Wisdom Teeth Removal in Bellevue, WA

Why You Should Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

If wisdom teeth cannot fully erupt, they are considered impacted. We must treat this condition to help you avoid overcrowding, alleviate pain, and reduce the risk of infection. Our staff is adept at identifying patients who will need wisdom teeth extraction while they are still in their teens to minimize the procedure’s impact and maximize its efficacy. We recommend wisdom teeth removal for the following issues:

• Soft Tissue Impactions – This occurs when there is insufficient room to allow your gum tissue to recede and enable you to clean your tooth.
• Partial Bony Impactions – If your wisdom tooth partially erupts but cannot function in the chewing process, we suggest removing it.
• Complete Bony Impactions – This happens when there is no space for your tooth to erupt, so it remains entirely below the jawbone.

Impacted wisdom teeth can present problems such as:

• Infections in your gum tissue
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Non-infectious diseases
• Cyst formation
• Overcrowding causing your bite to change

What to Expect During the Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

Most patients choose to receive anesthesia to numb the pain during wisdom teeth removal. We will administer a painkiller and ensure you are comfortable before beginning. Then, Dr. Michael Beke will get started. The procedure typically lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, and it entails:

• Making an incision in your gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone
• Removing bone to freely access the tooth root
• Removing the tooth, which is sometimes done in sections
• Cleaning the site of your extracted tooth
• Stitching your wound to expedite healing
• Placing gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding

How to Prepare for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

We will ensure you know what to expect from your wisdom teeth extraction long before you sit in our chair on the day of the procedure. During a consultation, we will explain the process and answer any questions you may have. Depending on the type of procedure and your anesthesia, you may need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from our dental clinic in Bellevue, WA. We will also advise you what you can and cannot eat or drink the day before your operation.

Things to Know After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Following wisdom teeth removal, you may experience slight pain, swelling, and bruising. We recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage your discomfort and ice pack to minimize the swelling. Both problems should subside after only a few days. You will need to rest following surgery, but you can resume your normal activities the following day. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise for about a week to maintain your tooth socket’s blood clot. Drink plenty of water following surgery and eat only soft foods for at least a day. You may resume brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth roughly 24 hours after surgery.