Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Myrtle Beach, SC
Escape Wisdom Tooth Pain for Good
The arrival of your “wisdom teeth” (also known as third molars) is a major dental milestone. Unfortunately, this event isn’t usually a happy occasion. There often isn’t enough room left in an adult mouth to accommodate these latecomers, which can lead to complications and discomfort for the patient. That is why Dr. Markusen keeps a close eye on the development of these teeth in his young adult patients. If he discovers any troublesome signs, he may recommend wisdom tooth extraction in order to preserve your healthy smile and protect your overall wellbeing. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose DocMark.com for Wisdom Teeth Extractions?
- 40+ Years of Proven Clinical Expertise
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation Available
- Comfortable & Welcoming Dental Office Space
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are known as “third molars” and do not typically erupt until a person is between the ages of 16 and 22. Once necessary for ancient ancestors to survive, these teeth allowed for the consumption of a dense and coarse diet. Because tooth loss was quite common due to a lack of good oral hygiene, these teeth made it possible for people to eat and receive the nutrients their bodies needed during the time. However, nowadays, not only has our consumption of food drastically changed as well as our commitment to better oral hygiene, but our jawlines and facial structure are narrower, causing these teeth to become obsolete.
With these changes, it often makes it difficult for these teeth to erupt because of a lack of space. Some people may be born with only one wisdom tooth or all four. If they erupt without any issues, they can remain in place. However, they will still need to be monitored over the years because of their greater risk of potential health problems as patients age.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
The only way to know for sure if you need to have your wisdom teeth removed is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. It is during this visit that Dr. Markusen will examine your oral cavity and determine if these teeth must be extracted. Digital X-rays will be necessary to look at what is occurring beneath the gum line, and if they are impacted, which is often the case, it can lead to worsening oral health and potential damage to nearby healthy teeth if they’re not removed.
Some of the most common problems that can occur if wisdom teeth are not removed include:
- Overcrowding
- Impaction
- Oral hygiene issues (i.e., tooth decay, gum disease)
- The formation of cysts or tumors
- Damage to the jawbone
- Increased discomfort
If you begin to experience symptoms that are closely related to problems caused by your wisdom teeth, you’ll need to get in to see Dr. Markusen sooner rather than later. These can include:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening your mouth to eat
- Pain while eating
- Facial swelling
- Jaw stiffness
What to Expect From the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
When removing wisdom teeth, patient comfort is our team’s top priority. Local anesthesia will be provided, and nitrous oxide sedation (“laughing gas”) is also available upon request to create a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere for anxious patients. Dr. Markusen has extracted a great number of wisdom teeth over the course of his decades-long career and can be trusted to perform this procedure smoothly and safely.
When extracting partially erupted wisdom teeth, he will use dental forceps and an elevator to raise the tooth. He will then move it back and forth until it detaches from the ligaments and can be fully removed. If the teeth are impacted, it will be necessary to make an incision in the gums to expose the underlying tooth. If necessary, he will cut it into sections and remove each piece separately to make for an easier extraction process.
Following the removal of the tooth/teeth and any remaining roots, sutures will be placed, and our team will provide patients with detailed post-operative instructions so that they know what to expect from their recovery period.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Once your extraction is complete, we will provide you with clear instructions for a swift and successful recovery at home. It’s important to remember that there are some common symptoms you can expect in the following days and/or weeks, such as facial swelling and bleeding, but these are only temporary and will go away. During your recovery, it is essential that you maintain good oral hygiene but be mindful when brushing, flossing, and rinsing near your surgical sites. You’ll want to avoid these at all costs.
Since you will have one or maybe four vacated sockets inside your mouth, you’ll want to avoid what is known as a dry socket. Blood clots should form in these areas but if one becomes dislodged, it can lead to a dry socket and much pain. This is why you’ll want to avoid drinking through a straw, consuming carbonated beverages, and spitting, as these can dislodge the blood clot(s).
You’ll also want to:
- Eat softer foods in the days following your procedure
- Take any prescribed medications as instructed by Dr. Markusen
- Get plenty of rest
- Use a cold compress in 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling and discomfort
Should you begin to experience problems during your recovery or think you may have a dry socket, do not hesitate to contact our office for help.