If you’re looking for “wisdom teeth removal near me” or “extracting wisdom teeth in Westchester, FL,” Westchester Dentistry is your trusted choice for professional oral surgery. Dr. Hansel Gonzalez and Dr. Thalia Abrahao specialize in wisdom tooth extraction, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for patients in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Hialeah, North Bay Village, West Miami, and Miami Springs. With 0% financing available, they make it easy to receive high-quality dental care without financial stress.
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, but many patients wonder about the type of anesthesia used during the surgery. The choice of anesthesia depends on the complexity of the extraction and the patient’s comfort level. Local anesthesia is the most common option, numbing the area while keeping the patient fully awake. For more complex extractions, sedation anesthesia may be used, inducing a deep state of relaxation while allowing the patient to remain semi-conscious. General anesthesia is reserved for cases where the patient needs to be completely unconscious, such as when all four wisdom teeth are being removed at once.
Dr. Hansel Gonzalez and Dr. Thalia Abrahao carefully evaluate each case to determine the best anesthesia option. Their expertise in administering anesthesia ensures that patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Those who receive sedation or general anesthesia should arrange for someone to drive them home, as the effects can take several hours to wear off completely.
One of the biggest concerns with wisdom tooth extraction is the risk of nerve involvement, particularly when removing lower wisdom teeth. The inferior alveolar nerve, which runs through the lower jaw, provides sensation to the chin, lower lip, and tongue. In some cases, the roots of the wisdom teeth are very close to this nerve, increasing the risk of temporary or permanent numbness if the nerve is affected during extraction. However, with advanced imaging techniques and precision surgical methods, this risk is significantly minimized.
Westchester Dentistry utilizes state-of-the-art digital X-rays and 3D imaging to assess the position of the wisdom teeth in relation to the nerves before performing any extractions. In cases where the nerve is at risk, Dr. Hansel Gonzalez and Dr. Thalia Abrahao may recommend a coronectomy, a specialized technique where only the crown of the tooth is removed while leaving the roots intact. This approach reduces the likelihood of nerve damage while still addressing the complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
After the extraction, patients may experience swelling, discomfort, and mild bleeding, which are all normal parts of the healing process. Pain management is typically handled with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, though prescription painkillers may be provided for more complex cases. Swelling can be minimized by applying ice packs to the cheeks during the first 24 hours.
Proper post-operative care is essential to avoid complications. Patients should avoid smoking, drinking through straws, or engaging in vigorous rinsing for at least 24 hours to prevent dry socket, a painful condition that occurs when the protective blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged. Keeping the area clean with gentle saltwater rinses and maintaining good oral hygiene without disturbing the extraction site will help promote healing and prevent infections.
Most patients recover within a few days, although the full healing process can take several weeks. If nerve involvement occurs during the extraction, any numbness is typically temporary and improves over time. However, in rare cases where numbness persists beyond a few months, additional evaluation may be needed to determine the best course of action.
Here are some frequently asked questions about wisdom tooth extraction:
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Will I feel pain during the procedure?With the appropriate anesthesia, you should not feel pain during the extraction. Some pressure or minor discomfort may be experienced, but the procedure itself is painless.
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How long does the extraction take?The removal of a single wisdom tooth usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the case.
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Can I eat after the extraction?Yes, but you should stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and smoothies for the first few days to avoid irritating the extraction site.
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What are the signs of infection after wisdom tooth removal?Signs of infection include severe pain, swelling that does not improve, fever, and pus or bad taste in the mouth. If you notice these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.
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How soon can I return to normal activities?Most patients can resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least a week to prevent complications.
