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Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Grand Rapids, MI

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to grow in a normally developing mouth. In the past, humans needed these teeth. However, as our diets changed, wisdom teeth can often be more of a burden than a benefit.

This third set of molars can affect your other teeth, causing them to become crowded and shift out of place. 

Types of Impactions

Mesial: This occurs when the top of the tooth is angled forward and presses against its neighboring molar.

Distal: The opposite of a mesial impaction, this is when the top of a tooth is angled towards the back of the mouth. Distal impactions can cause a tooth root to press against the neighboring molar.

Vertical: The wisdom tooth is completely straight, but it’s stuck underneath the gums. 

Horizontal: This is when the wisdom tooth is on its side, which causes the crown of the tooth to press against the roots of the neighboring molar.

Bony Impaction: The wisdom tooth is trapped in the jawbone — it may not have to be extracted in this case if it’s not causing problems for your neighboring teeth.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

After your extraction, the area is more vulnerable to infections. That’s why it’s crucial to take excellent care of your extraction sites.

Your dentist will give you detailed instructions during your extraction appointment, but our basic care guidelines include:

  • Change your gauze pads as necessary
  • Avoid using straws
  • Take painkillers as prescribed
  • Rest for 24 hours following your extraction
  • Don’t rinse, spit, or suck on anything for 24 hours
  • Avoid smoking
  • Brush and floss your teeth, avoiding the extraction site

Tooth Extraction Complications

Complications from tooth extractions are rare, but one common condition following the procedure is a dry socket.

When your tooth is removed, a blood clot forms to keep the empty socket moist and bacteria-free. Food particles, air, and other debris can become stuck in the socket if this blood clot becomes dislodged or compromised. It’s also easier for infections to make their way into the area when it’s unprotected. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long after a tooth extraction can I eat?
What do I do if the site of my extraction becomes infected?
Is a tooth extraction painful?
How long after a tooth extraction can I eat?
For the first 24 to 48 hours, we recommend sticking to soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Then, you can begin to introduce more solid foods into your diet — start with oatmeal or eggs. When you don’t feel any more pain while chewing, you can try other foods.
What do I do if the site of my extraction becomes infected?
If your extraction site is infected, call our office at 616-942-9595 for help. We can offer advice and your dentist can prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
Is a tooth extraction painful?
The actual extraction won’t be painful because your dentist will administer an anesthetic. After the procedure, some pain and discomfort are normal — if you’re experiencing pain you believe is abnormal, contact us for help.

Easy Extractions at Robson Family Dental

Extractions may seem intimidating, but they’re only performed to improve the health of your mouth. We make our patients’ experiences here at our office as comfortable as possible, so let us know any way we can accommodate you.

To find out more about wisdom tooth extractions, contact our office by calling 616-942-9595 to speak with us or fill out the contact form located on this page. We’ll get right back to you.