Wisdom teeth are the four molars that appear in the upper and lower molars sometime during the late teenage years and early twenties. Wisdom teeth do not often rise beyond the gum line, but remains impacted in the jaw, which causes discomfort and inflammation if left unattended. If wisdom teeth become impacted, or if they pose a threat to the other teeth, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted by a dentist or surgeon. To minimize the pain and discomfort associated with wisdom tooth extraction, sedation dentistry and anesthesia may be prescribed.

In a simple wisdom tooth extraction, the dentist first numbs the gum and teeth area with anesthesia where the extraction will be done. Then the dentist will utilize a pair of forceps to rock the tooth back and forth, gradually loosening it from the bone. The removal of excess gum tissue may be undertaken to complete the extraction.

In extreme cases, the dentist may need to cut the impacted tooth into smaller pieces or take out bone particles that may be covering the tooth to make the extraction process easier. Once the tooth has been dislodged, the patient may require some stitches. Some stitches dissolve after some time, but others have to be manually removed after several days. Cotton gauze is then placed over the wound to help stop the bleeding.

After the tooth extraction has been completed by the fayetteville dentists, a blood clot forms where the tooth once was. It is important for patients not to remove the clot for it aids in healing. Removing the blood clot may induce a condition known as dry socket, which is very painful. If patients suffer from dry socket, the wound will fail to heal or will only heal very slowly. Some swelling and light bleeding will occur for the next 24 hours. 

For the next couple of hours, patients are advised by fayetteville dentists to take painkillers and antibiotics. Patients are also asked to change the cotton gauze that is covering the wound several times. The wound should not be left exposed as it complicates healing and allows food particles to enter the exposed gum area, causing infections.

To minimize swelling, patients are advised by fayetteville family dentistry practitioners to apply ice packs on the swollen areas of the cheeks. Generally, within 48 hours, swelling will be eradicated.