Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge, often appearing in the late teens or early twenties. Unfortunately, they can cause crowding, pain, infections, and other complications if they don’t have enough room to grow properly. Dr. Richard J. Martin and Dr. Anthony Congiusta, MD, DDS, perform safe and gentle wisdom teeth removal for patients in Norwich, Colchester, Mystic, Waterford, Glastonbury, and surrounding Connecticut communities.
What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery to extract one or more third molars. Many people don’t have enough space in their jaw for wisdom teeth to come in straight, which can lead to impacted teeth, gum disease, or damage to neighboring teeth. Removal helps prevent these issues and protects your long-term oral health.
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal in Norwich Cost?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on the number of teeth being extracted and their position (impacted vs. erupted). Dr. Martin and Dr. Congiusta will explain your personalized treatment plan and provide clear cost information during your consultation. We offer convenient financing options and accept cash, check, and major credit cards.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Removing problematic wisdom teeth can:
- Prevent crowding and shifting of other teeth.
- Reduce the risk of infections and gum disease.
- Prevent cysts or damage to adjacent teeth and bone.
- Relieve discomfort, swelling, and jaw stiffness.
How Do I Know If I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but many people do. Common signs you may need removal include pain in the back of your mouth, swelling around your gums, difficulty opening your jaw, repeated infections, or crowding of nearby teeth. Even if you don’t have symptoms yet, X-rays may show that your wisdom teeth are growing at an angle or won’t have enough space to come in properly. Dr. Martin and Dr. Congiusta can evaluate your teeth and recommend whether removal is the best choice for you.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Most people between the ages of 17 and 25 benefit from having their wisdom teeth evaluated. Even if you’re not experiencing pain, removing wisdom teeth early can help prevent future problems. Dr. Martin and Dr. Congiusta will take X-rays and assess whether removal is recommended for you.
What Do I Need To Do Before Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Before your procedure, you’ll receive specific pre-operative instructions. Plan for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first few hours. Avoid smoking and follow any fasting instructions if sedation will be used.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
Wisdom teeth removal typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. The procedure may be performed with local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on your needs and comfort level.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal after wisdom teeth removal and typically peak within the first 48 to 72 hours. Dr. Martin and Dr. Congiusta will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to help you heal comfortably and avoid complications. Here’s what you can expect during recovery:
- Bleeding: Some slight bleeding is normal for the first day. Gently bite down on gauze pads as directed and change them as needed until the bleeding stops.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling of the cheeks and jaw is common and usually subsides within a week. Applying an ice pack in 20-minute intervals during the first 24 to 48 hours can help minimize swelling.
- Pain Management: Any discomfort can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication as recommended by your doctor.
- Diet: Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days, such as yogurt, pudding, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soups. Avoid hot, crunchy, or hard foods until your mouth has healed.
- Oral Care: Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery. Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or using straws for the first few days, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket.
- Rest: Plan to take it easy for the first few days. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting until cleared by your surgeon.
Most patients feel significantly better within three to five days and return to school or work within a week, although complete healing of the extraction sites may take a few weeks.
Connecticut Surgical Arts is dedicated to your comfort and health. Dr. Martin and Dr. Congiusta provide safe, gentle wisdom teeth removal for residents of Norwich, Mystic, Colchester, Waterford, Glastonbury, and nearby Connecticut communities. Contact us today to schedule your wisdom teeth evaluation and consultation.