Dr. Stephen M. Taylor, Dr. Jim O. Taylor and Dr. William Reed provide wisdom teeth removal to extract your wisdom teeth and ensure your continued oral health. Our dentists and team will monitor the position of your teeth through regular exams and X-rays. If it becomes necessary, we will recommend that your wisdom teeth be removed to protect your smile and oral health.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Your wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt. Because of this, there is almost never enough space to accommodate these teeth properly. This can lead to them becoming impacted (trapped and unable to erupt properly) or to grow in at an incorrect angle. Wisdom teeth may cause a number of oral health problems if not removed, including:

• Misalignment of the other teeth in the mouth
• Damage to neighboring teeth
• Tooth decay
• Infection and inflammation in the gums and other oral tissues
• Damage to the jawbone
• The formation of cysts

By removing your wisdom teeth, you can avoid these and other serious complications and maintain a healthier mouth and smile.

Ensuring Your Comfort

Our dentists and team will take care to ensure that you are comfortable during your procedure. Our treatment planning will include a careful evaluation of the position of all your teeth so that your procedure is as efficient and effective as possible. We offer sedation options and other comfort amenities to help you remain comfortable during your treatment. Please speak with our team if you have any questions or concerns.

Post-Op Instructions

Your post-op care is crucial to healing and recovering after your wisdom teeth have been removed. Please follow all the instructions that our dentists and team provide to minimize your risk of complications in your recovery process.

After your wisdom teeth removal, we recommend that you:

• Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after your surgery.
• Do not touch the surgical site with your fingers or tongue.
• Use ice packs at 20-minute intervals to relieve swelling and manage discomfort.
• Use mild pain relievers, such as TYLENOL® or ibuprofen, as needed.
• Use any prescribed medications as directed.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Do not use a straw to drink.
• Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products for at least five days after surgery.
• Avoid strenuous activities, and do not exercise for three to four days after surgery.
• If the muscles of your jaw become stiff, apply warm, moist heat to that area of your face.
• After the first day, use a warm saltwater rinse after eating to flush out food debris (we recommend ½ tsp. in an 8 oz. glass of water).
• Maintain a soft diet, and do not eat anything that could get stuck in your teeth (such as nuts, seeds, rice, popcorn, sticky candy etc.). Please note that your diet is limited by your discomfort – sticking to cold and soft foods and liquids while you are numb is recommended during the initial stages of recovery, and you can return to a more normal diet as soon as you feel able.

Keep in mind that some bleeding and swelling after a wisdom teeth extraction procedure is normal. You can begin taking pain medication within two to three hours after your surgery, and you can manage swelling and discomfort with cold packs. You will also need someone to drive you home following your procedure.

Please do not accept advice from friends regarding your procedure or your recovery. If you experience discomfort or pain, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact our office and speak with our dentists or a member of our team. We will be able to provide you with more reliable information and more effective solutions to alleviate discomfort and help you continue to recover.

For more information about wisdom teeth removal in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and to schedule a consultation at Taylor Dental & Implant Center, give us a call at 405-722-4400!