Most everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. This procedure would seem a rite of passage for teens and adults. At one time your dentist would have referred you to an oral surgeon in another location, but today at Buckingham Dental we can take care of all your needs right here in our new clinic. Dr. David Burden graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He completed his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University in 2001, where he received a B.S. in Genetics. Additionally, Dr. Burden also completed a one-year advanced education in general dentistry residency at UTHSCSA, where he received training in Intravenous Conscious Sedation, complicated oral surgery procedures, and implant dentistry procedures. Dr. Burden is a member of the Texas Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the local District Dental Society.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

There are several reasons why your wisdom teeth may need to be removed. Your mouth may be too small for the teeth to come in properly. When this is the case your wisdom teeth may come in at the wrong angle and press against your other teeth causing pain and swelling.

Your wisdom teeth may become impacted. Impacted teeth are trapped in the jaw or gum and are very painful.

Since your wisdom teeth are so far back in your mouth, it is hard to keep them clean. This can lead to cavities or gum disease. The wisdom teeth may become so damaged that they need to be removed.

What to Expect

If Dr. Buckingham determines your wisdom teeth need to be removed, you will meet with Dr. Burden first for a consultation. He will go over your health history, all your medications, and talk to you about the procedure. He will also answer all your questions, and discuss what type of anesthesia is best for you. You will then set an appointment for the surgery. Be sure to schedule the day off from work and arrange a ride home after the surgery.

Surgery normally takes about 45 minutes and you will be sedated and feel no pain. Dr. Burden may use a local anesthetic, such as Novocaine, along with nitrous oxide to help you relax during the surgery. He may also opt for an IV anesthetic which you get in the vein of your arm. The IV anesthetic puts you into a very relaxed state and keeps you from feeling any pain. Most people fall asleep during the procedure. The doctor may also choose general anesthesia. You receive drugs in your arm to help you fall asleep and stay under while the doctor performs the wisdom tooth removal. Which type of anesthesia will depend on many factors such as your overall health and level of anxiety.

Dr. Burden will remove your wisdom teeth through incisions in your gum. Once the tooth is removed he will stitch your gum back up. The stitches should dissolve in a few days. He may also stuff your mouth with gauze to help soak up any bleeding and drainage. Most people complain of little or no pain after surgery and recover quickly from the anesthetic. You may experience swelling and sensitivity at the surgery site, but that should pass quickly. Your mouth should be healed up completely in about three weeks.

Do’s and Don’ts After Surgery

Be sure to follow the doctor’s orders so that you will heal quickly. Here are some tips to help the healing process.

Use an ice pack to help reduce swelling and prevent discoloration.

Open your mouth gently to help stretch and exercise the jaw.

Eat soft foods such as rice, mashed potatoes, ice cream, and other soft foods.

Drink plenty of fluids.

You can begin to brush your teeth after the second day, but do not brush the surgery area as you may remove any blood clots.

Take the drugs prescribed by your doctor for pain and swelling.

Call the doctor if you experience a fever, or your swelling and pain don’t improve.

Do not drink through a straw. The sucking force may dislodge the blood clots which help your mouth heal.

Do not rinse your mouth out too vigorously.

Do not eat crunchy, hard, or sticky foods.

Do not smoke as it slows down healing.

Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure and at Buckingham Dental we have one of the best oral surgeons in Austin on staff. Don’t suffer with the pain associated with wisdom teeth, call or contact us today and ask about our wisdom tooth removal and Dr. Burden.