Wisdom Teeth Removal in Lehi, UT

It’s estimated that more than five million Americans have their wisdom teeth removed each year.

But, why go through the effort? Are wisdom teeth extractions really worth it?

If you’re looking for wisdom teeth removal in Lehi, UT, now’s the time to learn more.

Why do Wisdom Teeth Need Removal?

First and foremost, when wisdom teeth start coming in, they can be extremely painful.

There’s only so much real estate in your mouth, and adding extra teeth can push your teeth together and cause your teeth to hurt – or result in crooked, uneven teeth.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Wisdom teeth coming in can have a whole host of potential downsides, such as:

Your wisdom teeth might be impacted (intrude on your gums and jawbone), which means the pain will only get worse.
Your teeth can become more susceptible to infection if wisdom teeth grow in at the wrong angle.
If you already suffer from gum disease (gingivitis), not being able to reach your wisdom teeth to brush them can cause decay.
Some adults find they’re more likely to experience headaches until wisdom teeth removal takes place.
Overall, your risk of orofacial pain decreases, which means fewer visits to a medical professional in the future.

Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t bothering you, it’s still worth looking into removing them. In the long term, anything that reduces your risk of gum disease is beneficial.

Plus, it’s much easier to get braces, avoid cavities, and keep your teeth healthy if you remove your wisdom teeth. It’s a win-win-win.

How to Prepare for Wisdom Teeth Removal

If you’re confident that wisdom teeth removal is right for you, it’s time to start preparing.

Initially, you may want to examine what typical wisdom teeth removal costs are to help understand your budget. And if you have dental insurance, we can help you figure out what they’ll cover. Most people need around two days off work or school. Talk to your boss, school administrators, and teachers about taking the time off to recover.

Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon to ensure that you keep your pain levels to a minimum.

What Happens During a Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

On the day of your wisdom tooth removal, we will talk to you about the surgery, what they’ll do, and any potential risks.

Once you’re comfortable and numb, the surgeon will begin. If the tooth hasn’t completely come through your gums, your surgeon may make a small cut to access it. In some cases, they also need to break the tooth apart a little to make removing it easier.

In general, wisdom tooth removal surgeries take about an hour – give or take depending on the state of your teeth and gums. When we are done, we’ll stitch up your gums and insert gauze to help soak up any blood in your mouth. Most patients go home soon after, and are resting at home in no time.

What to Expect (and Do) After the Removal

Your dental team will give you plenty of tips on recovering following your wisdom tooth removal. It’s in your best interest to follow them as closely as you can, but it doesn’t hurt to learn a little more about what this involves beforehand.

Over the first two to three days, it’s normal to experience swelling. Your jaw might also feel a bit stiff. You might also see a little bruising, and your soreness may ebb and flow. All of these experiences are normal, and mean that your mouth is healing. You may also feel a blood clot – much like a scab – during the first few days. Don’t touch or fiddle with it, as it’s a crucial part of ensuring a quick recovery.

We typically provide or recommend an antiseptic mouthwash so you can gently rinse your mouth and prevent infection. Make sure to follow our direction and don’t swallow the rinse!

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