidance.
What happens if I wait too long to get my wisdom teeth removed?
Waiting too long to have your wisdom teeth removed can lead to various complications, including impaction, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and cyst formation. Consult a dentist or oral surgeon to determine the appropriate timing for removal to avoid these issues.
Discover Swift Wisdom Tooth Procedures with Dr. Chaudhry
Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure that can significantly improve oral health and quality of life. Dr. Chaudhry and the Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery and Implant Center team are here to guide you through the process, providing care and support at every step.
Don’t let wisdom tooth pain hold you back. Schedule a consultation today by calling our Bethlehem or Stroudsburg office at (484) 821-1357 and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free smile with wisdom tooth extractions. We welcome new and returning patients from Fullerton and other areas in Monroe and Northampton County, PA.
EXCELLENT
289 reviews on
Gabriel Perez
November 12, 2021.
if i could give 10 stars i would . this place eased the pain i carried over 2-3 years at first i was skeptical because my past experiences, however they treated me good with respect.they really took care of me never have i seen a place so courteous. i think everyone in pain should go to this place it was the best for me . i had 7 extractions and they tookme in and i was seen in less than 2 weeks and the teeth were removed in about 20 minutes. they worked at god speed lol. great place. Thank you so much for taking care of me .
Nicole Perez
November 12, 2021.
This place is amazing. The staff are wonderful and very polite. My husband was in pain for years. We went to 2 different oral surgeons and for months they wasted our time. When I called Lehigh valley oral surgery, they listened and made appointments very fast. They even do (out of Network) referrals for insurance. Please if you are in pain and need to be seen this is the place for you. Thank you guys so much for everything you did for my husband.
Lauren O'Brian
November 11, 2021.
Very grateful that I was able to have my dental implant done with Dr. Chaudhry. He and his staff were professional and kind. They were sensitive to my concerns, and answered all of my questions thoroughly. Nicole, the implant coordinator, was especially supportive throughout the process. Thank you for making this experience as pleasant as possible.
Mateopuzzler
October 13, 2021.
Had an issue with my insurance didn't realize they type that I had so the information didn't go through, still saw me they day of my extraction and helped me square away my insurance. They are super friendly nice, and seem to be on top of their game. This place is highly recommended for a reason, this is the place to go.
Dori
October 12, 2021.
My son had 4 wisdom teeth removed. Initially the appointment was for March of 2020. Then the pandemic hit. They refunded my partial payment quickly. Fast forward to September of 2021. Rescheduling was no problem. From the front desk to the doctor and assistants, the staff was friendly and professional. They took new x-rays and found that the procedure was going to be less money! Everything went well. His recovery has been good. He still has some tenderness 3 weeks out. The only complaint I would mention is that we never received a call to check on his recovery. That would have been very nice.
Tami Giglio
September 30, 2021.
This place is great if you need oral surgery. Everyone is so nice and professional. And the facility is very clean. I highly recommend!!
Kristen VanFleet
September 24, 2021.
Had to have an emergency extraction. I was in so much pain and they were able to see me the very next day. The office staff starting with the receptionist was very pleasant courteous and professional. The hygienist was very kind and made sure I was comfortable. Dr Kim was excellent. I was given IV sedation and I’m not sure how I will be able to go back to having dental work without it because it made everything much better. They even sent me home with an ice pack which may seem like a small detail but it was a big help once anesthesia wore off. Choose this practice. You won’t regret it.
April S
September 11, 2021.
I went here a few days ago to get a molar pulled that was chipped and infected. I was completely terrified, so Dr. Farag brought someone in to hold my hand during the numbing shots, and her assistant offered to hold my other hand. She applied plenty of numbing gel, and only two out of all of the injections were painful because she had to inject the gum near the tooth of course, whereas the other shots were just more uncomfortable than anything. The nurses and assistants that held my hand were very sweet, encouraging, and made me chuckle a few times. Dr. Farag talked me through the whole procedure and gave me a break when I needed one. I'll be honest and say it wasn't completely painless, but I don't blame Dr. Farag whatsoever. She tried her best to numb me up, but the tooth was infected and probably couldn't be numbed entirely. Regardless, any pain I felt was probably on a scale of about 3-4, and only happened at certain times during the procedure; it wasn't constant. The pain from the infection felt way worse than anything I felt that day in that chair.
It was over pretty quickly. Her assistant stayed with me afterwards and talked with me until I was calm, since I found myself in a fit of tears after the tooth was pulled. I wasn't in pain afterwards, just really relieved, I think. Dr. Farag seemed to feel genuinely bad at how upset I was, and suggested that I be sedated next time or given anti-anxiety medication if and when I come back to get anything done. She's right, as I would say my own fear was probably the worst part of the experience.
I'm 3 days post-extraction and I feel fine. The bleeding stopped within a few hours when I got home, and the wound seems to be healing well. There is some soreness, a very minimal amount of swelling, and occasional twinges of pain in the area, but that's it.
I would recommended coming here if you need work done. Everyone here is very kind, caring and compassionate. They also honored the fact that I had panoramic x-rays prior, whereas some places will charge you for an x-ray even if you've already had one done.
Ready to get your widsom teeth removed?