Wisdom Tooth Removal in Novi, MI

Painless Wisdom Tooth Surgery

Do you have wisdom teeth causing pain or discomfort?  Our experienced Novi, MI dentist, Dr. Ruchi Bhatia, offers gentle wisdom teeth removal procedures to prevent future complications. Call (248) 348-8808 to learn more or schedule an appointment at Premier Novi Dentistry. 

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last adult teeth to erupt, typically emerging in the late teens or early twenties.  Humans historically relied on wisdom teeth for grinding tougher foods, but with our modern diet, they are largely unnecessary. Wisdom teeth often lack the room to grow in modern mouths, meaning they can easily cause crowding or become impacted, prompting removal. 

Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal

Removing wisdom teeth can offer several advantages:

• Prevents Future Complications: Addressing impacted wisdom teeth early helps avoid potential issues like severe pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth.
• Improves Oral Health: Wisdom teeth removal eliminates the risk of infection associated with impaction and promotes overall oral hygiene.
• Maintains Proper Bite Alignment: Removing wisdom teeth prevents overcrowding and misalignment of other teeth, ensuring a healthy bite.

Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

While some wisdom teeth erupt without issue, removal is often recommended in cases where they are:

• Impacted: Wisdom teeth become impacted when they are unable to fully emerge from the gums due to lack of space or improper positioning. This can lead to a variety of problems.
• Causing Pain or Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can press on surrounding teeth and nerves, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness in the jaw.
• At Risk of Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth create pockets where food particles can become trapped, increasing the risk of infection.
• Crowding Other Teeth: Wisdom teeth can cause misalignment and overcrowding of existing teeth, impacting your bite and potentially requiring orthodontic treatment.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

Consultation and Planning

The journey begins with a detailed discussion with your dentist. They’ll ask about your wisdom teeth, address any concerns you have, and review your medical history. A thorough oral examination will be conducted, including assessing the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. X-rays will also be taken to visualize the roots and jawbone structure surrounding the teeth, aiding in planning the extraction.

Preparing for the Procedure

Before the extraction, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the wisdom teeth, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure. In some cases, depending on your needs and the complexity of the extraction, sedation options might be available. You’ll then be comfortably positioned in a dental chair, and sterile drapes will be placed to maintain a clean environment.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If the wisdom tooth hasn’t fully erupted, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose it. The dentist will then carefully loosen the tooth from its socket using specialized instruments. Once sufficiently loosened, the tooth will be gently removed. 

In some situations, the tooth might need to be sectioned for easier extraction. Following the removal of the wisdom tooth, the extraction site will be thoroughly cleaned to prevent infection. Stitches may be used to close the incision and promote healing.

Aftercare for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Following wisdom tooth removal, proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and minimizing discomfort. Here are key steps to take:

• Rest and Recovery: Take it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours and avoid strenuous activities. Getting adequate sleep is crucial for promoting healing.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (unless contraindicated) can be used in conjunction with prescribed medication with your dentist’s approval.
• Diet: As your healing progresses, gradually introduce harder foods back into your diet, taking care to chew gently.
• Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water) starting 24 hours after surgery. This helps to remove food debris and promote healing. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting.
• Brushing and Flossing: Resume your regular brushing and flossing routine, but be gentle around the extraction site.
• Swelling Reduction: Apply ice packs (wrapped in a towel) to the outside of your cheek or jaw area to reduce swelling. Apply for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, followed by breaks.
• Follow-up Appointments: Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor healing and have stitches removed (if necessary).

Financing Wisdom Tooth Extraction

At Premier Novi Dentistry, we understand that dental procedures like wisdom teeth removal can be a financial concern. We’re committed to making your oral health a priority and offer various financing options to ensure you receive the care you need:

• CareCredit®: This third-party financing option offers a convenient way to manage your treatment costs. Apply online, receive an instant decision, and use the approved CareCredit card to cover the upfront cost. 
• LendingPoint: This financial service provider offers personalized loans with competitive rates and flexible payment terms. 

• Dental Insurance: Our experienced staff can help you navigate your dental insurance plan and maximize your benefits, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
• Prime Advantage Membership Plan: Consider our in-house membership program for significant savings on preventive care and routine dental treatments. This plan removes barriers to essential oral health services and offers immediate benefits upon enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Relieve Tooth Pain with Safe Wisdom Tooth Surgery

If you’re seeking wisdom tooth removal, Dr. Bhatia and our exceptionally skilled team can delicately extract your tooth, providing relief from discomfort. Reach out to our Novi office at (248) 348-8808 or complete a contact form to arrange an appointment. We also welcome patients from Wixom, Farmington Hills, and Willowbrook.