Wisdom Teeth Removal

Your wisdom teeth may erupt normally, but if they become impacted, they can cause significant pain and a variety of oral health issues. At Holley Dental Group in Prattville, AL, we can handle simple and complex wisdom tooth removals without referring out to an oral surgeon. This simple procedure is virtually pain-free thanks to modern practices, but we also offer sedation options to ensure your total comfort.

Do I Really Need To Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties. Some people don't experience any negative effects from this change, but for most, there isn't enough room in the jaw to accommodate new teeth. This can cause the existing teeth to shift, along with pain and swelling. A dentist or oral surgeon can perform wisdom tooth removal to end your discomfort and preserve your oral health.

Removing your wisdom teeth has a number of important benefits.

Relieve Dental Pain

If a wisdom tooth fails to erupt or only partially erupts, it can cause serious tooth pain and tenderness around the gums. Depending on their location within your jaw, wisdom teeth can potentially damage your facial nerves if left intact. Oral surgery to remove wisdom teeth is far less uncomfortable than the pain caused by wisdom teeth themselves, and extracting them can bring quick relief.

Better Oral Hygiene

Because wisdom teeth emerge in the back of the mouth, it can be difficult to access the tight space between a wisdom tooth and a neighboring tooth for cleaning. This can lead to the buildup of harmful bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Removing your wisdom teeth eliminates those hard-to-reach spots and helps you keep all areas of your mouth clean and healthy.

Prevent Orthodontic Issues

Wisdom teeth frequently come in at an angle, pushing them against the neighboring teeth and creating a domino effect of dental shifting. It can take expensive, long-term orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners to correct misalignment. Rather than committing to the time and cost of corrective treatment, it's better to tackle the issue early with timely wisdom teeth removal.

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Outstanding service and professional atmosphere was greatly appreciated! Dr. Holley went above and beyond to help me today. I highly recommend the Holley Dental Group!

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Dr. Holley and his staff were top notch. They were kind, accommodating, and treated me and my son with the utmost respect. I would highly recommend this dental group!

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How Do You Know It's Time To Remove a Wisdom Tooth?

If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Drs. Matthew Holley and Graham Mullins in Prattville, AL, to explore wisdom tooth removal.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Step by Step

Wisdom tooth removal is virtually painless, but we offer additional sedation options to ensure your comfort.

Numbing the Treatment Area

Surgery can typically be completed with just local anesthesia, but you can choose to receive oral conscious, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation to help you achieve a deeper level of relaxation, as well.

Tooth Extraction

If your wisdom tooth is impacted, your dentist will create a small incision along your gums to provide better access to the wisdom tooth. Depending on the size, angle, and degree of impaction, he may divide the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.

Preparing for Recovery

Once the tooth has been removed, your dentist will close the incision with dissolvable stitches and cover the tooth socket with gauze. This encourages the formation of a blood clot, which will protect the underlying bone tissue while you heal.

Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions for your healing period. If the blood clot becomes dislodged from the socket during your recovery, contact our Prattville practice immediately for follow-up care. A dislodged clot can lead to dry socket, a painful condition that will slow the healing process.

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Wisdom Teeth Removal