Nov
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common problem that many people share. Yet the thought of extraction can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to expect. At Sioux City Family Dentistry, we offer safe and effective wisdom teeth extraction services to residents in and near Sioux City, IA. Dr. Nhu Le takes the fear out of wisdom teeth extraction by answering your questions about this procedure.
Wisdom teeth are that third set of molars that can emerge in your late teens or early 20s. If there’s not enough room for these teeth to come through, they can impact your jaw. This can cause issues with existing teeth or gum tissue. Dr. Le will take x-rays of your teeth to see where your wisdom teeth are located and determine if they threaten your oral health. If so, we recommend having them removed.Â
There are various reasons why wisdom teeth need to be removed, starting with insufficient space for them to grow. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection or painful chewing. There’s also the risk of wisdom teeth clashing with existing teeth or pushing them out of alignment and altering your bite. Wisdom teeth can cause problems with crowding, making it hard to keep your teeth clean. This increases your risk of decay and gum disease. Dr. Le will consider all these factors when deciding if it’s best to have these teeth removed.
That depends on the complexity of your treatment. For simple extraction, Dr. Le may be able to remove all four of your wisdom teeth in about an hour. Surgical extraction will, of course, take longer. We’ll numb your mouth for this treatment to ensure you feel no pain. We’ll also proceed at a pace you’re comfortable with that doesn’t pose a risk to your oral or general health.
We recommend a soft food diet for several days to avoid painful chewing, such as soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, etc. As the extraction site heals, you can gradually introduce more solid foods.Â
Although people heal at different paces, most are back on their feet within three to five days of their procedure. Dr. Le will give you detailed instructions for your post-op care. By following these instructions carefully, you can expedite your recovery. Resting is one of the key factors that will help you heal quicker. If your job requires strenuous activity, you must work out, taking time off with your employer before your treatment.Â
Sioux City, IA, residents can visit Dr. Nhu Le from Sioux City Family Dentistry for wisdom teeth removal. To schedule an appointment, contact us at (712) 639-6665.Â