Third molars, more commonly known as wisdom teeth, are vestigial remnants from a time in ancient history when our ancestors survived on a diet of tough foods. In modern times, these teeth, lurking deep in the gums at the back of your mouth, have become more of a nuisance. In fact, they can even lead to serious complications, pain, and infection.

Other potential complications of a pre-erupted wisdom tooth can lead to damage to the nearby rear molars. They can also increase your likelihood of inflammation and infection in the gums and other tissues. In time, it could even result in the formation of cysts.

To prevent these problems and treat the pain, your oral surgeon, Dr. Daniel Cannon, often recommends having all your wisdom teeth extracted in late adolescence.

The extraction can usually be performed during a single outpatient appointment. If we recommend full sedation, you will need to have a friend or family member drive you home while the sedatives wear off.

While your gums are healing, you should try to stick to a soft-foods diet and avoid drinking through a straw. The suction could potentially open the incision. It’s also a good idea to abstain from tobacco use as this will irritate sensitive gum tissues, increasing recovery time and potentially causing an infection.

If you still have your wisdom teeth in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and you’re contemplating extraction, you should call 918-743-1351 to schedule an appointment at Cannon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.